NHL December 29th, 2014

Twelve games on tonight, beginning in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Tuukka Rask protect the nets. Boston opened in the first period on a Reilly Smith goal, his ninth of the season, via Dougie Hamilton. Detroit tied it on a Justin Abdelkader goal, his ninth of the year, coming off of Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall. The Bruins took the lead back with a Gregory Campbell goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Torey Krug and Carl Soderberg. Boston added on with a Soderberg goal, his seventh of the year, assisted by Loui Eriksson and Kevan Miller. The Red Wings got one back in the second period on a Tomas Tatar power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Danny DeKeyser and Stephen Weiss. The Bruins replied in the third period with a Seth Griffith power play goal, his sixth of the year, made possible by David Krejci. Boston finished it at 5-2 with a Chris Kelly empty net goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Soderberg and Eriksson. The three stars were Soderberg, Eriksson, and Griffith.

Down to Raleigh, where the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Cam Ward are the experienced goalies. Montreal got going in the second period with a Jiri Sekac goal, his seventh of the season, going in unassisted. The Canadiens added on with a Lars Eller goal, his eighth of the year, passed from Dale Weise and Sergei Gonchar. Carolina got on the board in the third period as Eric Staal scored a power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Jiri Tlusty and Jordan Staal. Montreal iced it at 3-1 on a Max Pacioretty empty net goal, his fourteenth of the year, set up by Brandon Prust. The three stars were Price (28 for 29 in saves), Eller, and Sekac.

Back north, the New Jersey Devils bring in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Cory Schneider guard the cages. Pittsburgh began in the first period on a Sidney Crosby goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Chris Kunitz and Derrick Pouliot. New Jersey tied it in the second period on a Travis Zajac power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Dainius Zubrus and Marek Zidlicky. The Devils took the lead with a Jaromir Jagr goal, his sixth of the season, with a lone assist by Jon Merrill. New Jersey wrapped it up at 3-1 with an Adam Henrique goal, his tenth of the year, made possible by Zajac. The three stars belonged to Zajac, Schneider (27 for 28 in saves), and Jagr.

Over on Long Island, the New York Islanders host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Jaroslav Halak are between the pipes. New York struck first with an Anders Lee goal in the first period, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Thomas Hickey and Ryan Strome. The Islanders added on in the second period as Lubomir Visnovsky scored a power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Frans Nielsen and Mikhail Grabovski. New York extended the lead with a shorthanded goal by Calvin de Haan in the third period, set up by John Tavares and Nikolay Kulemin. Washington got on the board with an Eric Fehr goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Brooks Laich and Jack Hillen. The Capitals pulled closer on a Nicklas Backstrom goal, his twelfth of the year, guided in by Alex Ovechkin. Washington tied it on Ovechkin's seventeenth of the season, via Backstrom. The Islanders won 4-3 in overtime with an unassisted power play goal by Johnny Boychuk, his third of the year. The three stars belonged to Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Boychuk.

Into Canada, where the Ottawa Senators welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Craig Anderson draw the starts. Ottawa led off in the first period with a Bobby Ryan goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Kyle Turris and Erik Karlsson. Buffalo tied it in the second period on a Mark Pysyk goal, via Chris Stewart. The Sabres gained the lead as Zemgus Girgensons scored his eleventh of the year, thanks to Matt Moulson and Nikita Zadorov. The Senators retied it on a Ryan goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, fueled by Mike Hoffman and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Ottawa took the lead in the third period on a Ryan goal, completing his hat trick on his tenth of the year, with the help of Karlsson. The Senators added on with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his eleventh of the season, guided in by Chris Phillips and Mark Stone. Ottawa ended it at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Colin Greening, going in unassisted. The three stars were handed to Ryan, Karlsson, and MacArthur.

Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Lightning bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Ben Bishop are in the blue paint. Toronto started in the first period with a Mike Santorelli goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Nazem Kadri and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs added on with a Joffrey Lupul goal, his ninth of the year, made possible by Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second period as Ryan Callahan scored a power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman. The Lightning tied it on a Valtteri Filppula goal, his seventh of the year, via Hedman and Callahan. Tampa Bay took the lead in the third period as Stamkos scored his twentieth of the season, thanks to Matthew Carle. This was good for a 3-2 win, and the three stars went to Stamkos, Callahan, and Hedman.

Northwest to St. Louis, where the Blues host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Martin Brodeur are set to start in goal. St. Louis dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Dmitrij Jaskin goal, his third of the season, via Paul Stastny. The Blues added on with a Chris Butler goal, guided in by T.J. Oshie and Stastny. St. Louis extended the lead in the third period on a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his twenty-second of the year, going in unassisted. This made it 3-0, the final, with the three stars awarded to Brodeur (16 save shutout), Jaskin, and Stastny.

