Premier League Week 26

Another wave of games, beginning with Saturday's seven, the first of which has...

Aston Villa host Stoke City. Asmir Begovic and Brad Guzan are in the six-yards boxes. Aston Villa led off in the twentieth minute with a Scott Sinclair header goal, made possible by Fabian Delph on a cross after a corner kick. Stoke City had a yellow card go to Philipp Wollscheid in the thirty-fifth minute for a foul. Stoke City tied it in the forty-fifth minute on a Mame Biram Diouf header goal, coming off of Stephen Ireland's cross. In the fifty-ninth minute, Carlos Sanchez of Aston Villa took a yellow card for a foul. Stoke City's Glenn Whelan took a yellow card for his foul at the sixty-three minute mark. Aston Villa saw a yellow card go to Ron Vlaar in the ninetieth minute for his foul, followed by a stoppage time ejection of Vlaar for his second yellow card-worthy foul, which led to a Victor Moses penalty kick goal for Stoke City, giving them the 2-1 win after a later Jonathan Walters yellow card.

In London, Chelsea welcomes Burnley. Tom Heaton and Thibaut Courtois are given the starting nods in goal. Chelsea struck first in the fourteenth minute on a Branislav Ivanovic goal, passed from Eden Hazard. In the forty-first minute, George Boyd of Burnley took a yellow card for a foul. Burnley had another yellow card for a Michael Kightly offense at the sixty-two minute mark. Discipline came Chelsea's way with a seventieth minute red card booting Nemanja Matic from the game for fighting, as well as giving Ivanovic a yellow card a minute later. In the eighty-first minute, Burnley pulled level on a Ben Mee header goal, via Kieran Trippier's cross after a corner kick. The result stayed at 1-1.

Staying in the city, Crystal Palace brings in Arsenal. David Ospina and Julian Speroni are the reliable goalies. Arsenal began in the eighth minute with a penalty kick goal by Santiago Cazorla. In the nineteenth minute, Jordon Mutch of Crystal Palace took a yellow card. Arsenal had a yellow card go to Francis Coquelin in the twenty-eighth minute for a foul. Arsenal added on with an Olivier Giroud goal in first half stoppage time. In the fifty-sixth minute, Giroud took a yellow card for his foul for Arsenal, followed by a Calum Chambers yellow card in the eighty-fifth minute. Crystal Palace got on the board with a Glenn Murray stoppage time goal after a corner kick. The final stood for Arsenal at 2-1.

Up to Hull City hosting the Queens Park Rangers. Robert Green and Allan McGregor are the keepers. Hull City opened in the sixteenth minute with a Nikica Jelavic goal after a set piece. In the thirty-second minute, QPR went down a man for Joey Barton picking a fight and receiving a red card, followed by a yellow card assessed to Darnell Furlong for his foul. In the thirty-ninth minute, QPR equalized with a Charlie Austin header goal, set up by Matthew Phillips on a cross. QPR took three yellow cards in the second half: Bobby Zamora's foul in the fifty-eighth minute, Mauro Zarate's foul in the seventy-fifth minute, and an eightieth minute foul by Phillips. Hull City retook the lead in the eighty-ninth minute on a Dame N'Doye header goal, passed from Robbie Brady on a cross. Hull City won 2-1.

Next up, Sunderland welcomes West Bromwich Albion. Ben Foster and Costel Pantilimon are between the posts. West Brom's Joleon Lescott took a yellow card for his foul in the fifth minute. In the eleventh minute, Ricardo Alvarez of Sunderland had a yellow card for a foul. West Brom took another yellow card in the twenty-ninth minute for a Craig Dawson foul. The last hour of the game was cleanly played and scoreless, with the final at 0-0.

Out in Wales, Swansea City brings in Manchester United. David de Gea and Lukasz Fabianski are the gloved men. Manchester United started in the twenty-eighth minute on an Ander Herrera goal, coming off of Angel Di Maria. Swansea City tied it as Ki Sung-Yueng scored in the thirtieth minute, thanks to Jonjo Shelvey's cross. In the forty-fifth minute, Marouane Fellaini took a yellow card for his foul for Manchester United. Phil Jones of Manchester United had a yellow card in the forty-eighth minute. Swansea City gained the lead in the seventy-third minute on a Bafetimbi Gomis goal, set up by Shelvey. In the eighty-fourth minute, Ashley Young of Manchester United received a yellow card for a foul. Swansea City had two yellow cards given out late, going to Ashley Williams for an eighty-eighth minute foul and to Shelvey for his foul in stoppage time. Swansea City won 2-1.

Finally, Manchester City closes out Saturday by hosting Newcastle United. Tim Krul and Joe Hart are the goalies with short names. Newcastle United had a yellow card for a foul in the first minute for Vurnon Anita. Manchester City was first to score on a second minute penalty kick by Sergio Aguero. Manchester City added on with a Samir Nasri goal in the twelfth minute. Manchester City extended the lead as Edin Dzeko scored in the twenty-first minute, thanks to a David Silva through ball. In the twenty-ninth minute, Jack Colback of Newcastle United receive a yellow card. Manchester City's Vincent Kompany took a yellow card in the thirty-seventh minute, as did Yaya Toure in the thirty-ninth minute, both for fouls. In the fifty-first minute, Manchester City padded the lead on a Silva goal, set up by Nasri. Manchester City kept going with a fifty-third minute goal by Silva, with an assist from Aguero. In the eighty-third minute, Dzeko took a yellow card for his handball. Manchester City won 5-0.

