Premier League Week 24

Another round of games this weekend. The next two sets will all happen within a week as well, so lots of soccer/football coming your way this coming week. We begin week 24 with...

Tottenham Hotspur hosting Arsenal. David Ospina and Hugo Lloris draw the starts. In the eleventh minute, Arsenal began with a Mesut Ozil goal, via Olivier Giroud. Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane took a yellow card for a thirty-sixth minute foul. Arsenal saw yellow cards for a Nacho Monreal foul in the forty-third minute and a Danny Welbeck foul in first half stoppage time. Arsenal took another yellow card for Laurent Koscielny's foul in the fifty-third minute. Tottenham Hotspur tied it in the fifty-sixth minute with a Kane goal, following a corner kick. Ryan Mason of Tottenham Hotspur took a yellow card for a seventy-ninth minute offense. In the eighty-fourth minute, Arsenal's Giroud was shown a yellow card for a foul. Tottenham Hotspur gained the lead on a Kane header goal in the eighty-sixth minute, set up by Nabil Bentaleb on a cross. Tottenham Hotspur took a yellow card in stoppage time for time wasting by Bentaleb. Tottenham Hotspur won 2-1.

Next up, Aston Villa welcomes Chelsea. Thibaut Courtois and Brad Guzan are the keepers. Aston Villa's Tom Cleverley took a yellow card for his foul in the fifth minute. Chelsea led off in the eighth minute with an Eden Hazard goal, via Willian. In the thirty-fifth minute, Ramires of Chelsea took a yellow card for a foul. Aston Villa's Ashley Westwood received a yellow card for his forty-fourth minute foul. Aston Villa tied it in the forty-eighth minute on a Jores Akore header goal, fueled by Carles Gil on a cross following a corner kick. Okore received a yellow card for excessive celebration. In the sixty-sixth minute, Branislav Ivanovic gave Chelsea the lead with his goal, passed from Cesar Azpilicueta on a cross. Ivanovic received a yellow card for time wasting in stoppage time. Chelsea took the game 2-1.

Over to Leicester City bringing in Crystal Palace. Julian Speroni and Mark Schwerzer are in the six-yard boxes. Leicester City took a yellow card for a Jeffrey Schlupp foul in the ninth minute and another in the thirty-second minute on a Danny Simpson foul. Crystal Palace opened with a fifty-fifth minute header goal by Joe Ledley, passed from Brede Hangeland on a headed pass after a corner kick. Leicester City saw a yellow card for a Leonardo Ulloa foul in the seventy-ninth minute. Crystal Palace's Martin Kelly had a yellow card in the eighty-second minute for a foul. Leicester City had a stoppage time yellow card given to Paul Konchesky. Crystal Palace won 1-0.

Continuing to Manchester City hosting Hull City. Allan McGregor and Joe Hart protect the nets. Hull City started in the thirty-fifth minute on a David Meyler goal. Hull City took yellow cards for an Ahmed Elmohamady offense in the sixtieth minute and a Michael Dawson foul in the sixty-eighth minute. Manchester City had yellow cards assessed to Samir Nasri in the seventy-eighth minute and Fernandinho for a foul in the eighty-fifth minute. Hull City's Tom Huddlestone was given a yellow card for his foul in stoppage time, directly leading to the Manchester City equalizer on a free kick by James Milner. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Back in London, the Queens Park Rangers welcome Southampton. Fraser Forster and Robert Green are between the posts. QPR saw a yellow card for a Joey Barton foul in the fourteenth minute. In the fifty-eighth minute, Clint Hill of QPR took a yellow card for his foul. Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin received a yellow card for his foul in the seventy-fifth minute. Southampton got a late goal by Sadio Mane in stoppage time, made possible by Maya Yoshida. Southampton held on for the 1-0 win.

Out in Wales, Swansea City brings in Sunderland. Costel Pantilimon and Lukasz Fabianski are the goalies with interesting names. Swansea City saw yellow cards for a fifteenth minute Jack Cork foul and a thirty-first minute Nathan Dyer foul. In the forty-second minute, Sunderland struck first with a Jermain Defoe goal, via Liam Bridcutt. Bridcutt took a yellow card in the forty-ninth minute for a foul for Sunderland. In the sixty-sixth minute, Swansea City tied it on a Ki Sung-Yueng header goal, passed from Kyle Naughton on a cross. Sebastian Larsson of Sunderland took a yellow card for a hand ball in the seventy-first minute. Swansea City saw a yellow card given to Naughton in the seventy-fifth minute. Sunderland had two more yellow cards for Jordi Gomez in the seventy-seventh minute and Steven Fletcher in the eighty-eighth minute, both for fouls. The game ended 1-1.