Into Canada again, where the Winnipeg Jets welcome the Minnesota Wild. Darcy Kuemper and Michael Hutchinson are the young goalies. Winnipeg was first to score in the first period on a Michael Frolik power play goal, his eighth of the season, going in unassisted. The Jets added on in the second period with a Mathieu Perreault goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little on the power play. Minnesota got on the board with a Ryan Carter goal, his third of the season, assisted by Brett Sutter and Kyle Brodziak. The Wild tied it with a Justin Fontaine goal, his third of the year, helped along by Sutter and Brodziak. Minnesota gained the lead with a Marco Scandella goal, his ninth of the season, courtesy of Zach Parise and Jason Pominville. This was all they needed for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Scandella, Sutter, and Brodziak.

South to Chicago, where the Blackhawks bring in the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Corey Crawford are the reliable goalies. Nashville began in the first period with a Roman Josi goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Paul Gaustad. The Predators added on with a Craig Smith goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Colin Wilson and Mike Ribeiro. Nashville extended the lead in the second period as James Neal scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Wilson and the goalie Rinne. Chicago got on the board with a Brad Richards goal, his seventh of the year, helped along by Kris Versteeg and Duncan Keith. The Blackhawks pulled closer with an Andrew Shaw goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Patrick Sharp and Bryan Bickell. Chicago tied it on a power play goal by Marian Hossa, his eighth of the year, powered by Patrick Kane and Keith. The Predators retook the lead on a Neal power play goal, his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, with assists provided by Filip Forsberg and Josi. The Blackhawks tied it in the third period on a Bickell goal, his fifth of the year, with a helpers from David Rundblad and Keith, the latter getting a sock trick. In the shootout, Chicago won with a lone tally by Jonathan Toews for a 5-4 final. The three stars went to Bickell, Keith, and Neal, while Wilson and Josi get the honorable mentions.

Into Texas, where the Dallas Stars host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Kari Lehtonen tend the twines. New York led off in the first period with a J.T. Miller power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Mats Zuccarello and Ryan McDonagh. Dallas tied it with a John Klingberg power play goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Erik Cole and Colton Sceviour. The Stars took the lead as Ales Hemsky scored his third of the season, thanks to Jason Demers. The Rangers retied it on a Kevin Hayes goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Marc Staal and Dan Boyle. Dallas regained the lead in the second period with an Antoine Roussel goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Ryan Garbutt and Cody Eakin. This was it for the scoring in the 3-2 game, with the three stars going to Roussel, Hemsky, and Klingberg.

Way north to Alberta, as the Calgary Flames welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Jonas Hiller receive the starting nods. Calgary struck first in the first period with a Curtis Glencross goal, his eighth of the season, via Jiri Hudler and Sean Monahan. The Flames added on with a Markus Granlund goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Hudler and Johnny Gaudreau. Los Angeles got on the board in the second period with a Tyler Toffoli goal, his twelfth of the season, guided in by Dustin Brown and Trevor Lewis. This was it for the scoring, with Calgary claiming a 2-1 win. The three stars were Hiller (26 for 27 in saves), Hudler, and Granlund.

Finally, the Arizona Coyotes bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Devan Dubnyk occupy the creases. Arizona was first to score in the first period with an Antoine Vermette goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Shane Doan and Mikkel Boedker. The Coyotes added on in the second period as Vermette scored again, his second of the game and tenth of the year, assisted by Zbynek Michalek and Martin Erat. Arizona extended the lead in the third period on an Oliver Ekman-Larsson power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Boedker and Keith Yandle. Philadelphia got on the board with an R.J. Umberger goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Mark Streit and Sean Couturier. The Flyers pulled closer on Umberger's second of the game and fifth of the season, made possible by Couturier and Matt Read. The Coyotes iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Vermette, completing his hat trick with his eleventh of the year, set up by Martin Hanzal and Lauri Korpikoski. The three stars were Vermette, Umberger, and Boedker, while Couturier gets an honorable mention.

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Premier League Week 19

Ten more games, beginning with...

Tottenham Hotspur hosting Manchester United. David de Gea and Hugo Lloris are given the starting nods. Tottenham Hotspur took two yellow cards in the first half, for Benjamin Stambouli's offense in the twenty-sixth minute and a twenty-seventh minute Andros Townshend foul. Manchester United took four yellow cards in the second half: Ashley Young in the fiftieth minute, Patrick McNair in the seventy-first minute, Falcao in the eighty-fourth minute, and Rafael in the eighty-sixth minute, all for fouls. The final score was 0-0.