Sunday also starts in London, with Tottenham Hotspur welcoming West Ham United. Adrian Hugo Lloris are the goalies. West Ham United was first to score in the twenty-second minute on a Cheikhou Kouyate header goal, via Aaron Cresswell's cross. West Ham United took a yellow card for a Mark Noble foul in first half stoppage time. Cresswell took a yellow card in the fifty-first minute for a foul. West Ham United added on in the sixty-second minute with a Diafra Sakho goal, set up by a Noble cross. Tottenham Hotspur got on the board in the eighty-first minute on a Danny Rose goal after a corner kick. Tottenham Hotspur tied it as Harry Kane scored six minutes into second half stoppage time after a set piece. The tie stood up for a 2-2 final.

Up north, Everton brings in Leicester City. Mark Schwarzer and Tim Howard are set to start in goal. Leicester City took a yellow card for a twenty-fifth minute foul by Wes Morgan. Everton got going in the fifty-seventh minute on a Steven Naismith goal, coming off of Romelu Lukaku. Leicester City evened it with a David Nugent goal in the sixty-third minute. Leicester City gained the lead as Esteban Cambiasso scored in the seventieth minute. Everton retied it on an own goal from Matt Upson in the eighty-eighth minute. The final remained at 2-2.

Finally, Southampton hosts Liverpool. Simon Mignolet and Fraser Forster receive the starting nods. Liverpool led off in the third minute with a Philippe Coutinho goal, passed from Lazar Markovic. In the forty-third minute, Dejan Lovren of Liverpool had a yellow card for a foul. Southampton saw a yellow card for a sixty-third minute foul by Victor Wanyama. Liverpool added on with a Raheem Sterling goal in the seventy-third minute, going in unassisted. Liverpool took yellow cards for Alberto Moreno in the seventy-eighth minute and Jordan Henderson in the eighty-fourth minute, both for fouls. Southampton's Eljero Elia took a yellow card for his foul in stoppage time. Liverpool claimed a 2-0 victory.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Hockey February 21st, 2015

Twelve games on today, but with a distinct tilt in favor of the NHL. The only KHL game has...

Amur Khabarovsk host Admiral Vladivostok. Ilya Proskuryakov and Alexander Pechursky are in goal. Vladivostok opened in the first period on a Niclas Bergfors goal, with a lone assist by Ilya Zubov. Khabarovsk tied it in the second period as Ruslan Bashkirov scored, thanks to Vyacheslav Litovchenko. Admiral won 2-1 with a Konstantin Makarov goal, made possible by Tom Wandell. The three stars went to Proskuryakov (22 for 23 in saves), Makarov, and Bergfors.

Over in North America, the Washington Capitals welcome the New York Islanders. Chad Johnson is mismatched with Braden Holtby in goal. New York struck first in the first period on a Travis Hamonic goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of John Tavares and Josh Bailey. Washington tied it on a Matt Niskanen goal, his third of the year, via Nicklas Backstrom and Karl Alzner. The Capitals took the lead in the third period on an Eric Fehr goal, his seventeenth of the season, passed from Brooks Laich. The Islanders tied it again on a Ryan Strome goal, his thirteenth of the year, made possible by Anders Lee and Tavares. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Evgeny Kuznetsov scored to give Washington a 3-2 win. The three stars went to Holtby (30 for 32 in saves), Tavares, and Fehr.

Into Philadelphia, where the Flyers bring in the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne faces a lesser foe in Rob Zepp in goal. Philadelphia was first to score in the first period on a Wayne Simmonds goal, his twenty-third of the season, courtesy of Michael Del Zotto and Braydon Coburn. Nashville tied it as Colin Wilson scored his nineteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Flyers took the lead back on a Ryan White goal in the second period, his second of the season, assisted by R.J. Umberger and Brayden Schenn. The Predators retied it in the third period on a Craig Smith goal, his eighteenth of the year, passed from Mike Fisher and Matt Cullen. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Jakub Voracek and Simmonds gave the Flyers a 3-2 win. The three stars went to Simmonds, White, and Voracek.

At the normal times, the Edmonton Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Ben Scrivens are in the blue paint. Anaheim started in the first period on a Francois Beauchemin power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Rickard Rakell and Kyle Palmieri. Edmonton tied it in the second period on a Teddy Purcell goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Nail Yakupov and Derek Roy. The Ducks took the lead in the third period as Ryan Getzlaf scored his nineteenth of the season, thanks to Cam Fowler and Palmieri. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the three stars given to Gibson (26 for 27 in saves), Getzlaf, and Palmieri.

East to Montreal, where the Canadiens welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney and Carey Price receive the starting nods. Montreal led off in the first period on a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his twenty-eighth of the season, guided in by Andrei Markov and Brendan Gallagher. The Canadiens added on with a Pacioretty goal, his second of the game and twenty-ninth of the year, made possible by Nathan Beaulieu and David Desharnais. Columbus got on the board with a Nick Foligno goal, his twenty-third of the season, passed from Artem Anisimov and Marko Dano. Montreal iced it at 3-1 in the third period with a shorthanded empty net goal by Tomas Plekanec, his eighteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars were awarded to Pacioretty, Price (31 for 32 in saves), and Beaulieu.

Down in New Jersey, the Devils bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Anton Khudobin and Keith Kinkaid are the relatively unknown goalies. New Jersey began in the first period on a Tuomo Ruutu goal, his seventh of the season, passed from Adam Larsson and Scott Gomez. The Devils added on with an Adam Henrique goal, his twelfth of the year, going in unassisted. New Jersey extended the lead as Andy Greene scored, thanks to Jordin Tootoo and Michael Cammalleri. Cory Schneider relieved an injured Kinkaid about halfway through the second period. Carolina got on the board in the third period with a Jeff Skinner goal, his fourteenth of the season, made possible by Alexander Semin and John-Michael Liles. The final stood at 3-1, with the three stars going to Henrique, Greene, and Ruutu.

