KHL December 2nd, 2014

Today's lone game is SKA St. Petersburg hosting Amur Khabarovsk. Sergei Borisov and Evgeny Ivannikov are the average goalies. St. Petersburg started in the first period on a Jimmie Ericsson goal, courtesy of Viktor Tikhonov. SKA added on with a Roman Cervenka power play goal, powered by Patrick Thoresen and Dmitry Kalinin. St. Petersburg extended the lead in the second period with an Ilya Kovalchuk power play goal, fueled by Evgeny Dadonov and Vadim Shipachyov. SKA padded the lead with an Anton Burdasov goal, guided in by Cervenka and Alexander Kadeikin. Khabarovsk got on the board with a Michel Miklik goal, passed from Grigory Shafigulin and Marcel Hascak. St. Petersburg answered in the third period on another Ericsson goal, via Kalinin and Cervenka. SKA struck again with a Shipachyov goal, coming off of Dadonov. St. Petersburg ended it at 7-1 with a Thoresen goal, with a lone helper from Tony Martensson. The three stars went to Ericsson, Cervenka, and Shipachyov, while Thoresen, Kalinin, and Dadonov get the honorable mentions.

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NHL December 1st, 2014

Five games this evening, beginning in...

New York, as the Rangers host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. Tampa Bay opened in the first period on a Tyler Johnson goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Ondrej Palat and Victor Hedman. New York tied it on a Kevin Hayes goal, his third of the year, passed from Carl Hagelin and Lee Stempniak. The Lightning retook the lead with a Brett Connolly goal, his third of the season, assisted by Hedman and the goalie Bishop. The Rangers tied it in the second period on a Jesper Fast goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Derick Brassard and Rick Nash. New York took the lead on a Martin St. Louis power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan. Tampa Bay retied it with a Matthew Carle goal, his second of the year, coming off of Johnson and Valtteri Filppula. The Lightning took the lead in the third period on Connolly's second of the game and fourth of the season, via Steven Stamkos and Hedman on the power play. Hedman got a sock trick with that assist. Tampa Bay added on with another Johnson goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, helped along by Nikita Kucherov and Radko Gudas. The Lightning iced it at 6-3 with a shorthanded empty net goal by Palat, his sixth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Johnson, Hedman, and Connolly, while Palat gets an honorable mention.

West to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets welcome the Florida Panthers. Al Montoya and Sergei Bobrovsky are set to start. Columbus started in the first period on a Matt Calvert goal, his third of the season, fueled by Michael Chaput and Jordan Leopold. Florida tied it on a second period Aaron Ekblad power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Brad Boyes and Sean Bergenheim. The Blue Jackets regained the lead on a third period goal by Boone Jenner, his second of the campaign, with a lone assist by Kerby Rychel. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Bobrovsky (24 for 25 in saves), Jenner, and Calvert.

Further west to Colorado, where the Avalanche host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price faces a lesser foe in Calvin Pickard in goal. Montreal struck first in the first period on a Jiri Sekac goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Brandon Prust and the goalie Price. Colorado tied it on an unassisted goal by Daniel Briere, his sixth of the year. The Avalanche took the lead in the second period on a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Alex Tanguay and Matt Duchene. The Canadiens retied it with an Andrei Markov power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Alex Galchenyuk and Tomas Plekanec. Colorado pulled ahead with a Tyson Barrie goal, his third of the season, fueled by Max Talbot and Nate Guenin. Montreal evened the score on a P.K. Subban goal, his sixth of the year, via Markov and Lars Eller. The Canadiens took the lead in the third period on a Max Pacioretty goal, his twelfth of the season, guided in by David Desharnais and Subban. This produced the 4-3 final, with the three stars given to Subban, Markov, and Pacioretty.