Finally, Everton hosts Liverpool in a classic Merseyside derby battle. Simon Mignolet and Joel Robles guard the woodwork. Everton had a yellow card for a thirty-seventh minute foul by James McCarthy. Everton took two yellow cards in the second half for a seventy-second minute Bryan Oviedo foul and a Jordan Henderson offense in the seventy-eighth minute. The game ended in a scoreless draw.

On Sunday, the first game had Burnley welcoming West Bromwich Albion. Ben Foster and Tom Heaton are given the starting nods in goal. Burnley struck first in the eleventh minute with an Ashley Barnes header set up by Danny Ings. Burnley added on in the thirty-second minute as Ings scored, thanks to George Boyd's cross. In the fortieth minute, Chris Baird of West Brom took a yellow card for his foul. In first half stoppage time, Chris Brunt got West Brom on the board with a header goal made possible by Callum McManaman on a cross after a corner kick. West Brom took yellow cards for a forty-eighth minute Claudio Yacob foul and a Brown Ideye foul in the sixty-fourth minute. West Brom tied it on a sixty-seventh minute Ideye header goal, set up by Brunt on a cross after a corner kick. West Brom saw another yellow card given to Craig Dawson in the eighty-fifth minute. The final held at 2-2.

Next up, Newcastle United brings in Stoke City. Asmir Begovic and Tim Krul are the goalies. Stoke City took three straight yellow cards, going to Victor Moses in the fifteenth minute, Stephen Ireland in the twenty-third minute, and Glenn Whelan in the thirty-third minute, all for fouls. In the thirty-fifth minute, Sammy Ameobi of Newcastle United took a yellow card for his foul. Jack Colback of Newcastle United had a yellow card for his fifty-third minute foul. Newcastle United opened the scoring on a Colback goal in the seventy-fourth minute, passed from Moussa Sissoko. In the eighty-ninth minute, Stoke City's Marc Muniesa received a yellow card for his foul. Stoke City tied it on a ninetieth minute Peter Crouch header goal, made possible by Geoff Cameron's cross. The game ended at 1-1.

Finally, West Ham United hosts Manchester United. David de Gea and Adrian occupy the six-yard boxes. Manchester United took a yellow card in the forty-third minute for a Marcos Rojo offense. West Ham United got going in the forty-ninth minute with a Cheikhou Kouyate goal after a set piece. West Ham United saw yellow cards assessed for Alexandre Song in the seventy-third minute for a foul and Adrian in the eightieth minute. Manchester United took a yellow card for a Luke Shaw foul in the eighty-third minute. Manchester United tied it in stoppage time with a Daley Blind goal after a set piece. Manchester United went down a man a minute later when Shaw took a second yellow card for a foul. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

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NHL February 7th, 2015

Eleven games today, beginning in...

Nashville, as the Predators host the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot is mismatched with Pekka Rinne in goal. New York got going in the second period on a Rick Nash power play goal, his thirty-third of the season, powered by Derick Brassard and Kevin Hayes. Nashville tied it on a Roman Josi goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Gabriel Bourque and Calle Jarnkrok. The Predators took the lead with a Shea Weber goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Josi and Matt Cullen. The Rangers retied it with a third period goal by Ryan McDonagh, his fourth of the year, passed from Mats Zuccarello and Brassard. Nashville regained the lead on a Mike Ribeiro goal, his eleventh of the campaign, guided in by Seth Jones and Filip Forsberg. This made it 3-2, with the three stars going to Josi, Ribeiro, and Brassard.