Back in Canada, the Ottawa Senators host the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Andrew Hammond are between the pipes. Florida struck first in the first period on an Aleksander Barkov goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Jonathan Huberdeau and Brian Campbell. Ottawa tied it on a Kyle Turris goal, his fourteenth of the year, coming off of Mark Stone and Milan Michalek. The Senators took the lead in the second period as Bobby Ryan scored his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Turris and Alex Chiasson. Ottawa added on in the third period with an Erik Karlsson goal, his fourteenth of the year, assisted by Michalek and Turris. The Senators iced it at 4-1 with a Curtis Lazar goal, his third of the campaign, made possible by Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Erik Condra. The three stars went to Turris, Hammond (21 for 22 in saves), and Michalek.

Across Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Jonathan Bernier protect the nets. Toronto opened in the first period on a shorthanded goal by Leo Komarov, his sixth of the season, set up by David Booth. Winnipeg tied it on a Jacob Trouba power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Drew Stafford and Mark Scheifele. The Jets took the lead on a Scheifele power play goal, his ninth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs tied it in the second period on a Daniel Winnik, his seventh of the year, fueled by Korbinian Holzer and Nazem Kadri. Winnipeg took the lead back on a Michael Frolik goal, his twelfth of the season, guided in by Stafford and Tyler Myers. Toronto retied it in the third period on a Kadri goal, his fifteenth of the year, guided in by Morgan Rielly and Winnik. The Maple Leafs won 4-3 in overtime on a James van Riemsdyk goal, his twenty-second of the campaign, assisted by Olli Jokinen and Rielly. The three stars were handed to Kadri, Winnik, and Scheifele, while Rielly and Winnik get honorable mentions.

Down in Dallas, the Stars bring in the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas started in the first period on a Jamie Benn goal, his twenty-third of the season, assisted by Jordie Benn and Colton Sceviour. Detroit tied it on a Gustav Nyquist goal, his twenty-first of the year, passed from Riley Sheahan and Alexey Marchenko. The Red Wings took the lead in the second period with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his eighteenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Stars retied it on a Trevor Daley goal, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Shawn Horcoff and Jamie Benn. Dallas took the lead as Cody Eakin scored his twelfth of the season, with the help of Daley and John Klingberg. The Stars added on with an Erik Cole goal, his seventeenth of the year, with assists provided by Jason Demers and Ryan Garbutt. Detroit got one back in the third period on a Jakub Kindl goal, his third of the season, fueled by Luke Glendening and Tomas Jurco. The Red Wings tied it with a Kindl goal, his second of the game and fourth of the year, with helpers from Tomas Tatar and Datsyuk. Dallas regained the lead on a Curtis McKenzie goal, his second of the season, made possible by Jordie Benn and Ales Hemsky. The Stars extended the lead as Horcoff scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal powered by Cole and Hemsky. Jonas Gustavsson replaced howard in goal. Detroit pulled back on a Justin Abdelkader goal, his thirteenth of the season, coming on the power play with a lone assist from Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings tied it on Datsyuk's second of the game and nineteenth of the year, helped along by Abdelkader and Nyquist. Detroit won 7-6 with a Kronwall goal in overtime, his seventh of the campaign, pushed through by Darren Helm and Datsyuk. The three stars were awarded to Datsyuk, Kronwall, and Kindl, while Nyquist, Tatar, Jamie Benn, Jordie Benn, Cole, Daley, Horcoff, and Hemsky get the honorable mentions.

Backtracking to St. Louis, where the Blues host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Thomas Greiss and Brian Elliott are set to start in goal. Pittsburgh led off in the first period with a Blake Comeau goal, his thirteenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Penguins added on with a Patric Hornqvist goal in the second period, his sixteenth of the year, coming on the power play from Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh extended the lead on a Comeau goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, made possible by Simon Despres and Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins padded the lead in the third period on a Brandon Sutter goal, his twelfth of the year, a power play goal, powered by Comeau and David Perron. St. Louis got on the board with a Dmitrij Jaskin goal, his ninth of the season, guided in by Jori Lehtera and Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues pulled closer on an Ian Cole goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Barret Jackman and Tarasenko. This only made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars being Comeau, Tarasenko, and Sutter.

Southwest to Arizona, where the Coyotes welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Mike Smith are given the starting nods. Arizona was first to score in the first period with a Michael Stone goal, his third of the season, fueled by Martin Erat and Lauri Korpikoski. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period as Ondrej Palat scored his thirteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Ryan Callahan and Anton Stralman. The Lightning took the lead on a Callahan goal, his eighteenth of the season, coming off of Mark Barberio and Stralman. Tampa Bay added on in the third period on a Palat goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, courtesy of Victor Hedman. The Coyotes got one back with a Mark Arcobello goal, his eleventh of the season, going in unassisted. The Lightning iced it at 4-2 with a power play empty net goal by Steven Stamkos, his thirty-second of the year, set up by Valtteri Filppula and Jason Garrison.