Up in Edmonton, the Oilers bring in the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Viktor Fasth receive the starting nods. Edmonton was first to score in the first period on a power play goal by Jordan Eberle, his fifth of the season, coming off of Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Arizona tied it in the second period with a shorthanded goal by Tobias Rieder, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The Coyotes took the lead as Rieder scored another shorthanded goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, set up by Martin Hanzal. Arizona added on with an Oliver Ekman-Larsson power play goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Keith Yandle and Mikkel Boedker. The Coyotes extended the lead on a Boedker goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by Antoine Vermette and Lauri Korpikoski. Arizona padded the lead on a Martin Erat power play goal, his fifth of the year, with assists from Michael Stone and David Schlemko. The Oilers got one back on a Jeff Petry goal, his second of the season, passed from Oscar Klefbom and David Perron. The final stood at 5-2, with the three stars going to Rieder, Boedker, and Ekman-Larsson.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Frederik Andersen guard the cages. Boston got going in the second period on a Brad Marchand goal, his sixth of the season, via David Pastrnak and Zach Trotman. Anaheim tied it with a Sami Vatanen goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Patrick Maroon. The Ducks took the lead on a Devante Smith-Pelly goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Cam Fowler and Jakob Silfverberg. Anaheim added on with a third period Matt Beleskey goal, his twelfth of the year, helped along by Ryan Getzlaf. The Bruins got one back on a Simon Gagne goal, his second of the season, fueled by Daniel Paille and Dougie Hamilton. The final was 3-2, and the three stars went to Beleskey, Smith-Pelly, and Vatanen.

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KHL December 1st, 2014

Nine games on today, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Admiral Vladivostok. Ivan Nalimov and Denis Kostin are the backups making spot starts. Omsk led off with a Sergei Kalinin power play goal in the first period, powered by Denis Parshin and Vladimir Sobotka. Avangard added on as Kalinin scored again, with a lone assist by Parshin. Omsk extended the lead in the second period on a Denis Kulyash goal, passed from Nikolai Glukhov and Parshin, the latter getting a natural sock trick. Vladivostok got on the board with an unassisted goal by Richard Gynge. Admiral pulled closer with an Ilya Zubov power play goal, made possible by Ivan Glazkov. Vladivostok tied it on an Alexander Gorshkov goal, guided in by Vyacheslav Ushenin on the power play. Avangard took the lead back in the third period with a Chad Kolarik goal, via Alexander Popov and Alexander Perezhogin. This made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Kalinin, Parshin, and Kolarik.

Up in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra welcomes Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Barry Brust are the masked men. Khanty-Mansiysk struck first in the first period with a Mikhail Mamkin goal, fueled by Alexander Korolyuk and Alexei Pepelyaev. Yugra added on in the second period with a Lukas Kaspar power play goal, powered by Korolyuk. Khanty-Mansiysk iced it at 3-0 with a Kaspar empty net goal, going in unassisted. The three stars were Kaspar, Brust (39 save shutout), and Korolyuk.

Into Ufa, where Salavat Yulaev brings in Barys Astana. Jan Laco and Vladimir Sokhatsky are in the blue paint. Ufa got going in the second period on a power play goal by Evgeny Skachkov, powered by Alexei Kaigorodov and Kirill Koltsov. Salavat Yulaev added on with a power play goal by Alexei Glukhov, assisted by Alexander Pankov and Anton Slepyshev. Ufa extended the lead as Arturs Kulda scored, thanks to Dmitry Makarov and Teemu Hartikainen. Astana got on the board with an unassisted goal by Nikolai Antropov. Barys pulled closer in the third period on a Kevin Dallman power play goal, coming off of Nigel Dawes and Mike Lundin. They failed to tie it, losing 3-2. The three stars went to Kulda, Glukhov, and Skachkov.

Down in Sochi, the Leopards host Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Tomas Popperle occupy the creases. Cherepovets began in the first period with an Andrei Shefer goal, fueled by Pavel Buchnevich and Gennady Stolyarov. Sochi tied it in the second period with a Max Warn goal, guided in by Alexei Krutov. Severstal retook the lead on a Pavel Dedunov goal, passed from Nikolai Kazakovtsev and Alexander Shinin. The Leopards tied it again with an Andre Petersson goal, made possible by Evgeny Lapenkov and Clay Wilson. Sochi won 3-2 in overtime with another Warn goal, via Lapenkov and Roman Derlyuk. The three stars were given to Warn, Lapenkov, and Petersson.