Along to Southampton welcoming Chelsea. Thibaut Courtois and Fraser Forster are in the six-yard boxes. Southampton began in the seventeenth minute on a Sadio Mane goal, via Dusan Tadic on a through ball. In the thirty-first minute, Nemanja Matic of Chelsea received a yellow card for a foul. Chelsea tied the game in first half stoppage time with an Eden Hazard goal, assisted by Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas took a yellow card in the fifty-fifth minute for a foul. In the fifty-seventh minute, Maya Yoshida of Southampton received a yellow card for a foul, followed by Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin taking a yellow card for a seventy-second minute foul. Southampton went down to ten men in the eighty-eighth minute as Schneiderlin took another yellow card on a foul. In stoppage time, Graziano Pelle of Southampton had a yellow card foul. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Next up, Aston Villa brings in Sunderland. Costel Pantilimon and Brad Guzan protect the nets. Aston Villa took a yellow card for a Ron Vlaar foul in the forty-fourth minute. Aston Villa went down to ten men in the forty-ninth minute as Fabian Delph was given a red card for a bad foul. Sunderland collected the next four yellow cards, for the following: Lee Cattermole's fifty-sixth minute foul, Adam Johnson's seventy-third minute foul, a Wes Brown foul in the eighty-ninth minute, and a stoppage time foul by Emanuele Giaccherini. The final was a 0-0 draw.

Up north, Hull City hosts Leicester City. Ben Hamer is mismatched with Allan McGregor in goal. Leicester City had a yellow card go to Danny Simpson for a thirty-first minute foul. Leciester City led off in the thirty-second minute as Riyad Mahrez scored, with the help of David Nugent. Leicester City had a yellow card given to Paul Konchesky for a foul in the fifty-eighth minute, and then they went to ten men when Konchesky took a second yellow card in the eighty-eighth minute. In stoppage time, Hull City's Stephen Quinn was given a straight red card for a foul, putting the teams level at ten men each. Leicester City held on for a 1-0 win.

Over in Manchester, City welcomes Burnley. Tom Heaton and Joe Hart are the gloved men. Manchester City opened with a twenty-third minute David Silva goal, via Jesus Navas. Manchester City added on with a Fernandinho goal at the thirty-three minute mark, coming off of Samir Nasri. Manchester City took a yellow card for a forty-second minute Fernando foul. In the forty-seventh minute, George Boyd put Burnley on the board with a goal, set up by Danny Ings. Burnley took a yellow card for a Ben Mee foul in the seventy-first minute. Manchester City's Navas was given a yellow card for a foul in the seventy-ninth minute. In the eighty-first minute, Pablo Zabaleta was given a yellow card for a foul, and Burnley tied the game on an Ashley Barnes goal, guided in by Michael Keane after a set piece. In the eighty-eighth minute, Silva of Manchester City took a yellow card.

Back in London, the Queens Park Rangers bring in Crystal Palace. Julian Speroni and Robert Green are the goalies. QPR took the first yellow card in first half stoppage time on a Clint Hill foul. QPR had another yellow card for a sixty-second minute Joey Barton foul. Crystal Palace was given a yellow card in the seventy-second minute on a Jason Puncheon foul. The final stood at 0-0.

Following that, Stoke City hosts West Bromwich Albion. Ben Foster and Asmir Begovic guard the woodwork. Stoke City got going in the fifty-first minute on a Mame Biram Diouf goal, via Erik Pieters. In the sixty-sixth minute, Stoke City added on with another Diouf goal, passed from Marko Arnautovic. In the sixty-eighth minute, Chris Brunt of West Brom was given a yellow card for a foul. West Brom had a yellow card go to Chris Baird in the seventy-sixth minute. Stoke City cruised to a 2-0 win.

Continuing to West Ham United welcoming Arsenal. Wojciech Szczesny and Adrian are between the posts. West Ham United had a yellow card go to Andy Carroll in the thirty-sixth minute for a foul. Arsenal started in the forty-first minute as Santiago Cazorla scored on a penalty kick. In the forty-fourth minute, Danny Welbeck scored for Arsenal, with the help of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arsenal took a yellow card for a forty-eighth minute Alexis Sanchez foul. In the fifty-fourth minute, Cheikhou Kouyate got West Ham United on the board with a goal, passed from James Tomkins on a cross after a corner kick. In the eightieth minute, Mathieu Debuchy of Arsenal received a yellow card for a foul. West Ham United had a pair of yellow cards, for a Tomkins foul in the eighty-fourth minute and Winston Reid's offense in the eighty-eighth minute. Arsenal had a yellow card in stoppage time, going to Francis Coquelin. Arsenal won 2-1.