Finally, the day closes with the Stadium Series game in Santa Clara, California, where the San Jose Sharks bring in the Los Angeles Kings to Levi's Stadium. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi tend the twines. Los Angeles began in the first period on a Kyle Clifford goal, his third of the season, guided in by Jake Muzzin. San Jose tied it on a Brent Burns goal, his sixteenth of the year, via Tommy Wingels. The Kings took the lead in the third period on a Marian Gaborik goal, his seventeenth of the season, with a lone helper by Jeff Carter. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars given to Gaborik, Quick (31 for 32 in saves), and Clifford.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL February 20th, 2015

Seven games tonight, beginning in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the New York Rangers. MacKenzie Skapski and Michal Neuvirth are the unknown goalies. Buffalo opened in the first period on a Matt Moulson goal, his ninth of the season, guided in by Torrey Mitchell and Brian Gionta. New York tied it on a Carl Hagelin goal, his fourteenth of the year, via J.T. Miller and Dan Boyle. The Rangers took the lead in the second period on a Rick Nash goal, his thirty-seventh of the season, passed from Derick Brassard and Marc Staal. New York added on with a Mats Zuccarello goal, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Nash and Brassard. This was all they needed for a 3-1 win, with the three stars going to Nash, Brassard, and Skapski (24 for 25 in saves).

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Cam Ward are the overrated goalies. Carolina started in the first period on an Eric Staal power play goal, his eighteenth of the season, powered by Justin Faulk and Jiri Tlusty. Toronto tied it on a Brandon Kozun goal, made possible by David Booth and Peter Holland. The Hurricanes retook the lead on a Jordan Staal goal, his third of the year, via Tlusty and Eric Staal. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Eric Staal, Ward (23 for 24 in saves), and Tlusty.

Back north, the New Jersey Devils bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack faces former Canuck Cory Schneider in goal. New Jersey struck first in the first period on a Patrik Elias goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Adam Larsson and Adam Henrique. The Devils added on in the second period as Jordin Tootoo scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Larsson and the goalie Schneider. New Jersey extended the lead on a Michael Cammalleri goal, his nineteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Eric Gelinas and Scott Gomez. Vancouver got on the board with a Zack Kassian goal, his sixth of the year, with assists provided by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks pulled closer in the third period on a Kassian goal, his second of the game and seventh of the season, via Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. The Devils iced at 4-2 with a shorthanded empty net goal by Cammalleri goal, his second of the game and twentieth of the year, set up Larsson, who got a sock trick. The three stars were Cammalleri, Kassian, and Larsson, while the Sedin twins get the honorable mentions.

West to St. Louis, where the Blues host the Boston Bruins. Malcolm Subban and Jake Allen are the young goalies. Boston was first to score in the first period on a Brad Marchand goal, his seventeenth of the season, coming off of Patrice Bergeron and Reilly Smith. St. Louis tied it in the second period with a Petteri Lindbohm goal, via Carl Gunnarsson and Jaden Schwartz. The Blues took the lead on an Alex Pietrangelo goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Jay Bouwmeester and Alexander Steen. St. Louis added on with a T.J. Oshie goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Steen and Ian Cole. The Blues extended the lead as Vladimir Tarasenko scored his thirtieth of the year, thanks to Steen and Oshie on the power play. St. Louis padded the lead on another Tarasenko goal in the third period, his second of the game and thirty-first of the campaign, made possible by Schwartz and Jori Lehtera. This was all they needed for a 5-1 win, with the three stars being Tarasenko, Steen, and Oshie, while Schwartz gets the honorable mention.

Up in Chicago, the Blackhawks bring in the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Corey Crawford protect the nets. Colorado began in the first period on a Tyson Barrie goal, his eighth of the season, going in unassisted. Chicago tied it in the second period on a Kris Versteeg goal, his twelfth of the year, coming off of Brad Richards and Michal Rozsival. The Avalanche took the lead on a Gabriel Landeskog power play goal in the third period, his fifteenth of the season, powered by Ryan O'Reilly and Barrie. Colorado added on with a Barrie power play goal, his second of the ninth of the year, courtesy of Jarome Iginla and Landeskog. The Avalanche finished it at 4-1 with a Brad Stuart goal, his second of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were Barrie, Landeskog, and Varlamov (27 for 28 in saves).

Northwest to Calgary, where the Flames welcome the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Jonas Hiller are set to start in goal. Calgary led off in the first period on a Matt Stajan goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Joe Colborne. The Flames added on in the second period with a Lance Bouma goal, his twelfth of the year, passed from Dennis Wideman. Anaheim got on the board in the second period with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his ninth of the season, courtesy of Corey Perry and Josh Manson. The Ducks tied it in the third period as Francois Beauchemin scored his fifth of the year, assisted by Cogliano and Rickard Rakell. Anaheim took the lead with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his eighteenth of the season, made possible by Patrick Maroon and Hampus Lindholm. The Ducks extended their lead on a Kyle Palmieri goal, his twelfth of the year, going in unassisted. Anaheim padded the lead as Jakob Silfverberg scored his ninth of the season, thanks to Maroon and Getzlaf. Calgary got one back on a Sean Monahan goal, his twentieth of the year, a power play goal, powered by Curtis Glencross and Johnny Gaudreau. The Ducks finished it at 6-3 on a Lindholm empty net goal, his sixth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Getzlaf, Cogliano, and Lindholm, while Maroon gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Edmonton Oilers host the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk faces his first team and Ben Scrivens in goal. Minnesota dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Justin Fontaine goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Christian Folin and Zach Parise. The Wild added on with a Nino Niederreiter goal, his nineteenth of the year, made possible by Mikko Koivu and Jonas Brodin. Minnesota extended the lead as Jordan Schroeder scored his third of the season in the second period, thanks to Thomas Vanek and Koivu. The Wild padded the lead in the third period on another Fontaine goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, coming off of Parise and Mikael Granlund. The three stars were given to Fontaine, Dubnyk (15 save shutout), and Koviu, while Parise gets an honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL February 20th, 2015

Eleven games on today, beginning with...

Barys Astana hosting Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Andrei Kareyev and Jan Laco are in the blue paint. Astana struck first in the first period on a Brandon Bochenski goal, via Mike Lundin. Barys added on with a Nikita Mikhailis goal, coming off of Evgeny Blokhin. This stood for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Laco (30 save shutout), Bochenski and Mikhailis.