Moving along to Podolsk, where Vityaz welcomes Atlant Mytishchi. Atte Engren and Harri Sateri protect the nets. Podolsk was first to score in the first period on an Anton Korolyov goal, via Maxim Mamin and Mario Kempe. Mytishchi tied it in the third period with a Petr Vrana goal, assisted by Nikita Soshnikov and Maxim Potapov. In the shootout, Vityaz got goals from Kempe and Nikita Vyglazov to top a lone tally from Atlant's Igor Radulov for a 2-1 win. The three stars were Sateri (48 for 49 in saves), Engren (42 for 43 in saves), and Kempe.

Into Moscow, where Dynamo brings in Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Georgy Gelashvili and Alexander Yeryomenko are between the pipes. Moscow opened in the first period on a Denis Kokarev goal, passed from Dmitry Vishnevsky and Filip Novak. Nizhny Novgorod tied it on a Juuso Hietanen goal, with a lone assist by Alexei Potapov. Dynamo took the lead back in the second period with a power play goal by Janne Jalasvaara, powered by Martins Karsums. Torpedo tied it with a Wojtek Wolski goal, made possible by Sakari Salminen. Moscow pulled ahead with a Kaspars Daugavins goal, via Nikolai Zherdev and Sergei Soin. Dynamo added on in the third period with another Daugavins goal, coming off of Maxim Pestushko and Vishnevsky. Moscow extended the lead with Kokarev's second of the game, pushed through by Yegor Dugin and Novak. Nizhny Novgorod got one back on a Veli-Matti Savinainen goal, helped along by Nikita Filatov and Vladimir Galuzin. This only made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars given to Daugavins, Kokarev, and Vishnevsky, while Novak gets an honorable mention.

North to Helsinki, where Jokerit hosts Ak Bars Kazan. Anders Nilsson and Henrik Karlsson man the nets. Helsinki started with a first period Ryan Gunderson power play goal, powered by Juhamatti Aaltonen. Kazan tied it on a Kirill Petrov goal, via Alexander Burmistrov and Oscar Moller. Ak Bars took the lead on a Vladimir Tkachyov goal, courtesy of Igor Mirnov and Artyom Lukoyanov in the second period. Kazan added on in the third period with an Ilya Nikulin goal, with a lone assist by Justin Azevedo. Ak Bars extended the lead on a Lukoyanov goal, made possible by Mirnov and Tkachyov. Jokerit got one back on a Petr Koukal power play goal, coming off of Steve Moses. This produced the 4-2 final, with the three stars being Lukoyanov, Tkachyov, and Mirnov.

Southwest to Riga, where Dinamo welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Nikita Bespalov and Jakub Sedlacek are set to start. Novosibirsk dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Viktor Bobrov goal, via Vyacheslav Belov. Sibir added on with a Jarno Koskiranta goal, coming off of Dmitry Kugryshev and Jonas Enlund. Riga got on the board with a Milan Jurcina power play goal, powered by Marcel Hossa and Kyle Wilson. Novosibirsk shot back in the third period on a Bobrov power play goal, courtesy of Alexei Kopeikin and Maxim Ignatovich. Dinamo answered with a Charles Genoway goal, assisted by Linus Videll and Gints Meija. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Bobrov, Bespalov (18 for 20 in saves), and Koskiranta.

Finally, Slovan Bratislava brings in Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Rafael Khakimov is mismatched with Jaroslav Janus in goal. Bratislava led off in the first period with a Vaclav Nedorost goal, courtesy of Stefan Ruzicka and Ladislav Nagy. Slovan added on with a Rok Ticar goal, passed from Ziga Jeglic in the second period. Bratislava extended the lead on an Ivan Baranka power play goal, powered by Nedorost. Slovan padded the lead as Milan Bartovic scored, thanks to Tomas Surovy. Bratislava iced it at 5-0 in the third period with a Matt Murley power play goal, via Nagy. The three stars went to Nedorost, Janus (18 save shutout), and Nagy.