Southeast to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Ben Bishop are the relatively young goalies. Los Angeles opened in the first period on a Tyler Toffoli goal, his fourteenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Kings added on with a Justin Williams goal, his fourteenth of the year, coming off of Trevor Lewis and Jake Muzzin. Los Angeles extended the lead as Drew Doughty scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Robyn Regehr and Anze Kopitar. Andrei Vasilevskiy came on for Bishop in the second period. Tampa Bay got on the board with an unassisted Nikita Kucherov goal, his nineteenth of the year. The Lightning pulled closer in the third period on a Victor Hedman goal, his seventh of the season, with a lone assist by Ryan Callahan. The Kings wrapped it up at 4-2 with Williams' second of the game and fifteenth of the year, via Marian Gaborik and Regehr. The three stars went to Williams, Regehr, and Doughty.

Up the coast, the Boston Bruins bring in the New York Islanders. Chad Johnson and Tuukka Rask draw the starts. New York started in the first period on a John Tavares power play goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, powered by Frans Nielsen and Travis Hamonic. Boston tied it on a Patrice Bergeron power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Bruins took the lead in the third period on a Loui Eriksson goal, his twelfth of the campaign, helped along by Carl Soderberg and Chris Kelly. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Rask (39 for 40 in saves), Eriksson, and Bergeron.

Continuing to Buffalo, where the Sabres host the Dallas Stars. Anders Lindback and Jhonas Enroth are the unknown goalies. Buffalo led off in the first period on a Tyler Myers goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Chris Stewart and Zemgus Girgensons. The Sabres added on with a Tyler Ennis power play goal in the second period, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Stewart and Matt Moulson. Buffalo extended the lead as Girgensons potted his fourteenth of the season, thanks to Nikita Zadorov and Stewart, the latter getting a sock trick. Dallas got on the board with a Tyler Seguin power play goal, his twenty-ninth of the year, assisted by John Klingberg and Jason Spezza. The Stars pulled closer in the third period on a Cody Eakin goal, his tenth of the campaign, with helpers from Klingberg and Ryan Garbutt. The three stars of the 3-2 game went to Girgensons, Stewart, and Klingberg.

Into Canada, where the Montreal Canadiens welcome the New Jersey Devils. Keith Kinkaid and Carey Price are in the blue paint. New Jersey began in the first period with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his eighteenth of the season, via Peter Harrold and Jaromir Jagr. Montreal tied it on a second period goal by Andrei Markov, his sixth of the year, a power play goal powered by P.K. Subban and David Desharnais. The Canadiens took the lead on a Lars Eller power play goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Subban. Montreal added on with a Tomas Plekanec power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, fueled by Subban, who got a sock trick, and Sergei Gonchar. The Devils got one back in the third period on a Jacob Josefson goal, his third of the season, helped along by Tuomo Ruutu and Marek Zidlicky. The Canadiens replied on a Plekanec goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the year, passed from Brendan Gallagher and Markov. Montreal extended the lead on a Dale Weise goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Max Pacioretty and Desharnais. The Canadiens wrapped it up at 6-2 with another Weise goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, with assists provided by Pacioretty and Desharnais, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars went to Plekanec, Weise, and Markov, while Subban, Desharnais, and Pacioretty get the honorable mentions.

West to Ontario, where the Ottawa Senators bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney and Robin Lehner are the backups covering for injured starters. Columbus dented the scoreboard in the third period on a Cam Atkinson goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Scott Hartnell and Ryan Johansen. The Blue Jackets added on with a Nick Foligno goal, his twenty-first of the year, courtesy of Cody Goloubef. Ottawa got on the board with an Erik Condra goal, his fifth of the season, going in unassisted. Columbus shot back on a Hartnell empty net goal, his twelfth of the year, set up by David Savard and Atkinson. The Blue Jackets finished it at 4-1 with a Mark Letestu goal, his sixth of the campaign, via Jared Boll and Matt Calvert. The three stars belonged to Atkinson, McElhinney (34 for 35 in saves), and Hartnell.

Staying in the province, the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Edmonton Oilers. Viktor Fasth and James Reimer occupy the creases. Toronto was first to score in the second period on a Richard Panik power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Peter Holland and Jake Gardiner. The Maple Leafs added on with a Phil Kessel goal, his twenty-first of the year, guided in by Gardiner and Cody Franson. Toronto extended the lead as Morgan Rielly scored his fifth of the season, an unassisted. The Maple Leafs padded the lead in the third period on a Mike Santorelli goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Nazem Kadri. Toronto kept going on a Holland goal, his ninth of the campaign, via Stephane Robidas. Edmonton got on the board with a Luke Gazdic goal, made possible by Rob Klinkhammer and Oscar Klefbom. This made it a 5-1 final, with the three stars going to Holland, Gardiner, and Reimer (31 for 32 in saves).