Up in Omsk, Avangard welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Nikita Bespalov is mismatched with Konstantin Barulin in goal. Omsk was first to score in the first period on a Felix Schutz penalty shot goal, after he was tripped by Jarno Koskiranta. Avangard added on as Alexander Popov scored, with a lone assist by Alexander Perezhogin. Omsk extended the lead in the third period a shorthanded goal by Kirill Lyamin, set up by Maxim Goncharov and Popov. This produced the 3-0 final, with the three stars given to Barulin (40 save shutout), Popov, and Schutz.

Further north, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk brings in Ak Bars Kazan. Emil Garipov and Barry Brust are the solid goalies. Khanty-Mansiysk began in the first period on a power play goal by Artyom Bulyansky, powered by Igor Magogin and Vitaly Sitnikov. Kazan tied it on an Artyom Lukoyanov goal in the third period, made possible by Igor Mirnov and Alexander Svitov. Ak Bars won 2-1 with a Mirnov tally in the shootout. The three stars went to Garipov (28 for 29 in saves), Mirnov, and Brust (40 for 41 in saves).

Over to Togliatti, where Lada hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Jeff Glass are the veteran goalies. Magnitogorsk opened in the first period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, assisted by Danis Zaripov and Jan Kovar. Metallurg added on with a Vladislav Kamenev goal, passed from Vladimir Malenkikh and Maxim Yakutsenya. Magnitogorsk extended the lead in the second period on a Mozyakin goal, fueled by Kovar and Chris Lee on the power play. Togliatti got on the board with a Martin Zatovic goal, courtesy of the goalie Glass and Semyon Valuisky. Alexei Semyonov replaced Glass in goal for the third period. Metallurg shot back in the third period on a Denis Platnov goal, made possible by Yakutsenya and Mikhail Yunkov. Lada pulled back on a Dmitry Vorobyov power play goal, powered by Karol Sloboda and Fedor Fedorov. Togliatti got closer with an Alexander Streltsov goal, with a lone assist by Vasily Streltsov. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Mozyakin, Kovar, and Yakutsenya.

South to Sochi, as the Leopards welcome Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Andrei Gavrilov are the goalies. Cherepovets started in the first period on an Evgeny Kovyrshin goal, coming off of Pavel Buchnevich. Sochi tied it on a Pyotr Schastlivy goal, guided in by Mikhail Anisin and Pavel Koledov. Severstal retook the lead on a Buchnevich goal, with a lone helper from Nikolai Kazakovtsev. Cherepovets added on with an unassisted goal by Marek Kvapil. Severstal extended the lead in the second period as Pavel Chernov scored, thanks to Maxim Trunyov and Dmitry Kagarlitsky. The Leopards answered in the third period on an Anisin goal, via Roman Derlyuk. Sochi edged closer on an Andre Petersson penalty shot goal, which he received after being tripped by Andrei Konev. The Leopards tied it as Max Warn scored, with the help of Anisin. Cherepovets won 5-4 with a lone shootout tally by Kagarlitsky. The three stars went to Buchnevich, Anisin, and Kagarlitsky.

Out west, Dinamo Minsk brings in Jokerit Helsinki. Henrik Karlsson and Dmitry Milchakov are between the pipes. Helsinki led off in the first period as Niklas Hagman scored, thanks to Niko Kapanen and Daine Todd. Minsk tied it in the second period on a Jonathan Cheechoo goal, guided in by Nick Bailen and Alexei Kalyuzhny. Dinamo took the lead with a Charles Linglet goal, passed from Alexander Kulakov and Oleg Goroshko. Minsk added on as Linglet scored his second of the game, with a lone assist by Kulakov. This held up for a 3-1 win, with the three stars handed to Linglet, Milchakov (31 for 32 in saves), and Kulakov.

Back east, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk hosts Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Ville Kolppanen are the masked men. Yekaterinburg struck first in the first period on an Aaron Palushaj goal, via Anatoly Golyshev. Avtomobilist added on with an Anton Lazarev goal, courtesy of Tobias Viklund and Sergei Yemelin. Nizhnekamsk got on the board with an Igor Polygalov power play goal, powered by Maxim Berezin and Andrei Ivanov. Neftekhimik tied it with a Maxim Rybin penalty shot goal, after he was hooked by Dmitry Megalinsky. Yekaterinburg retook the lead on a power play goal by Alexander Rybakov, made possible by Lazarev and Sami Lepisto. Nizhnekamsk retied it as Evgeny Grigorenko scored, thanks to Stanislav Kalashnikov and Matt Anderson on the power play. Alexander Sudnitsin replaced Kolppanen in the second period. Avtomobilist gained the lead on a second period goal by Golyshev, fueled by Artyom Gareyev. Yekaterinburg extended the lead with an Alexander Nesterov goal, going in unassisted. Neftekhimik got one back on a Pavel Kulikov goal, with a lone helper provided by Yaroslav Alshevsky. This was as close as it got, with the final at 5-4. The three stars went to Golyshev, Lazarev, and Nesterov.

A little west to Yaroslavl, where Lokomotiv welcomes Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Ivan Kasutin and Vitaly Kolesnik are occupying the creases. Yaroslavl was first to score in the first period on a Sergei Konkov goal, assisted by Jonas Holos and Andrei Loktionov. Lokomotiv added on with a Holos goal, guided in by Sergei Plotnikov and Yegor Averin. Nizhny Novgorod got on the board with a second period power play goal by Alexei Pepelyaev, powered by Jarkko Immonen. This only made it 2-1, the eventual final, with the three stars going to Holos, Kolesnik (28 for 29 in saves), and Konkov.