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Hockey November 30th, 2014

Since each of the KHL and NHL has just one game today, I'll condense the post. First up...

Jokerit Helsinki hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Sergei Borisov and Riku Helenius are in goal. Khabarovsk got going in the second period with a Michel Miklik power play goal, powered by Dmitry Tarasov. Helsinki tied it on a Steve Moses power play goal, with a lone assist by Ville Lajunen. Jokerit took the lead with a power play goal by Niko Kapanen, via Atte Ohtamaa and Niklas Hagman. Amur tied it on a power play goal by Mikhail Fisenko goal, assisted by Dmitry Lugin and Vladimir Loginov. Jokerit won 3-2 in the shootout with a Moses tally. The three stars went to Moses, Kapanen, and Helenius (19 for 21 in saves).

The NHL game is in Detroit, with the Red Wings hosting the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and Jimmy Howard tend the twines. Detroit opened in the first period with a Niklas Kronwall goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Jonathan Ericsson and Henrik Zetterberg. The Red Wings added on with a Gustav Nyquist power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Zetterberg and Johan Franzen. Vancouver got on the board in the second period with an unassisted power play goal by Linden Vey, his fifth of the season. Detroit shot back with a Pavel Datsyuk power play goal, his eighth of the year, guided in by Tomas Tatar and Jakub Kindl. The Canucks replied in the third period on a Shawn Matthias goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Yannick Weber and Vey. The Red Wings countered on a Danny DeKeyser goal, via Riley Sheahan and Tomas Jurco. Vancouver answered with a Vey goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, fueled by Matthias and Brad Richardson. Detroit finished it at 5-3 with a Datsyuk empty net goal, his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Datsyuk, Vey, and Matthias, while Zetterberg gets an honorable mention.

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MLS Western Conference Finals: Seattle Sounders FC VS. Los Angeles Galaxy

This is the Western Conference Finals between the Seattle Sounders FC and the Los Angeles Galaxy. Game 1 in Los Angeles has Stefan Frei of Seattle opposing Jaime Penedo of Los Angeles in goal. Seattle's DeAndre Yedlin had the first yellow card of the game in the third minute for a foul. Los Angeles took a yellow card in the eighth minute after an A.J. DeLaGarza foul. The Galaxy had another yellow card for a thirty-fifth minute foul by Stefan Ishizaki. The Sounders took a yellow card in the thirty-seventh minute on a foul by Zach Scott. Los Angeles led off with a Marcelo Sarvas goal in the fifty-second minute, set up by DeLaGarza. They made this stand for a 1-0 win, and the man of the match was Sarvas himself for the goal.

The same goalies took the field in Seattle. Seattle began with a Brad Evans goal in the twenty-sixth minute. In the thirty-second minute, the Sounders added on with a Clint Dempsey goal. Los Angeles took a yellow card in the thirty-fifth minute for a Marcelo Sarvas foul. The Galaxy got one back with a fifty-fourth minute Juninho goal, guided in by Omar Gonzalez and Landon Donovan. Los Angeles took another yellow card in stoppage time for time wasting by Jaime Penedo. The final favored the Sounders 2-1, with the man of the match being Dempsey. The Galaxy took the series 2-2 on road goals and play the New England Revolution in MLS Cup.

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Premier League Week 13

The Premier League season is heating up. There are ten games this weekend, and then another ten in the middle of the week. We begin with...

West Bromwich Albion hosting Arsenal. Damian Martinez and Ben Foster are in goal. In the fifty-third minute, Graham Dorrans of West Brom took a yellow card for his foul. Arsenal opened in the sixtieth minute on a Danny Welbeck goal, assisted by Santiago Cazorla. West Brom had another yellow card in the eighty-fourth minute on a foul by Cristian Gamboa. Arsenal saw a booking on a yellow card for a stoppage time foul by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The final favored Arsenal 1-0.