Way southwest to Arizona, where the Coyotes welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek and Mike Smith receive the starting nods. Detroit struck first in the second period on a Riley Sheahan power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Tatar. The Red Wings added on in the third period with a Tatar goal, his twenty-third of the year, via Darren Helm. Arizona got on the board with an Oliver Ekman-Larsson goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by David Moss and Keith Yandle. Detroit iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Helm, his eleventh of the year, set up by Tatar and Niklas Kronwall. The three stars were given to Tatar, Mrazek (22 for 23 in saves), and Helm.

Backtracking to Minnesota, where the Wild bring in the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Devan Dubnyk are between the pipes. Minnesota opened in the first period on a Charlie Coyle goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Marco Scandella and Nino Niederreiter. This held up for a 1-0 win, with the three stars belonging to Dubnyk (18 save shutout), Coyle, and Varlamov (28 for 29 in saves).

Westward to Vancouver, where the Canucks host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Thomas Greiss and Ryan Miller are the masked men. Vancouver started in the first period on an Alexandre Burrows power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Radim Vrbata and Alexander Edler. The Canucks added on with a Bo Horvat goal, his fifth of the year, with a lone assist by Derek Dorsett. Vancouver extended the lead in the second period as Shawn Matthias scored his ninth of the season, thanks to Vrbata. The Canucks padded the lead on a Zack Kassian goal, his third of the year, coming off of Linden Vey. Vancouver won 5-0 with a third period goal by Daniel Sedin, his eleventh of the campaign, a power play goal made possible by Burrows and Henrik Sedin. The three stars were given to Miller (31 save shutout), Burrows, and Vrbata.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Antti Niemi are the veteran goalies. Carolina led off in the first period on an Eric Staal goal, his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Jiri Tlusty and Jordan Staal. The Hurricanes added on in the second period with an Andrej Nestrasil goal, his second of the year, coming off of Alexander Semin and Andrej Sekera. San Jose got on the board with a Tomas Hertl goal, his ninth of the campaign, passed from Chris Tierney and Andrew Desjardins. Carolina shot back on an Elias Lindholm power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Justin Faulk. The Sharks replied with a Hertl goal in the third period, his second of the game and tenth of the year, with assists provided by Scott Hannan and Tierney. San Jose tied it on a Logan Couture goal, his nineteenth of the campaign, fueled by Matt Tennyson and Patrick Marleau. The Hurricanes regained the lead on a Sekera goal, his second of the season, helped along by Jay McClement and Faulk. Carolina extended the lead with an empty net goal by Victor Rask, his eighth of the year, set up by Lindholm and Faulk, the latter getting a sock trick. The Sharks got one back with a Marleau goal, his eleventh of the campaign, pushed through by Joe Thornton and Hertl. This made it 5-4, the final, with the three stars going to Sekera, Hertl, and Faulk, while Tierney, Lindholm, and Marleau get honorable mentions.

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KHL February 7th, 2015

Four games today, beginning in...

Mytishchi, where Atlant hosts Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Artyom Artemyev are set to start in goal. Mytishchi was first to score in the first period on a Vyacheslav Leshchenko goal, coming off of Albert Yarullin and Vyacheslav Kozlov. Yekaterinburg tied it on an unassisted power play goal by Sami Lepisto. Avotmobilist took the lead on a second period goal by Alexander Nesterov, with a lone assist by Eduard Lewandowski. Atlant tied it on an Anton Babchuk power play goal in the third period, powered by Maxim Potapov and Artyom Chernov. Avtomobilist won 3-2 in the shootout with a pair of goals by Aaron Palushaj to top an Alexander Yunkov.

South to Podolsk, where Vityaz welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Ilya Proskuryakov and Harri Sateri are the masked men. Podolsk got going in the second period on an Alexander Kucheryavenko goal, via Anton Korolyov and Georgy Berdyukov. Vityaz added on with a Nikita Vyglazov goal in the third period, passed from Mario Kempe. Vladivostok got on the board with a Konstantin Makarov power play goal, powered by Fyodor Belyakov and Ilya Zubov. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Sateri (30 for 31 in saves), Vyglazov, and Kucheryavenko.

