NHL January 2nd, 2015

Eight games tonight, beginning in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo faces a lesser foe in Michal Neuvirth in goal. Florida started in the first period on a Brad Boyes goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Aleksander Barkov and Sean Bergenheim. The Panthers added on with a Nick Bjugstad goal, his fourteenth of the year, coming on the power play from Jimmy Hayes and Aaron Ekblad. This was all they needed for a 2-0 win, with the three stars going to Luongo (24 save shutout), Boyes, and Bjugstad.

Down in Carolina, the Hurricanes welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Cam Ward draw the starts. Carolina was first to score in the first period with a Brad Malone goal, made possible by Zach Boychuk. The Hurricanes added on with an Eric Staal goal in the second period, his tenth of the season, coming off of Jordan Staal and Justin Faulk. Philadelphia got on the board with a Chris VandeVelde goal in the third period, his second of the year, helped along by Vincent Lecavalier and Mark Streit. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Ward (17 for 18 in saves), Eric Staal, and Malone.

North again to New Jersey, as the Devils host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Keith Kinkaid receive the starting nods. Montreal dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Michael Bournival goal, assisted by Sergei Gonchar and Nathan Beaulieu. The Canadiens added on with a Max Pacioretty goal, his fifteenth of season, a power play goal powered by P.K. Subban and Alex Galchenyuk. Montreal extended the lead in the third period on Bournival's second of the game, via Dale Weise and Subban. New Jersey got on the board with a Michael Ryder goal, his fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The Devils pulled closer on a Michael Cammalleri goal, his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Jaromir Jagr and Scott Gomez. The Canadiens iced it at 4-2 with a Tomas Plekanec empty net goal, his eleventh of the year, set up by Brendan Gallagher and Subban, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars went to Bournival, Subban, and Pacioretty.

West to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Thomas Greiss are set to start. Pittsburgh opened in the first period on a Chris Kunitz power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on with an Andrew Ebbett goal, via Evgeni Malkin and Simon Despres. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Malkin scored his seventeenth of the year, thanks to Ebbett and Bryan Rust. Evgeni Nabokov replaced Bishop. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Brian Boyle goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Ondrej Palat and Matthew Carle. The Lightning pulled closer in the second period as Victor Hedman scored his fourth of the year, with the help of Tyler Johnson and Palat. The Penguins replied on a Christian Ehrhoff goal, his third of the season, coming off of Beau Bennett and Crosby. Tampa Bay shot back again with an Alex Killorn goal, his ninth of the year, with assists provided by Anton Stralman and Hedman. Pittsburgh countered on a Steve Downie goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Crosby, who got a sock trick, and Nick Spaling. The Penguins iced it at 6-3 with a Downie empty net goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, set up by Letang and Crosby. The three stars were Crosby, Downie, and Malkin, while Ebbett, Letang, Palat, and Hedman get the honorable mentions.

Over in Minnesota, the Wild host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Darcy Kuemper are the young goalies. Minnesota got going in the second period on a Kyle Brodziak goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Charlie Coyle and Nino Niederreiter. Toronto tied it in the third period on a Cody Franson power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Dion Phaneuf and James van Riemsdyk. The Wild took the lead back with a Jared Spurgeon goal, his fourth of the season, helped along by Coyle and Mikko Koivu. Minnesota added on with a Koivu power play goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. This produced the 3-1 final, with the three stars going Kuemper (34 for 35 in saves), Koivu, and Coyle.

Into Canada, where the Calgary Flames welcome the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Jonas Hiller are in goal. New York struck first in the first period on a John Tavares power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Ryan Strome and Kyle Okposo. The Islanders added on in the third period with another Tavares goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, fueled by Okposo and Calvin de Haan. Calgary got on the board with a Johnny Gaudreau goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, helped along by Jiri Hudler and Kris Russell. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Tavares, Halak (22 for 23 in saves), and Okposo.