Closing out Sunday, Newcastle United brings in Everton. Joel Robles and Jak Alnwick are the backups in goal. Everton dented the scoreboard in the fifth minute with an Arouna Kone goal, made possible by a Seamus Coleman cross. In the twenty-seventh minute, Yoan Gouffran of Newcastle United took a yellow card for a foul. Everton saw a yellow card go to James McCarthy in the twenty-eighth minute. Newcastle United tied it in the thirty-fourth minute on a Papiss Demba Cisse goal, guided in by Michael Williamson after a corner kick. In the fifty-first minute Ayoze Perez gave Newcastle United the lead with his goal, set up by Cheick Tiote. Newcastle United added on with a Jack Colback goal in the sixty-eighth minute. In the seventy-first minute, Everton's Antolin Alcaraz was given a yellow card. Everton pulled back on a Kevin Mirallas goal in the eighty-fourth minute, coming off of Leighton Baines with the through ball. Newcastle United saw a yellow card go to Paul Dummett in stoppage time. Newcastle United held on for a 3-2 win.

The lone Monday game had Liverpool host Swansea City. Lukasz Fabianski and Simon Mignolet tend the nets. Liverpool started in the thirty-third minute with an Alberto Moreno goal, guided in by Jordan Henderson. In the forty-ninth minute, Liverpool's Martin Skrtel took a yellow card for a foul. Liverpool added on in the fifty-first minute with an Adam Lallana goal from outside the box. Swansea City got on the board in the fifty-second minute as Gylfi Sigurdsson scored. Liverpool shot back in the sixty-first minute on another Lallana goal, set up by Philippe Coutinho. Liverpool extended the lead in the sixty-ninth minute when Swansea City's Jonjo Shelvey was saddled with an own goal. This made it 4-1, the final, favoring Liverpool.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

KHL December 29th, 2014

Two games today, beginning with...

Dinamo Minsk hosting Vityaz Podolsk. Harri Sateri and Danny Taylor are set to start in goal. Minsk struck first in the first period on a Pavel Razvadovsky goal, via Andrei Stepanov and Nick Bailen. Podolsk tied it on an Alexander Kucheryavenko goal, guided in by Denis Grebeshkov. Vityaz took the lead on a Roman Horak goal, made possible by Dmitry Tsyganov. Dinamo tied it in the second period as Paul Szczechura scored a power play goal, powered by Alexei Kalyuzhny and Bailen. Minsk gained the lead on an Alexander Materukhin goal, passed from Charles Linglet. Podolsk pulled even on a power play goal in the third period from Mathias Porseland, with a lone assist by Horak. Vityaz took the lead as Vyacheslav Solodukhin scored a power play goal, with the help of Anton Korolyov and Kucheryavenko. Dinamo tied it again with an Ilya Shinkevich goal, assisted by Bailen, who got a sock trick, and Szczechura. Minsk won 5-4 on a Jonathan Cheechoo goal, helped along by Szczechura. The three stars went to Szczechura, Bailen, and Kucheryavenko, while Horak gets an honorable mention.

The other game is Atlant Mytishchi hosting Dinamo Riga. Jakub Sedlacek and Atte Engren protect the nets. Riga was first to score in the first period on a Maris Bicevskis goal, guided in by Gunars Skvorcovs. Dinamo added on in the second period with a power play goal by Miks Indrasis, powered by Kyle Wilson. Riga extended the lead on a Krisjanis Redlihs goal, fueled by Skvorcovs. Mytishchi got on the board in the third period as Matthew Gilroy scored, thanks to Sergei Shmelyov and Dmitry Korobov. Atlant pulled closer on an Andrei Taratukhin power play goal, with a lone assist from Anton Babchuk. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Skvorcovs, Redlihs, and Indrasis.

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NHL December 28th, 2014

Two games tonight, beginning in...