Westward to Minsk, as Dinamo brings in Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Barry Brust and Lars Haugen are the solid goalies. Minsk dented the scoreboard in the second period on an unassisted Charles Linglet goal. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it on a Nikita Gusev goal, going in unassisted. Dinamo retook the lead on a Linglet goal in the third period, his second of the game, via Matt Ellison and Ryan Vesce. Minsk iced it at 3-1 on an Ellison empty net goal, set up by Linglet. The three stars were Linglet, Haugen (30 for 31 in saves), and Ellison.

Finally, Dinamo Riga hosts Traktor Chelyabinsk. Vasily Demchenko and Jeff Deslauriers are in the creases. Riga struck first in the first period on a Ginta Meija goal, assisted by Aleksandrs Jerofejevs. Chelyabinsk tied it in the second period on an unassisted Francis Pare. Traktor took the lead on a Konstantin Panov goal, fueled by Oleg Piganovich and Martin Ruzicka. Chelyabinsk added on with a Maxim Kondratyev goal, with a lone assist by Ruzicka. Dinamo pulled back with a Kristaps Sotnieks goal, helped along by Rodrigo Abols and Meija. Traktor finished it at 4-2 in the third period with a Ruzicka empty net goal, set up by Panov and Deron Quint. The three stars were given to Ruzicka, Panov, and Meija.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL February 6th, 2015

Five games tonight. I would like to inform everyone that tomorrow's posts will be late. I am volunteering at the local Special Olympics all day and will not be back to begin working on these until the evening. Today's games begin in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Cory Schneider are in the blue paint. New Jersey began in the first period on a Tuomo Ruutu goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Mark Fraser and Jordin Tootoo. The Devils added on with a Patrik Elias goal in the second period, his seventh of the year, assisted by Travis Zajac and Jon Merrill. New Jersey extended the lead on a Steve Bernier goal, his ninth of the season, passed from Adam Larsson and Scott Gomez. Toronto got on the board with a third period Tyler Bozak power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Phil Kessel and Jake Gardiner. The Devils shot back on a Jaromir Jagr goal, his eleventh of the campaign, coming off of Larsson. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars given to Schneider (33 for 34 in saves), Larsson, and Elias.

Over in DC, the Washington Capitals welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Ilya Bryzgalov and Philipp Grubauer are the backups making spot starts. Anaheim was first to score in the first period on a Ryan Kesler power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Jakob Silfverberg and Hampus Lindholm. Washington tied it in the second period on a Jason Chimera goal, his fifth of the year, via Evgeny Kuznetsov and Troy Brouwer. The Capitals took the lead in the third period on a John Carlson goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Kuznetsov and Chimera. The Ducks retied it with a Corey Perry goal, his twenty-third of the year, with a lone assist by Kesler. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom topped Silfverberg for a 3-2 Capitals win. The three stars went to Kuznetsov, Chimera, and Kesler.

West to Columbus, as the Blue Jackets host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Curtis McElhinney are between the pipes. Columbus struck first in the first period on a Nick Foligno goal, his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Brandon Dubinsky and Corey Tropp. The Blue Jackets added on with a Cam Atkinson goal, his tenth of the year, via Scott Hartnell and Ryan Johansen. Columbus extended the lead as Johansen scored his twentieth of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Artem Anisimov. The Blue Jackets chased Elliott with a Tropp goal, his first of the year, coming off of Fedor Tyutin and Foligno. Jake Allen came on in relief. St. Louis got on the board with a Paul Stastny power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Jay Bouwmeester and Carl Gunnarsson. Columbus answered on a Foligno goal, his second of the game and twentieth of the year, fueled by James Wisniewski and Dubinsky. The Blue Jackets padded the lead in the third period on a Matt Calvert goal, his seventh of the season, helped along by Jack Johnson and Jared Boll. Columbus finished it at 7-1 with a Hartnell goal, his eleventh of the year, with a lone helper from Johansen. The three stars belonged to Foligno, Johansen, and Tropp, while Dubinsky and Hartnell get the honorable mentions.