Back south, the Colorado Avalanche host the Edmonton Oilers. Ben Scrivens and Semyon Varlamov are given the green light in goal. Colorado led off in the second period on a Daniel Briere goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Matt Duchene and Tyson Barrie. Edmonton tied it on a third period power play goal by Benoit Pouliot, his fourth of the year, powered by Justin Schultz and Jordan Eberle. The Avalanche won with shootout goals by Duchene and Alex Tanguay. The three stars of the 2-1 game were Varlamov (27 for 28 in saves), Scrivens (27 for 28 in saves), and Duchene.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks bring in the St. Louis Blues. Martin Brodeur and Frederik Andersen are in the creases. Anaheim began in the first period with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Patrick Maroon and Sami Vatanen. St. Louis tied it on a T.J. Oshie goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Alexander Steen and David Backes. The Ducks took the lead with a Kyle Palmieri goal, his sixth of the season, helped along by Ryan Kesler and Matt Beleskey. The Blues tied it again as Kevin Shattenkirk scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Paul Stastny and Jori Lehtera. Anaheim took the lead on an Andrew Cogliano goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Nate Thompson and Ben Lovejoy. St. Louis pulled even with a Steen goal, his ninth of the year, coming on the power play from Vladimir Tarasenko and Shattenkirk. The Ducks took the lead on a Beleskey goal in the third period, his sixteenth of the season, passed from Vatanen and Kesler. This made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars given to Beleskey, Steen, and Shattenkirk, while Vatanen and Kesler are the honorable mentions.

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NHL January 1st, 2015

Two games on New Year's Day, with one carrying significantly more weight. The first is in...

Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. as the Capitals host the Chicago Blackhawks in the Winter Classic. Corey Crawford and Braden Holtby are the goalies. Washington led off in the first period with an Eric Fehr goal, his eleventh of the season, going in unassisted. The Capitals added on with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his eighteenth of the year, coming off of Mike Green and Jack Hillen. Chicago got on the board with a Patrick Sharp power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks tied it on a Brandon Saad goal in the second period, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. Washington won 3-2 with a late third period power play goal by Troy Brouwer, his eleventh of the campaign, fueled by Ovechkin and Green. The three stars went to Ovechkin, Brouwer, and Green.

The later game had the Vancouver Canucks host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Ryan Miller tend the twines. Vancouver began in the first period with an Alexandre Burrows goal, his ninth of the season, coming on the power play from Daniel Sedin and Radim Vrbata. The Canucks added on with a Vrbata goal in the second period, his fifteenth of the year, assisted by Chris Higgins and Henrik Sedin. Los Angeles got on the board with a Dwight King goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Mike Richards. The Kings tied it in the third period on a Justin Williams power play goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Drew Doughty and Alec Martinez. Los Angeles gained the lead with a Jarret Stoll goal, his fourth of the campaign, via Tanner Pearson. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Vrbata, Stoll, and Williams.

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Premier League Week 20

Ten games all on New Year's Day this time around. We begin with...

Stoke City hosting Manchester United. David de Gea and Asmir Begovic are the goalies. Stoke City began in the second minute with a Ryan Shawcross goal, via Peter Crouch after a corner kick. Manchester United tied it in the twenty-sixth minute as Falcao scored, thanks to Michael Carrick's headed pass after a corner kick. This held up for a 1-1 draw.

Continuing to Aston Villa welcoming Crystal Palace. Julian Speroni and Brad Guzan are set to start in goal. Aston Villa took a yellow card in the seventy-eighth minute for a Ciaran Clark foul. Crystal Palace took a yellow card for an eighty-sixth minute foul by Damien Delaney. The game ended in a scoreless draw.