Next up, Burnley welcomes Aston Villa. Brad Guzan and Tom Heaton protect the nets. At the twenty-eight minute mark, Burnley had a yellow card for a Michael Kightly foul. Burnley had another yellow card in the thirty-eighth minute for a foul by Dean Marney. Aston Villa got going later that minute with a Joe Cole goal, passed from Andreas Weimann. Aston Villa's Tom Cleverley took a yellow card for his forty-first minute foul. Burnley saw a yellow card go to Alan Hutton in the forty-fifth minute for a foul. Aston Villa had a pair of yellow cards in the second half, going in the eighty-fifth and eighty-sixth minutes to Jores Okore and Ciaran Clark, leading to an eighty-sixth minute penalty kick goal by Danny Ings to tie the game for Burnley. The final was 1-1.

Over to Liverpool bringing in Stoke City. Asmir Begovic and Simon Mignolet are the keepers. In the thirty-eighth minute, Marc Wilson of Stoke City took a yellow card for his foul. Stoke City took two more yellow cards in the second half, going to Geoff Cameron in the fifty-third minute and Ryan Shawcross in the fifty-eighth minute. Liverpool struck first with an eighty-fifth minute Glen Johnson close-range header goal. This held for a 1-0 win.

In Manchester, United hosts Hull City. Allan McGregor and David de Gea are in the six-yard boxes. Chris Smalling put Manchester United on the board in the sixteenth minute with his goal after a corner kick. Manchester United added on in the forty-second minute with a Wayne Rooney goal, passed from Robin van Persie. In the forty-seventh minute Marouane Fellaini took a yellow card for Manchester City for his foul. Hull City took yellow cards in the fifty-fourth minute for a James Chester foul and the sixty-fifth minute for a foul by Michael Dawson. Manchester United extended their lead with a van Persie goal in the sixty-sixth minute, made possible by Ander Herrera. Manchester United had a yellow card given to Marcos Rojo in the eighty-ninth minute for a foul. The final was 3-0 for Manchester United.

Down in London, the Queens Park Rangers welcome Leicester City. Kasper Schmeichel and Robert Green are the goalies. Leicester City started in the fourth minute on an Esteban Cambiasso goal, passed from Leonardo Ulloa. QPR tied it with an own goal in the thirty-seventh minute by Wes Morgan. QPR took a yellow card in the forty-fourth minute on a Yun Suk-Young foul. QPR took the lead on a forty-fifth minute goal by Leroy Fer from close range. Leicester City tied it in the sixty-seventh minute on a Jeffrey Schlupp goal. QPR took the lead back in the seventy-third minute on a close range header goal by Charlie Austin. Austin received a yellow card in the seventy-seventh minute for a foul for QPR. Leicester City had a yellow card in stoppage time for David Nugent's foul. QPR took another yellow card for time wasting by Green in stoppage time. Leicester City took another booking on a yellow card for Marc Albrighton's offense. QPR held on for a 3-2 win.

Out in Wales, Swansea City brings in Crystal Palace. Julian Speroni and Lukasz Fabianski are given the starting nods. Swansea City began in the fifteenth minute on a Wilfried Bony goal, assisted by Gylfi Sigurdsson. Crystal Palace tied it in the twenty-fifth minute on a Mile Jedinak penalty kick goal. Crystal Palace had a yellow card in the fortieth minute for a Marouane Chamakh foul. In the sixty-ninth minute, Crystal Palace's James McArthur was given a yellow card for his foul. The final was 1-1.

Back in England, West Ham United hosts Newcastle United. Robert Elliott and Adrian guard the woodwork. Newcastle United took a yellow card in the nineteenth minute for a Michael
Williamson foul. In the fifty-fourth minute, Newcastle United's Jack Colback received a yellow card for his foul. West Ham United got on the board in the fifty-sixth minute with an Aaron Cresswell goal, set up by Cheikhou Kouyate. In the sixty-sixth minute, Mark Noble of West Ham United took a yellow card for his foul. In the seventy-fifth minute, Newcastle United's Moussa Sissoko received a yellow card for his foul, and a minute later Sissoko committed another yellow card-worthy foul to be sent off. In the eighty-seventh minute, Mauro Zarate of West Ham United was given a yellow card for a foul. West Ham United held on for a 1-0 win.