Up in Winnipeg, the Jets bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Michael Hutchinson protect the nets. Winnipeg led off in the first period on a Mark Scheifele goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Mathieu Perreault. Chicago tied it on a second period goal by Patrick Kane, his twenty-sixth of the year, made possible by Brad Richards and Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks won 2-1 in overtime with a Brandon Saad goal, his sixteenth of the campaign, assisted by Kane and Michal Rozsival. The three stars were handed to Kane, Crawford (20 for 21 in saves), and Saad.

Finally, the Calgary Flames host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Jonas Hiller are the veteran goalies. Pittsburgh got going in the first period on a David Perron goal, his thirteenth of the season, courtesy of Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. The Penguins added on with a Brandon Sutter goal, his eleventh of the year, via Simon Despres and Rob Scuderi. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the second period on a Crosby goal, his sixteenth of the season, made possible by Kunitz and Perron. The Penguins wrapped it up at 4-0 on a Crosby goal in the third period, his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, coming off of Kunitz, who got a sock trick, and Kris Letang. The three stars were given to Fleury (21 save shutout), Crosby, and Kunitz, while Perron gets an honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL February 6th, 2015

Four games today, beginning in...

Omsk, with Avangard hosting Jokerit Helsinki. Henrik Karlsson and Konstantin Barulin are given the starting nods. Omsk opened in the first period on a Sergei Kalinin power play goal, powered by Alexander Perezhogin. Helsinki tied it on a Ryan Gunderson power play goal, with a lone assist by Daine Todd. Avangard took the lead on a second period power play goal by Sergei Shirokov, coming off of Denis Parshin. Omsk added on with a Sergei Goncharov goal, fueled by Kirill Lyamin and Ivan Nepryayev. Jokerit got one back in the third period as Steve Moses scored, thanks to Gunderson. Avangard shot back on a Shirokov goal, his second of the game, assisted by Parshin and Anton Kuryanov. Helsinki pulled back with a Moses goal, his second of the game, via Todd. This produced a 4-3 final, with the three stars going to Shirokov, Moses, and Gunderson, while Todd and Parshin get honorable mentions.

Southwest to Sochi, where the Leopards welcome Sibir Novosibirsk. Nikita Bespalov and Andrei Gavrilov are in the blue paint. Sochi got going in the second period on an Ilya Krikunov goal, passed from Igor Ignatushkin and Nikita Shchitov. Novosibirsk tied it on a Renat Mamashev goal, assisted by Oleg Gubin and Sergei Shumakov. The Leopards took the lead on a Krikunov shorthanded goal, set up by Ignatushkin. Sochi added on with a Max Warn goal, via Mikhail Anisin and Pyotr Schastlivy. The Leopards extended the lead as Schastlivy scored, thanks to Anisin. Sochi padded the lead in the third period on an Evgeny Lapenkov goal, coming off of Shchitov and Igor Radulov. The Leopards continued on an Ignatushkin goal, made possible by Andrei Kostitsyn and Krikunov. Sochi kept going with a Shchitov goal, fueled by Krikunov and Kostitsyn. Sibir got one back with a Maxim Shalunov, a power play goal powered by Vladimir Butuzov. Novosibirsk pulled closer with an Artyom Voroshilo goal, with assists provided by Jarno Koskiranta and Viktor Bobrov. The three stars in the 7-3 game were Krikunov, Ignatushkin, and Shchitov, while Schastlivy, Anisin, and Kostitsyn get the honorable mentions.

Up in Cherepovets, Severstal brings in Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Rafael Khakimov and Jakub Stepanek are the masked men. Cherepovets started in the first period on an Evgeny Mons goal, guided in by Dmitry Kagarlitsky. Severstal added on in the second period as Anatoly Nikontsev scored, with the help of Nikolai Stasenko and Vadim Berdnikov. Cherepovets extended the lead in the third period on a Sergei Monakhov goal, coming off of Nikontsev. This was good for a 3-0 win, with the three stars given to Nikontsev, Stepanek (18 save shutout), and Mons.