Up to Hull City bringing in Everton. Joel Robles and Allan McGregor are in the six-yard boxes. Everton took the first yellow card in the eleventh minute on a Muhamed Besic foul. Hull City was given a yellow card for a twentieth minute David Meyler foul. In the thirty-third minute, Hull City opened with an Ahmed Elmohamady header goal, passed from Liam Rosenior on a cross. Hull City had another yellow card for a thirty-ninth minute Jake Livermore foul. In the forty-third minute, Hull City added on with a Nikica Jelavic goal, assisted by Abel Hernandez. In first half stoppage time Arouna Kone of Everton received a yellow card for a foul. Everton had a pair of yellow cards in the second half for a sixty-fifth minute Gareth Barry foul and a sixty-seventh minute Antolin Alcaraz foul. In the eighty-sixth minute, Alcaraz received another yellow card and was ejected. Hull City's Harry Maguire received a yellow card for a foul in the eighty-ninth minute. Hull City cruised to a 2-0 win.

Over to Liverpool hosting Leicester City. Ben Hamer and Simon Mignolet. Liverpool started in the seventeenth minute on a Steven Gerrard penalty kick goal. In the twenty-first minute, Lucas Leiva of Liverpool was given a yellow card for a foul. In the thirty-sixth minute, Marcin Wasilewski was given a yellow card for a foul for Leicester City. In the fortieth minute, Gerrard made another penalty shot to add on to the Liverpool lead. In the fifty-eighth minute, David Nugent got Leicester City on the board with a goal, assisted by Jamie Vardy. Leicester City tied it on a sixtieth minute goal by Jeffrey Schlupp, passed from Riyad Mahrez. In the eighty-ninth minute, Leicester City's Matthew James took a yellow card for a foul. Liverpool's Gerrard received a yellow card in stoppage time for his foul. The final held at 2-2.

Next up, Manchester City welcomes Sunderland. Costel Pantilimon faces a lesser foe in Willy Caballero in goal. Sunderland had a pair of yellow cards in the first half, going to Billy Jones for a foul in the seventeenth minute and Sebastian Larsson in the thirty-fourth minute. In the fifty-first minute, Samir Nasri took a yellow card for a foul for Manchester City. In the fifty-seventh minute, Yaya Toure put Manchester City on the board with a goal made possible by Stevan Jovetic. In the sixty-sixth minute, Jovetic added on for Manchester City with his goal, coming off of a Gael Clichy cross. Sunderland got on the board with a sixty-eighth minute goal by Jack Rodwell, passed from Larsson on a cross after a corner kick. In the seventy-first minute, Pablo Zabaleta took a yellow card for Manchester City, directly leading to an Adam Johnson equalizer on a penalty kick. In the seventy-third minute, Frank Lampard scored a header goal on a Clichy cross to give Manchester City the lead again. Sunderland saw a yellow card for a Wes Brown foul in the eighty-eighth minute. Manchester City held on for a 3-2 win.

Following that, Newcastle United brings in Burnley. Tom Heaton and Jak Alnwick are the gloved men. In the fifteenth minute, Newcastle United struck first on a Steven Taylor header goal, passed from Jack Colback on a cross after a corner kick. Burnley tied it on a Paul Dummett own goal in the nineteenth minute. Newcastle United took the lead back in the twenty-sixth minute as Colback scored, thanks to Daryl Janmaat. In the sixty-fourth minute, Burnley's Danny Ings was given a yellow card. Burnley tied the game again in the sixty-sixth minute on an Ings goal, made possible by Michael Kightly's cross. In the sixty-eighth minute, Janmaat received a yellow card for a foul for Newcastle United. Newcastle United took the lead back in the seventy-eighth minute on a Moussa Sissoko goal, assisted by Adam Armstrong. In the eighty-fourth minute, Ben Mee of Burnley had a yellow card for a foul, followed by a yellow card for Kieran Trippier's argument. In the eighty-sixth minute, Burnley pulled level on a George Boyd goal. In the eighty-ninth minute, Michael Williamson was given a yellow card for his foul for Newcastle United. Burnley had the last yellow card go to Boyd in stoppage time for a foul. The final stood at 3-3.