Florida, as the Panthers host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Roberto Luongo are in the creases. Toronto got going in the second period on a Richard Panik goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Morgan Rielly and David Clarkson. Florida tied it on a Jonathan Huberdeau goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Brian Campbell and Nick Bjugstad. The Panthers took the lead on a Jimmy Hayes goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Sean Bergenheim. The Maple Leafs tied it again on a Roman Polak goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Joffrey Lupul and Jake Gardiner. Toronto took the lead with a James van Riemsdyk power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Cody Franson and Tyler Bozak. The Maple Leafs added on with a Nazem Kadri goal, his eleventh of the year, with assists provided by Lupul and Gardiner. Florida got one back in the third period on a Dmitry Kulikov goal, courtesy of Jussi Jokinen. The Panthers tied it on a Willie Mitchell goal, his second of the season, via Huberdeau. Florida gained the lead on a Brad Boyes power play goal, his sixth of the year, from Kulikov and Jokinen. The Panthers iced it at 6-4 with an empty net goal by Scottie Upshall, his fifth of the campaign, set up by Tomas Kopecky and Derek MacKenzie. The three stars went to Huberdeau, Kulikov, and Jokinen, while Lupul and Gardiner are given honorable mentions.

The other game has the Anaheim Ducks host the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and Frederik Andersen protect the nets. Vancouver dented the scoreboard with a second period goal by Yannick Weber, his third of the season, assisted by Jannik Hansen and Alexandre Burrows. Anaheim tied it on a Francois Beauchemin goal in the third period, coming off of Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks won 2-1 on a Cam Fowler overtime goal, his fifth of the year, fueled by Devante Smith-Pelly and Getzlaf. The three stars went to Andersen (13 for 14 in saves), Getzlaf, and Fowler.

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KHL December 28th, 2014

Eight games on for today, beginning with...

Metallurg Novokuznetsk hosting Amur Khabarovsk. Sergei Borisov and Rafael Khakimov are in the blue paint. Khabarovsk opened in the first period on a Michel Miklik goal, coming off of Anton Krysanov. Novokuznetsk tied it on a power play goal by Mikhail Plotnikov, powered by Artyom Garifullin. Amur took the lead back in the second period as Sergei Tverdokhlebov scored, thanks to Mikhail Zheleznov. Metallurg retied it in the third period with an unassisted Alexei Kosourov goal. Khabarovsk regained the lead on a Vyacheslav Litovchenko goal, assisted by Alexander Ryazantsev and Grigory Shafigulin. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Litovchenko, Tverdokhlebov, and Miklik.

Over in Novosibirsk, Sibir welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Ilya Proskuryakov and Alexander Salak are set to start in goal. Novosibirsk began in the first period with a David Ullstrom power play goal, powered by Alexei Kopeikin and Igor Ozhiganov. Sibir added on with an Ullstrom goal, his second of the game, via Sergei Gimayev and Artyom Voroshilo. Novosibirsk extended the lead on a Jarno Koskiranta goal in the third period, coming off of Jonas Enlund and Patrik Hersley on the power play. This made it 3-0, the final, with the three stars given to Ullstrom, Salak (41 save shutout), and Koskiranta.

West to Omsk, where Avangard hosts Barys Astana. Jan Laco and Konstantin Barulin are the masked men. Astana got going in the second period on a Roman Starchenko power play goal, powered by Mike Lundin and Konstantin Rudenko. Omsk tied it with a Denis Kulyash goal, courtesy of Igor Musatov and Alexander Perezhogin. Avangard took the lead in the third period with a Denis Parshin goal, fueled by Anton Kuryanov and Alexander Popov. Omsk iced it at 3-1 with an Igor Musatov empty net goal, set up by Evgeny Kulik. The three stars belonged to Barulin (33 for 34 in saves), Parshin, and Kulyash.

Continuing to Metallurg Magnitogorsk bringing in Ak Bars Kazan. Anders Nilsson and Vasily Koshechkin protect the nets. Magnitogorsk led off in the first period on a Danis Zaripov power play goal, with a lone assist by Chris Lee. Kazan tied it on a Vladimir Tkachyov goal, guided in by Mikhail Glukhov and Dmitry Obukhov. Ak Bars took the lead in the second period as Evgeny Medvedev scored a power play goal, powered by Justin Azevedo. Metallurg tied it again in the third period on a Sergei Mozyakin power play goal, assisted by Lee and Zaripov. Kazan pulled ahead on a Vladimir Denisov goal, fueled by Konstantin Koltsov and Artyom Lukoyanov. They managed a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Denisov, Zaripov, and Lee.

Out in Togliatti, Lada hosts Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Barry Brust and Evgeny Ivannikov are the masked men. Togliatti started in the first period with a Vasily Streltsov goal, with a lone assist from Alexander Streltsov. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it on an Alexander Korolyuk power play goal, powered by Lukas Kaspar and Philip Larsen. Yugra gained the lead in the second period as Nikita Gusev converted a penalty shot he received for Peter Podhradsky's hook. Lada tied it on a Podhradsky goal, via Alexei Mastryukov and Denis Barantsev in the third period. Togliatti retook the lead as Alexander Chernikov scored, thanks to Mastryukov. Khanty-Mansiysk pulled even with a Gusev goal, passed from Kaspar and Pavel Valentenko. Lada claimed a 4-3 win with a lone tally from Yury Petrov in the shootout. The three stars were given to Gusev, Kaspar, and Mastryukov.