Along to the battle of Moscow, where Dynamo brings in CSKA. Ilya Sorokin and Alexander Lazushin are the backups making spot starts. CSKA led off in the first period with a Vladimir Zharkov goal, fueled by Evgeny Korotkov. Dynamo tied it in the third period on an unassisted goal by Alexei Tsvetkov. Dynamo won 2-1 in overtime on a Janne Jalasvaara goal, courtesy of Denis Kokarev and Dmitry Vishnevsky. The three stars went to Lazushin (29 for 30 in saves), Jalasvaara, and Tsvetkov.

Up in Mytishchi, Atlant hosts SKA St. Petersburg. Ilya Ezhov and Atte Engren draw the starts in goal. Mytishchi got going in the third period on an Igor Levitsky goal, coming off of Vitaly Novopashin and Artyom Chernov. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 1-0. The three stars were awarded to Engren (31 save shutout), Levitsky, and Ezhov (35 for 36 in saves).

Finally, Medvescak Zagreb hosts Dinamo Riga. Jeff Deslauriers faces a lesser foe in Mate Tomljenovic. Riga began in the first period on a Kaspars Saulietis goal, going in unassisted. Dinamo added on with a Linus Videll goal, courtesy of Brock Trotter and the goalie Deslauriers. Riga extended the lead on a Milan Jurcina goal, passed from Charles Genoway and Miks Indrasis. Calvin Heeter replaced Tomljenovic in the second period. Zagreb got on the board with an Edwin Hedberg goal in the second period, made possible by Bill Thomas and Pascal Pelletier. This produced the 3-1 final, with the three stars given to Deslauriers (24 for 25 in saves), Videll, and Jurcina.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL February 19th, 2015

Seven games on tonight, beginning in...

New York, as the Islanders host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Jaroslav Halak guard the cages. New York began in the first period on a Brian Strait goal, his second of the season, made possible by Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner. The Islanders added on with a Johnny Boychuk goal, his sixth of the year, coming off of Nick Leddy and Grabner. New York extended the lead as John Tavares scored a power play goal, his twenty-ninth of the season, powered by Leddy and Boychuk. Nashville got on the board with a Filip Forsberg goal, his twentieth of the year, via Roman Josi and Craig Smith. The Predators pulled closer in the second period on a James Neal goal, his twenty-first of the season, fueled by Mike Ribeiro and Josi. The Islanders shot back in the third period on a Leddy goal, his eighth of the year, passed from Colin McDonald and Matt Martin. New York finished it at 5-2 with a Josh Bailey goal, his twelfth of the campaign, guided in by Tavares and Anders Lee. The three stars were Leddy, Boychuk, and Tavares, while Grabner and Josi get the honorable mentions.

Downtown, the New York Rangers welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller faces a lesser foe in Cam Talbot in goal. New York struck first in the first period on a Derek Stepan goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Martin St. Louis and Dan Girardi. Vancouver tied it in the second period as Shawn Matthias scored his fourteenth of the year, thanks to Jannik Hansen and Ronalds Kenins. The Rangers retook the lead on a Rick Nash goal, his thirty-sixth of the season, assisted by Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. The Canucks tied it again with a Bo Horvat goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Kenins and Hansen. Vancouver gained the lead in the third period on a Henrik Sedin power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Adam Clendening and Daniel Sedin. New York tied it on a St. Louis goal, his sixteenth of the year, helped along by Stepan and Carl Hagelin. The Rangers took the lead again on a Hagelin goal, his thirteenth of the season, passed from Girardi. The Canucks tied it again as Henrik Sedin scored his second of the game and twelfth of the year, made possible by Dan Hamhuis and Daniel Sedin. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Alexandre Burrows and Radim Vrbata scored to give Vancouver the 5-4 win. The three stars went to Henrik Sedin, St. Louis, and Stepan, while Girardi, Hansen, Kenins, Daniel Sedin, and Hagelin receive the honorable mentions.

Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Michal Neuvirth and Ray Emery are the subpar goalies. Buffalo was first to score in the first period on a Nicolas Deslauriers goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Brian Flynn and Rasmus Ristolainen. Philadelphia tied it on a Ryan White goal, with assists provided by Braydon Coburn and Brayden Schenn. The Sabres regained the lead on a second period goal by Brian Gionta, his sixth of the year, coming off of Torrey Mitchell and Matt Moulson. The Flyers retied it as Jakub Voracek scored his nineteenth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Wayne Simmonds and Sean Couturier. The tie went to a shootout, where Voracek and Gionta traded goals before Flynn won it 3-2 for the Sabres. The three stars were Flynn, Gionta and Voracek.

Across Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney is mismatched with Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. Columbus led off in the first period on a Scott Hartnell goal, his fourteenth of the season, guided in by Alexander Wennberg and Fedor Tyutin. Pittsburgh tied it on an Evgeni Malkin goal in the second period, his twenty-second of the year, with a lone assist by Paul Martin. The Blue Jackets took the lead in the third period on a Brandon Dubinsky shorthanded goal, his seventh of the campaign, set up by Matt Calvert and Tyutin. The three stars of the 2-1 game were McElhinney (29 for 30 in saves), Tyutin, and Dubinsky.