Finally, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod hosts Barys Astana. Jan Laco and Ivan Kasutin draw the starts. Astana dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Konstantin Pushkaryov goal, fueled by Oskars Bartulis and Andrei Gavrilin. Nizhny Novgorod tied it on a Jarkko Immonen power play goal in the third period, powered by Wojtek Wolski and Gennady Stolyarov. Torpedo took the lead on a Sakari Salminen goal, via Wolski and Immonen. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars handed to Immonen, Kasutin (19 for 20 in saves), and Wolski.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL February 5th, 2015

Nine games on tonight, beginning in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Jhonas Enroth are the young goalies. St. Louis dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Dmitrij Jaskin goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Chris Butler and Ty Rattie. The Blues added on with a Vladimir Tarasenko goal in the third period, his twenty-seventh of the year, passed from David Backes and Alexander Steen. St. Louis iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Jaden Schwartz, his nineteenth of the campaign, set up by Paul Stastny and Allen. The three stars went to Allen (23 save shutout), Jaskin, and Tarasenko.

Down in Philadelphia, the Flyers welcome the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Steve Mason are the veteran goalies. Philadelphia led off in the first period on a Nick Schultz goal, his second of the season, with a lone assist by Vincent Lecavalier. The Flyers added on in the second period as Chris VandeVelde goal, his eighth of the year, thanks to Lecavalier and Andrew MacDonald. New York got on the board with a Mikhail Grabovski goal, his eighth of the season, going in unassisted. The Islanders tied it on a Cal Clutterbuck goal, his fifth of the year, assisted by Brock Nelson and Thomas Hickey. In the shootout, Frans Nielsen and Wayne Simmonds traded goals, and then Clutterbuck gave New York a 3-2 win, and the three stars were Clutterbuck, Lecavalier, and Grabovski.

Into Ontario, as the Ottawa Senators bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Robin Lehner are set to start in goal. Ottawa got going in the second period on a Kyle Turris goal, his tenth of the season, guided in by Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman. Washington tied it on an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Brooks Orpik and Tom Wilson. The Capitals took the lead on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his thirty-second of the campaign, fueled by Jay Beagle and Marcus Johansson. This held up for a 2-1 win, and the three stars belonged to Holtby (25 for 26 in saves), Ovechkin, and Kuznetsov.

Way south to Florida, where the Panthers host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Roberto Luongo protect the nets. Florida began in the first period on an Aleksander Barkov goal, his seventh of the season, via Brad Boyes and Jonathan Huberdeau. Los Angeles tied it as Jamie McBain scored, his third of the year, courtesy of Dustin Brown and Marian Gaborik. The Kings took the lead in the third period on a Gaborik power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Anze Kopitar and Brown. The Panthers tied it on a Nick Bjugstad goal, his seventeenth of the year, going in unassisted. Florida took the lead with a Brandon Pirri goal, his ninth of the campaign, passed from Tomas Fleischmann and Dmitry Kulikov. This was good for a 3-2 win, with the three stars given to Gaborik, Pirri, and Brown.

Northwest to Nashville, as the Predators welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and Pekka Rinne are the reliable goalies. Anaheim struck first in the first period on a Jakob Silfverberg shorthanded and unassisted goal, his seventh of the season. The Ducks added on with a Sami Vatanen goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Clayton Stoner and Rickard Rakell. Anaheim extended the lead as Matt Beleksey scored in the second period, his twentieth of the season, coming off of Rakell and Francois Beauchemin. The Ducks padded the lead as Silfverberg scored his second of the game and eighth of the year, thanks to Cam Fowler and Eric Brewer. Nashville got on the board in the third period on a Colin Wilson goal, his seventeenth of the season, fueled by Victor Bartley and Seth Jones. The Predators got closer on a power play goal by James Neal, his seventeenth of the year, powered by Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Anaheim iced it at 5-2 on a Corey Perry empty net goal, his twenty-second of the campaign, set up by Ryan Kesler and Andrew Cogliano. The three stars went to Silfverberg, Andersen (44 for 46 in saves), and Rakell.

Southwest to Dallas, as the Stars bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Kari Lehtonen receive the starting nods. Tampa Bay started in the first period on a Steven Stamkos goal, his twenty-eighth of the season, courtesy of Ryan Callahan and Mark Barberio. The Lightning added on with a Victor Hedman goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone assist by Stamkos. Dallas got on the board in the second period on a John Klingberg goal, his tenth of the season, passed from Tyler Seguin and Alex Goligoski. The Stars tied it on a Goligoski goal, his second of the year, assisted by Vernon Fiddler and Shawn Horcoff. Tampa Bay took the lead back on a Tyler Johnson goal, his eighteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Nikita Kucherov and Alex Killorn. Dallas tied it again on a Trevor Daley goal, his thirteenth of the year, via Jamie Benn and Jason Demers. The Lightning pulled ahead on Johnson's second of the game and nineteenth of the season, with assists provided by Brian Boyle and Ondrej Palat. Tampa Bay finished it on an empty net goal by Kucherov, his eighteenth of the year, set up by Palat. The final was 5-3, and the three stars went to Johnson, Stamkos, and Goligoski, while Kucherov and Palat get the honorable mentions.