Westward to Moscow, where CSKA welcomes the Sochi Leopards. Tomas Popperle and Kevin Lalande draw the starts. Moscow struck first in the first period with an Andreas Engqvist goal, assisted by Alexander Radulov and Nikita Zaitsev. Sochi tied it in the second period on a Max Warn goal, courtesy of Igor Radulov and Cory Emmerton. CSKA retook the lead with a Zaitsev power play goal, powered by Igor Grigorenko and Alexander Radulov. The Leopards got another equalizer with a Nikita Shchitov goal, made possible by Clay Wilson. Sochi pulled ahead as Evgeny Lapenkov scored on a penalty shot from a Bogdan Kiselevich slashing call. Moscow tied it with an Alexander Radulov goal, fueled by Grigorenko and Engqvist. CSKA took the lead again in the third period as Alexander Radulov scored a power play goal, with a lone helper by Denis Denisov. Moscow finished it at 5-3 with an Igor Makarov goal, passed from Ondrej Nemec and Sergei Andronov. The three stars went to Alexander Radulov, Engqvist, and Zaitsev, while Grigorenko gets an honorable mention.

Backtracking to Yaroslavl, where Lokomotiv hosts Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek faces a lesser foe in Vitaly Kolesnik in goal. Yaroslavl was first to score on a Yegor Averin power play goal in the first period, powered by Staffan Kronwall. Cherepovets tied it in the second period on a Sergei Kuptsov goal, coming off of Yegor Antropov and Andreas Thuresson. Lokomotiv took the lead as Andrei Loktionov scored, thanks to Petri Kontiola and Martin Thornberg. This was all they needed for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Kolesnik (15 for 16 in saves), Loktionov, and Averin.

Finally, SKA St. Petersburg brings in Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Sharychenkov and Mikko Koskinen are between the pipes. Moscow dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Maxim Pestushko power play goal, powered by Konstantin Volkov and Alexander Osipov. St. Petersburg tied it in the third period on an Andrei Kuteikin goal, via Patrick Thoresen. Dynamo took the lead back on a Maxim Karpov goal, assisted by Alexei Tsvetkov. This gave them a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Sharychenkov (35 for 36 in saves), Karpov, and Pestushko.

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NHL December 27th, 2014

Thirteen games on as the NHL comes out of the Christmas break. The first game is in...

Buffalo, with the Sabres hosting the New York Islanders. Kevin Poulin and Jhonas Enroth are the little-known goalies. New York led off in the first period with a Nick Leddy goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey. The Islanders added on in the second period with a John Tavares goal, his fourteenth of the year, going in unassisted. New York extended the lead on Tavares' second of the game and fifteenth of the season, passed from Bailey and Okposo. Buffalo got on the board in the third period with a Nicolas Deslauriers goal, his fourth of the year, via Drew Stafford and Josh Gorges. The Sabres pulled back with a shorthanded goal by Zemgus Girgensons, his tenth of the season, set up by Deslauriers and Gorges. Buffalo tied it on a Chris Stewart goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Stafford and Patrick Kaleta. The Sabres won with a lone tally by Tyler Ennis in the shootout, for a 4-3 final. The three stars were Tavares, Deslauriers, and Gorges, while Bailey and Okposo get the honorable mentions.

In New York City, the Rangers welcome the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. New York struck first in the first period on a Derek Stepan shorthanded goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted. The Rangers added on in the second period with a Stepan power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Martin St. Louis and Dan Boyle. New Jersey got on the board with a Steve Bernier goal, his third of the season, via Eric Gelinas and Tuomo Ruutu. New York iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a Stepan empty net goal, completing his hat trick on his sixth of the year, set up by Carl Hagelin and St. Louis. The three stars went to Stepan, Lundqvist (19 for 20 in saves), and St. Louis.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators bring in the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Craig Anderson are in goal. Ottawa opened in the first period on a Mike Hoffman goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Mark Borowiecki and Bobby Ryan. Detroit tied it on a Justin Abdelkader goal, his eighth of the year, made possible by Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall. The Senators took the lead back in the second period with an unassisted Clarke MacArthur goal, his tenth of the season. The Red Wings tied it again in the third period on a Zetterberg power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Kronwall and Pavel Datsyuk. Detroit won 3-2 in overtime with a Gustav Nyquist goal, his fifteenth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were handed to Zetterberg, Nyquist, and Kronwall.