Into London, where the Queens Park Rangers host Swansea City. Lukasz Fabianski and Robert Green are between the posts. QPR began in the twentieth minute on a Leroy Fer goal. QPR had three straight yellow cards in the second half, for a fifty-eighth minute Mauricio Isla foul, a sixty-second minute Richard Dunne foul, and a seventy-fourth minute Joey Barton foul. In the eighty-sixth minute, QPR's Karl Henry received a yellow card for a foul, but Swansea City went down to ten men later in the minute when Wayne Routledge was sent off on a straight red card for fighting. Despite the manpower disadvantage, Swansea City tied it in stoppage time with a Wilfried Bony goal, set up by Ki Sung-Yueng. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Next up, Southampton welcomes Arsenal. Wojciech Szczesny and Fraser Forster guard the woodwork. Southampton had the first yellow card in the twenty-third minute for a Victor Wanyama foul. In the thirty-fourth minute, Sadio Mane put Southampton on the board with a long range goal at a bad angle, made possible by James Ward-Prowse. Southampton added on in the fifty-sixth minute with a Dusan Tadic goal. In the sixty-seventh minute, Florin Gardos took a yellow card for Southampton for his foul. Arsenal's Francis Coquelin was given a yellow card in the seventy-fourth minute for a foul. Southampton finished with a 2-0 lead.

West Ham United brought in West Bromwich Albion. Ben Foster and Adrian are the keepers. West Ham United had a yellow card in the fourth minute for a foul by Cheikhou Kouyate. West Ham United began in the tenth minute on a Diafra Sakho header goal, passed from Aaron Cresswell on a cross. West Brom tied it as Saido Berahino scored in the forty-second minute, with the help of Stephane Sessegnon on a fast break.

Finally, London clubs clash as Tottenham Hotspur hosts Chelsea. Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris are the experienced goalies. Chelsea was first to score in the eighteenth minute on a Diego Costa goal, via Oscar. Tottenham Hotspur tied it on a thirtieth minute Harry Kane goal, coming off of Danny Rose. In the forty-fourth minute, Tottenham Hotspur took the lead with a Rose goal. Tottenham Hotspur added on in first-half stoppage time with an Andros Townsend penalty kick goal. Tottenham Hotspur extended the lead in the fifty-second minute Kane goal, with an assist from Nacer Chadli. Chelsea got one back in the sixty-first minute as Eden Hazard scored, thanks to Cesc Fabregas. Tottenham Hotspur saw yellow cards go to Nabil Bentaleb in the sixty-sixth minute and Paulinho in the seventy-second minute for a foul and dnagerous play, respectively. Tottenham Hotspur replied with a seventy-eighth minute goal by Chadli, courtesy of Kane. In the eighty-second minute, Chelsea's Fabregas took a yellow card for a foul. Chelsea pulled back with an eighty-seventh minute John Terry goal, via Branislav Ivanovic. Kane received a yellow card in the same minute for Tottenham Hotspur. The final was 5-3 in favor of Tottenham Hotspur.

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NHL December 31st, 2014

Here's the definitive last post of the year. We have eleven games on for New Year's Eve. We begin in the afternoon with...

The Winnipeg Jets hosting the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Ondrej Pavelec are the veteran goalies. New York struck first in the first period on a Ryan Strome goal, his seventh of the season, via Anders Lee and Nick Leddy. The Islanders added on with a Frans Nielsen power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Johnny Boychuk and Strome. Winnipeg got on the board in the second period on an Andrew Ladd goal, his thirteenth of the season, coming off of Blake Wheeler and Paul Postma. New York replied with a Nielsen goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, assisted by Strome. The Jets got one back with a Ladd power play goal in the third period, his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, made possible by Mathieu Perreault and Bryan Little. The Islanders answered on a Lee goal, his ninth of the year, with assists provided by Strome, who got a sock trick, and Nielsen. New York wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Josh Bailey power play goal into an empty net, set up by Travis Hamonic and Calvin de Haan. The three stars went to Strome, Nielsen, and Ladd, while Lee gets an honorable mention.