Back to DC, where the Washington Capitals bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Braden Holtby are the masked men. Washington opened in the first period on a John Carlson power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals added on with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his thirty-eighth of the year, via Karl Alzner and Matt Niskanen. Winnipeg got on the board with a Michael Frolik goal in the second period, his twelfth of the season, guided in by Toby Enstrom and Andrew Ladd. Washington shot back on a Backstrom power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, with assists provided by Mike Green and Ovechkin. The Capitals extended the lead on another Backstrom power play goal, his second of the game and his eighteenth of the season, coming off of Ovechkin and Johansson. Washington padded the lead in the third period on a Troy Brouwer shorthanded empty net goal, his seventeenth of the year, going in unassisted. The final stood at 5-1, with the three stars being Backstrom, Ovechkin, and Brouwer, while Johansson gets an honorable mention.

North to Montreal, where the Canadiens welcome the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Carey Price tend the twines. Montreal got going in the second period on a Brendan Gallagher goal, his fourteenth of the season, passed from Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais. The Canadiens added on with another Gallagher goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the year, courtesy of P.K. Subban. Florida got on the board with a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his seventh of the campaign, with a lone assist by Jonathan Huberdeau. The Panthers tied it in the third period on a Steven Kampfer goal, coming off of Fleischmann and Scottie Upshall. Florida won 3-2 in the shootout, with Nick Bjugstad and Dave Bolland topping Pacioretty. The three stars went to Gallagher, Fleischmann, and Pacioretty.

Finally, we end with the Dallas Stars hosting the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Kari Lehtonen are the Finnish goalies. San Jose started on a Marc-Edouard Vlasic goal, his seventh of the season, passed from Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski. The Sharks added on with a second period Andrew Desjardins goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Tomas Hertl and Chris Tierney. The Sharks extended the lead with a Desjardins goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, assisted by Justin Braun and Hertl. Dallas got on the board with a Trevor Daley power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Jamie Benn and Jason Spezza. The Stars pulled closer in the third period on an Erik Cole goal, his sixteenth of the season, via Benn and Daley. The Sharks shot back with a Patrick Marleau empty net goal, his twelfth of the year, fueled by James Sheppard. San Jose won 5-2 with an empty net goal by Tommy Wingels, his twelfth of the campaign, set up by Pavelski and Brenden Dillon. The three stars were handed to Desjardins, Daley, and Hertl, while Pavelski and Benn get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL February 18th, 2015

Six games in the slowest weeknight this week, beginning in...

Ottawa, where the Senators host the Montreal Canadiens. Dustin Tokarski and Andrew Hammond are the backups making spot starts. Ottawa got going in the second period on a Milan Michalek goal, his eleventh of the season, via Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone. Montreal tied it on a Max Pacioretty goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, assisted by Andrei Markov and David Desharnais. The Senators retook the lead on a Jean-Gabriel Pageau goal, his third of the season, guided in by Erik Karlsson and Erik Condra. Ottawa added on in the third period as Mark Stone scored his fourteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Karlsson and Michalek. The Canadiens got one back on a Nathan Beaulieu goal, passed from P.K. Subban and Michael Bournival. The Senators iced it at 4-2 on a Kyle Turris empty net goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, set up by Stone. The three stars were Stone, Michalek, and Karlsson.

Down in Chicago, the Blackhawks welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Corey Crawford guard the cages. Detroit dented the scoreboard on a second period goal by Tomas Tatar, his twenty-fourth of the season, via Darren Helm and Riley Sheahan. Chicago tied it on a Brandon Saad goal, his eighteenth of the year, coming off of Marian Hossa. The Red Wings retook the lead in the third period on a Helm goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Pavel Datsyuk. The Blackhawks retied it as Kris Versteeg scored his eleventh of the year, guided in by Duncan Keith. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Gustav Nyquist and Tatar combined to top Jonathan Toews and give the Red Wings the 3-2 win. The three stars were Helm, Tatar, and Howard (32 for 34 in saves).

Back in Canada, the Calgary Flames bring in the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Jonas Hiller are the underrated goalies. Minnesota began in the first period on a Justin Fontaine goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Thomas Vanek and Charlie Coyle. The Wild added on with a Matt Dumba goal, his third of the year, courtesy of Jonas Brodin and the goalie Dubnyk. Calgary got on the board with a Jiri Hudler goal, his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Dennis Wideman and Sean Monahan. The Flames tied it on a third period goal by Lance Bouma, his eleventh of the year, via Wideman and Mikael Backlund. Minnesota won 3-2 with an overtime goal from Mikko Koivu, his ninth of the campaign, with helpers from Coyle and Marco Scandella. The three stars went to Koivu, Coyle, and Wideman.

Staying in Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask faces a lesser foe in Ben Scrivens in goal. Edmonton opened in the first period on a Nail Yakupov goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Derek Roy and Oscar Klefbom. The Oilers added on with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins power play goal, his sixteenth of the year, powered by Teddy Purcell and Jordan Eberle. Boston got on the board with a Loui Eriksson power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Dougie Hamilton and Torey Krug. Edmonton shot back in the second period on a Purcell goal, his seventh of the year, with a lone assist by Eberle on the power play. The Bruins replied on a Reilly Smith goal, his eleventh of the season, fueled by Brad Marchand and Dennis Seidenberg. Boston tied it on a David Pastrnak goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Zdeno Chara and Hamilton. The tie lasted to the twelfth round of the shootout, where Martin Marincin scored to give the Oilers a 4-3 win. The three stars belonged to Purcell, and Eberle, and Hamilton.