Way south to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Ben Bishop receive the starting nods. Tampa Bay began in the first period on a Nikita Kucherov goal, his fifteenth of the season, with a lone assist from Ondrej Palat. The Lightning added on in the third period with an Alex Killorn goal, his eighth of the year, guided in by Ryan Callahan and Valtteri Filppula. Carolina got on the board with an Andrej Sekera goal, his second of the campaign, assisted by Eric Staal and Nathan Gerbe. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars given to Bishop (25 for 26 in saves), Killorn, and Ward (36 for 38 in saves).

Backtracking to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets welcome the Boston Bruins. Niklas Svedberg and Curtis McElhinney are the backups making spot starts. Columbus was first to score in the first period with a Scott Hartnell goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Kevin Connauton. Boston tied it on a Patrice Bergeron goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Reilly Smith and Zdeno Chara. The Blue Jackets regained the lead in the second period with a Hartnell goal, his second of the game and eighth of the season, passed from James Wisniewski and Connauton. Columbus added on with a Connauton goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Matt Calvert and Brandon Dubinsky. Tuukka Rask replaced Svedberg in goal. The Blue Jackets extended the lead on a power play goal by Nick Foligno, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Jack Johnson and Ryan Johansen. The Bruins got one back with a Craig Cunningham goal, his second of the year, with assists provided by Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille. Columbus replied on an unassisted Calvert goal, his fourth of the campaign. The Blue Jackets padded the lead in the third period with a Jeremy Morin goal, helped along by Johnson and Dubinsky. This produced the 6-2 final, with the three stars being Connauton, Hartnell, and Calvert, while Wisniewski, Dubinsky, and johnson get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Minnesota, where the Wild bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and John Curry are the unknown goalies. Minnesota started in the first period on a Mikael Granlund goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Jason Pominville. Winnipeg tied it in the second period as Bryan Little scored his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Andrew Ladd and Grant Glitsome. The Jets took the lead in the third period on an Adam Lowry goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Evander Kane and Matt Halischuk. The Wild retied it with a Pominville goal, his eighth of the year, made possible by Stu Bickel and Granlund. Winnipeg retook the lead with a shorthanded goal by Blake Wheeler, his eleventh of the season, set up by Kane and Dustin Byfuglien. Minnesota tied it again on a Thomas Vanek power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Jared Spurgeon and Marco Scandella. The
Jets won 4-3 in overtime with a Ladd goal, his twelfth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Little. The three stars were awarded to Ladd, Little, and Kane, while Pominville and Granlund get the honorable mentions.

Back east, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Marc-Andre Fleury are the masked men. Washington struck first in the first period on an Eric Fehr goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Jay Beagle and Brooks Laich. The Capitals added on in the third period with a Marcus Johansson goal, his tenth of the year, via Evgeny Kuznetsov and Brooks Orpik. Washington extended the lead on another Fehr goal, his second of the game and ninth of the campaign, fueled by Joel Ward and John Carlson. This was good for a 3-0 win, with the three stars belonging to Fehr, Holtby (31 save shutout), and Johansson.

Southwest to St. Louis, as the Blues welcome the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Jake Allen are in the blue paint. Dallas was first to score in the first period on a Travis Moen goal, courtesy of Shawn Horcoff and Jordie Benn. St. Louis tied it on an Alex Pietrangelo goal, his fourth of the season, via Paul Stastny and Dmitrij Jaskin. The Stars took the lead back with an unassisted Ryan Garbutt goal, his sixth of the year. The Blues tied it again as Vladimir Tarasenko scored a power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, powered by Alexander Steen and Kevin Shattenkirk. Dallas took the lead in the second period on a Trevor Daley power play goal, his eighth of the year, guided in by Tyler Seguin and the goalie Lehtonen. The Stars added on with a Jason Demers power play goal, his second of the season, helped along by Erik Cole and Colton Sceviour. St. Louis got one back in the third period with a David Backes goal, his ninth of the year, with the help of Jay Bouwmeester and T.J. Oshie. This was as close as it got, with the final at 4-3, and the three stars going to Demers, Daley, and Garbutt.

Continuing to Arizona, where the Coyotes bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen faces a lesser foe in Devan Dubnyk in goal. Anaheim began in the first period on a Rene Bourque goal, his second of the season, fueled by Ryan Getzlaf and Devante Smith-Pelly. Arizona tied it on a Zbynek Michalek goal, passed from Martin Erat and Sam Gagner. In the shootout, Shane Doan scored the only goal for a 2-1 Coyotes win. The three stars were given to Dubnyk (35 for 36 in saves), Andersen (28 for 29 in saves), and Doan.