Back in Buffalo, the Sabres welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jhonas Enroth draw the starts in goal. Tampa Bay started in the first period on a Matthew Carle goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Ondrej Palat. Buffalo tied it on a Tyler Ennis power play goal, his ninth of the year, powered by Nikita Zadorov and Matt Moulson. The Lightning retook the lead with a Palat power play goal in the second period, his ninth of the season, passed from Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov. Tampa Bay added on in the third period on a Brett Connolly goal, his seventh of the year, assisted by Anton Stralman and Palat. The Lightning extended the lead as Kucherov scored his sixteenth of the season, thanks to Johnson and Stralman. Tampa Bay padded the lead with a Kucherov goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, made possible by Palat and Johnson, both of whom got sock tricks. This produced the 5-1 final, with the three stars being Palat, Kucherov, and Johnson, while Stralman gets an honorable mention.

Down in Florida, the Panthers bring in the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist faces a lesser foe in Al Montoya in goal. New York was first to score in the first period with a Chris Kreider goal, his sixth of the season, passed from Derek Stepan and Kevin Klein. The Rangers added on in the second period on a Derick Brassard goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Ryan McDonagh and Carl Hagelin. New York extended the lead with a McDonagh goal, his third of the season, a power play goal, going in unassisted. Florida got on the board with a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his fourth of the year, with a lone helper by Jonathan Huberdeau. The Panthers pulled closer on a Jimmy Hayes goal in the third period, his eleventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Aleksander Barkov and Dave Bolland. The Rangers answered with a Martin St. Louis goal, his twelfth of the year, with assists provided by Stepan and Kreider. New York padded the lead with a Dominic Moore goal, his second of the campaign, coming off of St. Louis and Stepan, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars of the 5-2 game were St. Louis, Kreider, and McDonagh, while Stepan gets an honorable mention.

North to Boston, as the Bruins host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Tuukka Rask are the masked men. Toronto led off in the first period on a Leo Komarov goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Peter Holland. Boston tied it in the second period with a Carl Soderberg goal, his eighth of the year, coming on the power play from Reilly Smith and Dougie Hamilton. The Maple Leafs took the lead on a James van Riemsdyk goal, his seventeenth of the season, passed from Phil Kessel. Toronto added on with a Kessel power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, powered by Dion Phaneuf and Cody Franson. The Bruins got one back with a David Krejci goal, his fifth of the season, via Milan Lucic and Seth Griffith. Boston tied it on a Torey Krug goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Loui Eriksson and Soderberg. In the ensuing shootout, the Maple Leafs got goals from Mike Santorelli and Nazem Kadri to top a Krug tally for a 4-3 win. The three stars went to Kessel, Soderberg, and Krug.

Over in Pittsburgh, the Penguins welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Marc-Andre Fleury are in the creases. Carolina opened in the first period with an Eric Staal goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Elias Lindholm and Jiri Tlusty. Pittsburgh tied it on a Chris Kunitz goal, his eleventh of the year, via Beau Bennett and Andrew Ebbett. The Penguins took the lead with a Brandon Sutter goal in the third period, his eighth of the campaign, set up by Bennett and Kunitz. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Kunitz, Fleury (24 for 25 in saves), and Bennett.

Further west to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets bring in the Minnesota Wild. Darcy Kuemper and Sergei Bobrovsky receive the starting nods. Minnesota began in the first period on a Zach Parise power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Mikko Koivu and Thomas Vanek. Columbus tied it on a Kevin Connauton goal in the second period, his fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The Blue Jackets took the lead in the third period on a David Savard goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Connauton and Brandon Dubinsky on the power play. Columbus iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Ryan Johansen, his tenth of the year, set up by Dubinsky and Nick Foligno. The three stars were Connauton, Bobrovsky (28 for 29 in saves), and Dubinsky.