Finally, Saturday's games close out with Sunderland welcoming Chelsea. Thibaut Courtois and Costel Pantilimon are the gloved men. In the fifty-fifth minute, Diego Costa took a yellow card for his foul for Chelsea. At the seventy-five minute mark, John O'Shea of Sunderland was given a yellow card for a foul. Nemanja Matic of Chelsea had a yellow card in the eighty-sixth minute. Sunderland ended with a pair of yellow cards, going to Santiago Vergini in the eighty-ninth minute and Jordi Gomez in stoppage time. The game ended in a scoreless draw.

On Sunday, Southampton brings in Manchester City. Joe Hart and Fraser Forster are in the six-yard boxes. Southampton took a yellow card in the seventh minute for a Victor Wanyama foul. In the ninth minute, Sergio Aguero of Manchester City was given a yellow card for his foul, followed by another yellow card in the twenty-second minute to Eliaquim Mangala. Manchester City opened the scoring in the fifty-first minute with a Yaya Toure goal, set up by Aguero. In the seventy-fourth minute, Mangala received another yellow card and was ejected from the game, putting Manchester City down a man. Manchester City added on in the eightieth minute with a Frank Lampard goal, passed from James Milner on a fast break. In the eighty-first minute, Vincent Kompany took a yellow card for Manchester City. Manchester City extended the lead in the eighty-eighth minute on a Gael Clichy goal, via Aguero on a fast break. Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 victory despite the manpower disadvantage.

Closing out the week, Tottenham Hotspur hosts Everton. Tim Howard and Hugo Lloris are the keepers. Everton began in the fifteenth minute on a Kevin Mirallas goal. Tottenham Hotspur tied it in the twenty-first minute with a Christian Eriksen goal. In the forty-third minute, Mirallas was given a yellow card for Everton. In first half stoppage time, Tottenham Hotspur took the lead on a Roberto Soldado goal, passed from Aaron Lennon. Tottenham Hotspur took a fifty-sixth minute yellow card for a foul by Vlad Chiriches. Tottenham Hotspur had three late yellow cards assessed to Erik Lamela in the eighty-seventh minute, Ben Davies in the eighty-ninth minute, and Nabil Bentalib in the ninetieth minute, all for fouls. The final favored Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.

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NHL November 29th, 2014

Twelve games on today, beginning in...

New York, as the Rangers host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ray Emery and Henrik Lundqvist draw the starts. New York began in the first period with Derick Brassard's seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Rick Nash and Derek Stepan. Philadelphia tied it with a Nicklas Grossmann goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Jakub Voracek and Brayden Schenn. The Flyers took the lead with a second period goal by Voracek, his ninth of the season, coming on the power play from Schenn and Claude Giroux. The Rangers retied it on a Jesper Fast goal, assisted by Kevin Klein and J.T Miller. New York took the lead in the third period on a Brassard goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, via Kevin Hayes and Klein. The Rangers added on with a Miller goal, guided in by Fast and Matt Hunwick. New York iced it at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Lee Stempniak, his fifth of the campaign, set up by Ryan McDonagh. The three stars went to Brassard, Fast, and Miller, while Voracek, Schenn, and Klein get the honorable mentions.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Thomas Greiss and Anton Khudobin are the backups making spot starts. Carolina led off in the first period with a Justin Faulk power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Victor Rask and Nathan Gerbe. Pittsburgh tied it on a Chris Kunitz goal, his ninth of the year, via Evgeni Malkin and Blake Comeau. The Penguins took the lead on a Robert Bortuzzo goal, his second of the season, guided in by Paul Martin and Andrew Ebbett. Pittsburgh added on in the third period with a Christian Ehrhoff goal, passed from Olli Maatta. The Hurricanes got one back on an Elias Lindholm goal, his seventh of the year, coming on the power play from Rask and Eric Staal. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars given to Ehrhoff, Rask, and Bortuzzo.