Heading east to Nashville, where the Predators host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ray Emery is mismatched with Pekka Rinne in goal. Nashville led off in the first period with a Filip Forsberg goal, his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Roman Josi and Shea Weber on the power play. Philadelphia tied it on a Claude Giroux goal in the second period, his twelfth of the year, coming off of Braydon Coburn and Nick Schultz. The Predators took the lead back with a power play goal by Mike Fisher, his fourth of the season, powered by Forsberg and Mike Ribeiro. Nashville added on with a Colin Wilson power play goal, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Seth Jones and Josi. The Predators finished it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Wilson, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, set up by Fisher. The three stars went to Wilson, Forsberg, and Rinne (26 for 27 in saves), while Fisher and Josi get the honorable mentions.

West again to Colorado, as the Avalanche welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Calvin Pickard man the creases. Colorado opened in the first period on a Nathan MacKinnon goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Max Talbot. Chicago tied it on a Brandon Saad goal, his eighth of the year, via Jonathan Toews. The Avalanche took the lead back with an Erik Johnson goal, his tenth of the season, passed from Ryan O'Reilly and Daniel Briere. The Blackhawks tied it again with a Patrick Kane goal, his seventeenth of the year, courtesy of Duncan Keith and Kris Versteeg. Chicago took the lead in the second period on a power play goal by Brent Seabrook, his seventh of the season, powered by David Rundblad and Marian Hossa. The Blackhawks added on in the third period on a power play goal by Patrick Sharp, his sixth of the year, with assists provided by Toews and Kane. Chicago wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Kane empty net goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the campaign, set up by Ben Smith. The three stars were Kane, Toews, and Seabrook.

Up in Calgary, the Flames bring in the Edmonton Oilers for a Battle of Alberta. Viktor Fasth and Jonas Hiller are the former Ducks goalies in goal. Calgary dented the scoreboard in the first period with a Joe Colborne goal, assisted by Paul Byron and Curtis Glencross. The Flames added on with a Johnny Gaudreau goal, his eleventh of the season, going in unassisted. Calgary extended the lead as Gaudreau scored his second of the game and twelfth of the year, thanks to Jiri Hudler and T.J. Brodie. Ben Scrivens replaced Fasth. Edmonton got on the board with a third period goal by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, his tenth of the season, passed from Justin Schultz and Andrew Ference. The Flames shot back with a Glencross goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Matt Stajan and Mark Giordano. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars belonging to Gaudreau, Glencross, and Hiller (26 for 27 in saves).

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jonathan Quick guard the cages. San Jose started in the first period on a Joe Pavelski goal, his seventeenth of the season, coming off of Joe Thornton. Los Angeles tied it on a Tyler Toffoli goal, his eleventh of the year, via Jamie McBain and Trevor Lewis. The Kings took the lead in the second period as Anze Kopitar scored a power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Marian Gaborik and Jeff Carter. Los Angeles added on in the third period with a Jake Muzzin power play goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Drew Doughty and Kopitar. This was good for a 3-1 win, with the three stars given to Kopitar, Quick (21 for 22 in saves), and Toffoli.

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KHL December 27th, 2014

Two games on today, beginning in...

Minsk, where Dinamo hosts the similarly named Dinamo Riga. Jeff Deslauriers and Danny Taylor are in goal. Riga began in the first period on a Gints Meija goal, via Milan Jurcina and Andris Dzerins. Minsk tied it in the third period with a Charles Linglet goal, going in unassisted. Minsk won 2-1 in overtime with a Paul Szczechura power play goal, powered by Alexei Kalyuzhny and Nick Bailen. The three stars went to Szczechura, Taylor (25 for 26 in saves), and Deslauriers (36 for 38 in saves).

In Russia, the other game is Vityaz Podolsk hosting Atlant Mytishchi. Atte Engren and Ivan Lisutin are the masked men. Mytishchi led off in the first period with an Igor Levitsky goal, assisted by Andrei Taratukhin. Podolsk tied it on a Maxim Mamin goal in the second period, made possible by Nikita Vyglazov. Vityaz took the lead with a Vyacheslav Solodukhin goal, coming off of Yakov Seleznyov and Alexander Kucheryavenko. Atlant retied it with another Levitsky goal, passed from Matthew Gilroy and Mikhail Tyulyapkin. Mytishchi took the lead with an unassisted goal by Gilroy in the third period. Atlant iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Taratukhin, set up by Gilroy and Levitsky. The three stars were Levitsky, Gilroy, and Taratukhin.

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