Up in Detroit, the Red Wings host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Jimmy Howard guard the cages. New Jersey got going in the second period on a Joe Whitney goal, via Tim Sestito. Detroit tied it as Darren Helm scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Gustav Nyquist and Johan Franzen. The Red Wings took the lead in the third period on a Henrik Zetterberg goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Niklas Kronwall and Pavel Datsyuk. Detroit added on with another Helm goal, his second of the game and seventh of the campaign, fueled by Franzen and Nyquist. This produced a 3-1 final, with the three stars being Helm, Nyquist, and Franzen.

Way southwest to Anaheim, where the Ducks welcome the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Frederik Andersen are between the pipes. San Jose led off in the first period with a Joe Pavelski goal, his eighteenth of the season, via Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Joe Thornton. The Sharks added on in the third period with a Pavelski power play goal, his nineteenth of the year and second of the game, powered by Brent Burns and Logan Couture. San Jose iced it at 3-0 with a Couture empty net goal, his fourteenth of the campaign, set up by Vlasic. The three stars were awarded to Pavelski, Niemi (28 save shutout), and Couture, while Vlasic gets an honorable mention.

Back east, the Dallas Stars bring in the Arizona Coyotes. Devan Dubnyk and Kari Lehtonen are the goalies. Dallas dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Brett Ritchie goal, coming off of Travis Moen and Vernon Fiddler. The Stars added on with a Colton Sceviour goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Jamie Benn. Dallas extended the lead as Benn scored his eleventh of the year in the third period, a power play goal powered by Cody Eakin and Tyler Seguin. The Stars padded the lead as Eakin potted his seventh of the season, thanks to Antoine Roussel and Alex Goligoski. Dallas struck again with an Ales Hemsky goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Jason Demers and Jason Spezza. The Stars ended it at 6-0 with a Ryan Garbutt goal, his seventh of the campaign, with a lone assist by Goligoski. The three stars belonged to Benn, Lehtonen (32 save shutout), and Eakin, while Goligoski gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to Colorado, where the Avalanche host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Semyon Varlamov are the overrated goalies. Philadelphia started in the first period with a Jakub Voracek power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds. Colorado tied it in the second period on a Nate Guenin goal, coming off of Marc-Andre Cliche and Max Talbot. The Avalanche took the lead on a Borna Rendulic goal, passed from Gabriel Landeskog and Brad Stuart. The Flyers retied it in the third period with a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Braydon Coburn and Chris VandeVelde. Philadelphia took the lead with a Claude Giroux power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Mark Streit. Colorado tied it with a Jarome Iginla goal, his ninth of the year, coming on the power play from Nick Holden and Alex Tanguay. The Avalanche won 4-3 in overtime as Ryan O'Reilly scored his seventh of the campaign, with the help of Tyson Barrie and Stuart. The three stars went to O'Reilly, Stuart, and Iginla.

Finally, the last game of 2014 is a Battle of Alberta, with the Calgary Flames hosting the Edmonton Oilers. Ben Scrivens and Jonas Hiller make the starts in goal. Edmonton struck first in the first period with a Matt Fraser power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by David Perron and Nail Yakupov. The Oilers added on in the second period with a Jordan Eberle goal, his seventh of the year, assisted by Leon Draisaitl and Taylor Hall. Calgary got on the board with a Joe Colborne power play goal, his second of the season, via Sean Monahan and Curtis Glencross. The Flames tied it with a Lance Bouma goal in the third period, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Paul Byron and Raphael Diaz. Edmonton pulled ahead with an Andrew Ference goal, his second of the season, made possible by Draisaitl and Perron. Calgary retied it on a Colborne goal, his second of the game and third of the year, passed from Monahan and Glencross. The Flames won 4-3 in overtime on a Josh Jooris goal, his ninth of the campaign, set up by Jiri Hudler and Dennis Wideman. The three stars were Colborne, Monahan, and Glencross, while Perron and Draisaitl get honorable mentions.