North to Montreal, where the Canadiens bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Dustin Tokarski are the little-known goalies. Buffalo struck first in the first period on a Zemgus Girgensons goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Tyler Ennis and Nicolas Deslauriers. Montreal tied it with a Brendan Gallagher goal in the second period, his sixth of the year, guided in by Alex Galchenyuk and Bryan Allen. The Sabres took the lead back in the third period on a Chris Stewart goal, his third of the season, via Marcus Foligno. The Canadiens pulled even on a Lars Eller goal, his seventh of the year, assisted by Brandon Prust and Alexei Emelin. Montreal took the lead as Max Pacioretty scored his eleventh of the season, thanks to Dale Weise and P.K. Subban. Buffalo retied it on a Brian Flynn goal, his third of the year, with assists provided by Brian Gionta and Torrey Mitchell. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Flynn scored to give the Sabres a 4-3 win. The three stars went to Flynn, Stewart, and Girgensons.

Back stateside, the New York Islanders host the New Jersey Devils. Jaroslav Halak and Cory Schneider guard the cages. New York was first to score in the first period on a Nikolay Kulemin goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Kyle Okposo and John Tavares. New Jersey tied it on a Damien Brunner goal, his second of the year, coming off of Adam Larsson and Michael Ryder. The Islanders retook the lead in the second period on a Cal Clutterbuck goal, his third of the season, fueled by Calvin de Haan and Casey Cizikas. New York iced it at 3-1 with a shorthanded empty net goal by Cizikas, his third of the year, set up by Frans Nielsen and Thomas Hickey. The three stars went to Halak (34 for 35 in saves), Cizikas, and Clutterbuck.

South to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning welcome the Ottawa Senators. Robin Lehner and Ben Bishop are the masked men. Ottawa opened in the first period on a David Legwand goal, his third of the season, a power play goal powered by Erik Karlsson and Kyle Turris. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period on a Ryan Callahan goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn. The Lightning took the lead in the third period with a Killorn goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Anton Stralman and Callahan. Tampa Bay added on with a Brenden Morrow goal, courtesy of Cedric Paquette. The Lightning extended the lead on a Nikita Kucherov power play goal, his ninth of the year, made possible by Tyler Johnson and Jason Garrison. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars being Callahan, Killorn, and Bishop (26 for 27 in saves).

Into Canada again, as the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the Washington Capitals. Justin Peters is mismatched with Jonathan Bernier in goal. Toronto started in the first period on an unassisted goal by Morgan Rielly, his third of the season. The Maple Leafs added on with a Cody Franson power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Joffrey Lupul and Mike Santorelli. Toronto extended the lead in the second period with a Tyler Bozak goal, his tenth of the season, via James van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel. Washington got on the board with a Troy Brouwer power play goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson. The Maple Leafs shot back on a David Clarkson goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner. Toronto padded the lead with a Bozak power play goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, with assists provided by Kessel and van Riemsdyk. The Capitals got one back in the third period with a Tom Wilson goal, his second of the season, helped along by Backstrom and Carlson. The Maple Leafs answered on a Lupul power play goal, his third of the year, driven in by Gardiner and Rielly. This made it 6-2, the final, with the three stars going to Bozak, Rielly, and Lupul, while van Riemsdyk, Kessel, Backstrom, Carlson, and Gardiner get the honorable mentions.

Back south to Nashville, where the Predators host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney and Pekka Rinne are the goalies. Nashville got going in the second period on a Mike Ribeiro goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Roman Josi and Shea Weber. Columbus tied it in the third period on a Ryan Johansen power play goal, his ninth of the year, powered by Nick Foligno and Jack Johnson. The Predators regained the lead with a Colin Wilson goal, his fourth of the campaign, assisted by Craig Smith and Calle Jarnkrok. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars awarded to Rinne (21 for 22 in saves), Wilson, and Ribeiro.