Continuing to Colorado, where the Avalanche host the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek and Semyon Varlamov make the starts in goal. Detroit got going in the second period on a Justin Abdelkader power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Henrik Zetterberg and Gustav Nyquist. The Red Wings added on with a third period empty net goal by Darren Helm, his tenth of the year, set up by Tomas Tatar and Pavel Datsyuk. Detroit extended the lead as Luke Glendening scored his seventh of the campaign, an empty net goal coming off of Kyle Quincey. This made it a 3-0 final, with the three stars going to Mrazek (28 save shutout), Abdelkader, and Varlamov (26 for 27 in saves).

Down in Arizona, the Coyotes welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Mike Smith are the mediocre goalies. Carolina struck first in the first period on a Victor Rask goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Ron Hainsey and John-Michael Liles. Arizona tied it on a David Moss goal, via Keith Yandle and Kyle Chipchura. The tie lasted to a shootout, where the Hurricanes won 2-1 with a lone tally by Elias Lindholm. The three stars were Ward (28 for 29 in saves), Smith (40 for 41 in saves), and Lindholm.

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks bring in the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Ryan Miller guard the cages. San Jose was first to score in the first period on a Matt Irwin goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Matt Tennyson and Logan Couture. The Sharks added on in the second period as Melker Karlsson scored his ninth of the year, thanks to Brent Burns. San Jose extended the lead with a power play goal by Joe Pavelski, his twenty-eighth of the season, powered by Couture and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks padded the lead with a Chris Tierney goal in the third period, assisted by Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Vancouver got on the board with a Radim Vrbata goal, his twentieth of the year, guided in by Ryan Stanton. San Jose iced it at 5-1 on an Andrew Desjardins goal, his third of the campaign, set up by Tierney and Daniil Tarasov. The three stars went to Tierney, Couture, and Burns.

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KHL February 5th, 2015

Three games today, beginning in...

Khanty-Mansiysk, with Yugra hosting Lada Togliatti. Evgeny Ivannikov and Barry Brust are in the blue paint. Khanty-Mansiysk was first to score in the first period on an Ivan Yatsenko goal, coming off of Nikita Gusev. Togliatti tied it second period on a Fedor Fedorov goal, passed from Dmitry Vorobyov and Alexander Streltsov. Yugra won 2-1 in the shootout with a Nikolai Lemtyugov goal. The three stars were Brust (33 for 34 in saves), Ivannikov (26 for 27 in saves), and Yatsenko.

Over to Nizhnekamsk, where Neftekhimik welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Ivan Nalimov and Ville Kolppanen are between the pipes. Nizhnekamsk got going in the second period on an Igor Polygalov goal, assisted by Maxim Berezin and Evgeny Ryasensky. Vladivostok tied it in the third period on a Vladislav Ushenin goal, coming off of Vyacheslav Ushenin. Neftekhimik took the lead back on a Dan Sexton goal, with a lone assist by Yegor Milovzorov. Nizhnekamsk added on with a power play goal by Evgeny Grigorenko, powered by Sexton and Alexander Yevseyenkov. Admiral got one back on a Konstantin Makarov goal, via Ilya Zubov and Ivan Glazkov. This produced a 3-2 final, with the three stars going to Sexton, Grigorenko, and Polygalov.

Finally, Dinamo Riga brings in Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakubs Kovar and Sedlacek are the goalies. Yekaterinburg struck first in the first period on an Artyom Gareyev goal, guided in by Dmitry Megalinsky. Riga tied it on a Mikelis Redlihs penalty shot goal, after he was hooked by Vitaly Popov. Avtomobilist took the lead back with a power play goal by Sergei Gusev, powered by Megalinsky. Yekaterinburg added on with a third period goal by Alexander Rybakov, via Alexander Loginov. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Kovar (21 for 22 in saves), Megalinsky, and Gusev.

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