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NHL December 30th, 2014

Four games for the night, beginning with...

The Florida Panthers hosting the Montreal Canadiens. Dustin Tokarski and Roberto Luongo are in the blue paint. Montreal got going in the second period on a Brendan Gallagher goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Lars Eller and Nathan Beaulieu. Florida tied it on a Nick Bjugstad goal, his thirteenth of the year, passed from Aaron Ekblad and Jonathan Huberdeau. In the shootout, P.A. Parenteau's goal gave the Canadiens a 2-1 win. The three stars went to Tokarski (36 for 37 in saves), Luongo (33 for 34 in saves), and Parenteau.

Up to Nashville, where the Predators welcome the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. Nashville started in the first period on a Shea Weber goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Olli Jokinen and Gabriel Bourque. St. Louis tied it with a Chris Butler goal in the second period, assisted by David Backes. The Blues took the lead as T.J. Oshie scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Backes and Alexander Steen. The Predators retied it on a Bourque goal, his second of the year, made possible by Jokinen and Paul Gaustad. Nashville took the lead in the third period on a Weber shorthanded goal, his eighth of the season, set up by Roman Josi. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Weber, Bourque, and Jokinen, while Backes gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to Edmonton, where the Oilers bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick faces his former backup, Ben Scrivens, in goal. Edmonton opened in the first period on a Matt Hendricks goal, his third of the season, via Derek Roy and Oscar Klefbom. The Oilers added on in the second period on a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal, his eleventh of the year, assisted by Taylor Hall. Los Angeles got on the board in the third period on a Drew Doughty goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Jeff Carter. The Kings tied it with a Jake Muzzin power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Marian Gaborik and Anze Kopitar. The Oilers won 3-2 with a shootout goal by David Perron. The three stars went to Nugent-Hopkins, Hendricks, and Scrivens (37 for 39 in saves).

Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller faces a lesser foe in Alex Stalock in goal. Vancouver dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Bo Horvat goal, his second of the season, with assists provided by Derek Dorsett and Ryan Stanton. The Canucks added on in the second period with a Jannik Hansen goal, his ninth of the year, coming off of Alexander Edler and Brad Richardson. San Jose got on the board with a Joe Thornton goal, his ninth of the season, coming on a penalty shot. Vancouver replied with a Radim Vrbata goal, his fourteenth of the year, via Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. This held up for a 3-1 final, with the three stars going to Hansen, Miller (31 for 32 in saves), and Vrbata.

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KHL December 30th, 2014

This is it for the Russian league until after New Year's. We begin the six-game slate in...

Novosibirsk, as Sibir hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Sergei Borisov and Nikita Bespalov. Novosibirsk started in the first period on a Dmitry Kugryshev power play goal, powered by Jonas Enlund and Jarno Koskiranta. Sibir added on with a David Ullstrom goal, via Enlund and Dmitry Monya. Novosibirsk extended the lead as Kugryshev scored, thanks to Koskiranta and Enlund on the power play, the latter getting a sock trick. Sibir padded the lead with a Maxim Ignatovich goal, courtesy of Sergei Gimayev and Oleg Gubin. Khabarovsk got on the board in the second period with a Mikhail Fisenko goal, passed from Vladimir Loginov. Novosibirsk replied on a Kugryshev power play goal to complete his hat trick, made possible by Koskiranta, who got a sock trick, and Enlund. Sibir struck again with another Ignatovich goal, with assists provided by Monya and Ivan Vereshchagin. Amur got one back on an Evgeny Orlov goal, with a lone helper from Grigory Shafigulin. This made it 6-2, the final, with Kugryshev, Enlund, and Ignatovich getting the three stars while Koskiranta and Monya get the honorable mentions.