Up in Minnesota, the Wild welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Niklas Backstrom receive the starting nods. St. Louis dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his fourteenth of the season, going in unassisted. Minnesota tied it on a Mikko Koivu goal, his third of the year, passed from Jason Zucker and Charlie Coyle. The Wild took the lead with a power play goal by Zach Parise, his ninth of the season, powered by Ryan Suter and Jason Pominville. The Blues tied it in the third period as David Backes scored his seventh of the year, with the help of Patrik Berglund. St. Louis won 3-2 in the shootout on a lone tally by Tarasenko. The three stars went to Tarasenko, Allen (36 for 38 in saves), and Backes.

Southwest to Colorado, where the Avalanche bring in the Dallas Stars. Anders Lindback and Calvin Pickard are the unknown goalies. Dallas led off in the first period on a Cody Eakin goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. Colorado tied it on a Daniel Briere goal, his fifth of the year, passed from John Mitchell and Nate Guenin. The Avalanche took the lead with a Jarome Iginla goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Gabriel Landeskog and Tyson Barrie. The Stars tied it with an unassisted goal by Patrick Eaves, his third of the year. Colorado retook the lead in the second period on an Alex Tanguay goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by Matt Duchene and Barrie. The Avalanche added on in the third period with a Duchene power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Barrie, who got a sock trick, and Tanguay. Colorado finished it at 5-2 with a Landeskog power play goal, his seventh of the campaign, with assists provided by Tanguay and Nathan MacKinnon. The three stars went to Tanguay, Barrie, and Duchene, while Landeskog gets an honorable mention.

Out in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jonathan Quick are in the creases. Chicago began in the first period with a Dan Carcillo goal, his third of the season, assisted by Bryan Bickell. The Blackhawks added on with a Brad Richards goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Kris Versteeg. Los Angeles got on the board in the second period with a Jordan Nolan goal, passed from Jake Muzzin. Chicago shot back on another Richards goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, fueled by Michal Rozsival and Versteeg. The Blackhawks iced it at 4-1 with a Brandon Saad empty net goal, his fourth of the year, set up by Marian Hossa. The three stars went to Richards, Versteeg, and Carcillo.

Back east to Arizona, where the Coyotes welcome the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Devan Dubnyk are the backups in goal. Calgary got going in the second period on a T.J. Brodie goal, his sixth of the season, via Jiri Hudler and Johnny Gaudreau. The Flames added on in the third period with a Gaudreau goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Hudler and Mark Giordano. Calgary extended the lead with a Hudler power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Sean Monahan and Dennis Wideman. This produced the 3-0 final, with the three stars going to Hudler, Gaudreau, and Ramo (26 save shutout).

Finally, in San Jose, the Sharks bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and Antti Niemi protect the nets. San Jose struck first in the first period on a Logan Couture goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Tommy Wingels and Patrick Marleau. Anaheim tied it on a Matt Beleskey goal, his eleventh of the year, coming off of Hampus Lindholm and Devante Smith-Pelly. The Sharks took the lead back on another Couture goal, his second of the game and tenth of the season, coming shorthanded and unassisted. San Jose added on with a Joe Pavelski power play goal, his tenth of the year, powered by Joe Thornton and Wingels. The Sharks extended the lead in the second period with a Wingels goal, his seventh of the season, passed from Marleau and Justin Braun. San Jose padded the lead on a Tomas Hertl goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of James Sheppard. The Ducks got one back with a Corey Perry goal, his thirteenth of the season, pushed through by Ryan Getzlaf and Sami Vatanen. Anaheim chipped closer in the third period with another Perry goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, via Getzlaf and Cam Fowler. The Ducks pulled closer on a Getzlaf goal, his seventh of the season, with a lone assist by Perry. The Sharks finished it at 6-4 with a power play empty net goal by Matthew Nieto, his second of the year, set up by Wingels. The three stars went to Wingels, Couture, and Perry, while Marleau and Getzlaf get honorable mentions.

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