Over to Novokuznetsk, as Metallurg welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Ilya Proskuryakov and Nikita Lozhkin are set to start in goal. Vladivostok began in the first period with a Vladislav Ushenin goal, assisted by Vyacheslav Ushenin. Admiral added on with a Jan Kolar goal, passed from Alexander Kuznetsov and Alexander Goroshansky. Rafael Khakimov relieved Lozhkin at this time. Novokuznetsk got on the board with a Nikita Kamalov goal, guided in by Ansel Galimov. Vladivostok replied in the second period with an unassisted power play goal by Shaun Heshka. Admiral extended the lead on a Richard Gynge empty net goal in the third period, set up by Vladislav Ushenin and Niclas Bergfors. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars going to Vladislav Ushenin, Proskuryakov (24 for 25 in saves), and Kolar.

Southwest to Astana, as Barys brings in Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Pavel Poluektov are in the blue paint. Chelyabinsk led off in the first period on a Vyacheslav Osnovin goal, assisted by Francis Pare. Astana tied it with a Nigel Dawes goal, fueled by Mike Lundin and Dustin Boyd. Traktor took the lead back in the second period on an Andrei Popov power play goal, powered by Vitaly Atyushov and Maxim Kondratyev. Barys tied it again as Roman Starchenko scored, thanks to Nikolai Antropov and Nikita Mikhailis. Astana took the lead in the third period on another Starchenko goal, guided in by Lundin. Barys iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Dawes, set up by Brandon Bochenski and Boyd. The three stars were handed to Starchenko, Dawes, and Lundin, while Boyd gets an honorable mention.

Up in Kazan, Ak Bars hosts Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Barry Brust and Emil Garipov are the underrated goalies. Kazan struck first in the first period on an Oscar Moller goal, coming off of Mikhail Varnakov and Justin Azevedo. Ak Bars added on with an Azevedo goal, passed from Ilya Nikulin and Varnakov. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board in the second period with an Alexander Korolyuk power play goal, powered by Lukas Kaspar and Ben Maxwell. Kazan shot back in the third period on an Igor Mirnov goal, via Alexander Burmistrov and Evgeny Medvedev. Yugra took one back on a Philip Larsen goal, made possible by Kaspar. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Azevedo, Varnakov, and Kaspar.

West to Cherepovets, where Severstal welcomes Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Mikhail Biryukov and Jakub Stepanek are the masked men. Nizhny Novgorod opened in the first period with a Gennady Stolyarov power play goal, powered by Jarkko Immonen and Juuso Hietanen. Torpedo added on in the second period with a Hietanen goal, fueled by Evgeny Mozer and Nikita Filatov. Cherepovets got on the board in the third period as Maxim Trunyov scored an unassisted goal. Severstal tied it with a Pavel Chernov power play goal, assisted by Evgeny Mons and Dmitry Kagarlitsky. In the shootout, Immonen and Wojtek Wolski scored for Torpedo to top Severstal's lone tally by Marek Kvapil for a 3-2 win. The three stars were Hietanen, Immonen, and Stolyarov.

Finally, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl brings in the Sochi Leopards. Tomas Popperle and Curtis Sanford are the veteran goalies. Sochi was first to score in the second period with a Cory Emmerton goal, with a lone assist by Max Warn. Yaroslavl tied it on an Andrei Loktionov goal, guided in by Staffan Kronwall and Petri Kontiola. Lokomotiv took the lead with a Sergei Plotnikov goal, going in unassisted. Yaroslavl added on with a power play goal by Kontiola, powered by Martin Thornberg and Loktionov. The Leopards got one back in the third period on an Andre Petersson power play goal, made possible by Andrei Kostitsyn and Igor Ignatushkin. Lokomotiv iced it at 4-2 on a Yegor Averin empty net goal, set up by Plotnikov. The three stars were Kontiola, Loktionov, and Plotnikov.

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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.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.