Back stateside, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Semyon Varlamov guard the cages. Colorado led off in the first period on a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his fourteenth of the season, via Nathan MacKinnon. Los Angeles tied it in the second period on a Jeff Carter goal, his seventeenth of the year, guided in by Tyler Toffoli and Dwight King. The Kings took the lead with a Toffoli goal, his nineteenth of the season, courtesy of Trevor Lewis and Drew Doughty. Los Angeles added on as Dustin Brown scored his tenth of the year, thanks to Doughty and Anze Kopitar. The Kings extended the lead in the third period on a Carter empty net goal on the power play, his second of the game and eighteenth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars of the 4-1 game belonged to Carter, Quick (42 for 43 in saves), and Toffoli, while Doughty gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and John Gibson are in the creases. Anaheim started in the first period with a Patrick Maroon goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Rickard Rakell and Kyle Palmieri. Tampa Bay tied it on an Anton Stralman goal in the second period, his fourth of the year, via Brian Boyle and Jonathan Drouin. The Lightning took the lead with a Tyler Johnson goal, his twenty-second of the season, coming off of Ondrej Palat and Jason Garrison. Tampa Bay added on with a Nikita Kucherov goal, his twenty-second of the year, assisted by Stralman and Palat. The Lightning extended the lead on a Steven Stamkos goal, his thirty-first of the campaign, with helpers from Alex Killorn and Andrej Sustr. This produced the eventual 4-1 final, with the three stars being Stralman, Bishop (24 for 25 in saves), and Palat.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL February 18th, 2015

Nine games today, beginning with...

Traktor Chelyabinsk hosting Ak Bars Kazan. Anders Nilsson and Michael Garnett protect the nets. Chelyabinsk dented the scoreboard in the third period on a Deron Quint power play goal, powered by Francis Pare. Kazan tied it on an Alexander Svitov goal, made possible by Artyom Lukoyanov. Traktor won 2-1 in the shootout, with two goals by Stanislav Chistov topping a lone tally from Vladimir Tkachyov. The three stars went to Garnett (25 for 26 in saves), Chistov, and Nilsson (17 for 18 in saves).

Over in Togliatti, Lada welcomes Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Jeff Glass draw the starts in goal. Yekaterinburg struck first in the first period on an Alexander Nesterov goal, fueled by Alexei Mikhnov and Eduard Lewandowski. Avtomobilist added on with a power play goal by Alexander Rybakov, powered by Sami Lepisto. Togliatti got on the board with a Georgy Belousov power play goal in the second period, helped along by Dmitry Ogurtsov. Yekaterinburg shot back on a power play goal by Alexei Simakov, coming off of Lepisto. This held up for a 3-1 win, with the three stars handed to Kovar (27 for 28 in saves), Lepisto, and Rybakov.

Out in Minsk, Dinamo brings in SKA St. Petersburg. Ilya Ezhov and Lars Haugen are in the creases. St. Petersburg led off in the first period on an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, passed from Roman Rukavishnikov and Jimmie Ericsson. SKA added on with a Vadim Shipachyov goal, courtesy of Evgeny Ketov and Evgeny Dadonov. St. Petersburg extended the lead in the second period as Ketov scored, thanks to Shipachyov. Minsk got on the board with an unassisted power play goal by Alexander Materukhin. SKA answered in the third period with a Shipachyov goal, his second of the game, coming off of Dadonov and Ketov. St. Petersburg padded the lead on an Ilya Kablukov goal, assisted by Kovalchuk and Dmitry Yudin. SKA kept going with an Anton Burdasov goal, with a lone assist by Andrei Kuteikin. St. Petersburg finished it at 7-1 with a Kovalchuk goal, guided in by Dmitry Kalinin and Roman Cervenka. The three stars were Shipachyov, Kovalchuk, and Ketov, while Dadonov gets an honorable mention.

Back east, the Sochi Leopards host Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Mikhail Biryukov and Andrei Gavrilov are in the blue paint. Sochi was first to score in the first period as Nikita Shchitov scored, thanks to Roman Lyuduchin and Artyom Kryukov. The Leopards added on in the second period with a power play goal by Ilya Krikunov, powered by Ryan Whitney and Andrei Kostitsyn. Sochi extended the lead on a power play goal from Krikunov, his second of the game, via Igor Ignatushkin and Kostitsyn. Nizhny Novgorod got on the board in the third period on a Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev goal, coming off of Nikita Filatov and Vladimir Galuzin. Torpedo pulled closer on a Juuso Hietanen goal, assisted by Gennady Stolyarov and Dmitry Kazionov. Nizhny Novgorod tied it on a Wojtek Wolski goal, fueled by Sakari Salminen and Jarkko Immonen. Torpedo took the lead on an unassisted goal by Galuzin. This stood for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Galuzin, Krikunov, and Kostitsyn.

Northward to Nizhnekamsk, where Neftekhimik welcomes Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Alexander Sudnitsin guard the cages. Nizhnekamsk began in the first period on a Maxim Rybin power play goal, powered by Maxim Berezin and Yegor Milovzorov. Magnitogorsk tied it on a power play goal by Jan Kovar, guided in by Chris Lee and Danis Zaripov. Neftekhimik took the lead back in the second period on an Evgeny Grigorenko goal, made possible by Matt Anderson and Dan Sexton. Nizhnekamsk added on with a Rybin goal, with helpers provided by Milovzorov and Igor Polygalov on the power play. Metallurg got one back in the third period on a Zaripov goal, coming off of Lee and Sergei Mozyakin. Neftekhimik iced it at 4-2 on a Milovzorov goal, going in unassisted. The three stars were Rybin, Milovzorov, and Zaripov, while Lee gets an honorable mention.

West to Yaroslavl, where Lokomotiv brings in CSKA Moscow. Kevin Lalande and Vitaly Kolesnik are between the pipes. Moscow opened in the first period on an Evgeny Korotkov goal, passed from Mikhail Naumenkov and Maxim Mamin. Yaroslavl tied it on a power play goal by Jiri Novotny, powered by Sergei Plotnikov and Yegor Averin. CSKA retook the lead in the second period on a Nikolai Prokhorkin goal, via Evgeny Artyukhin. Lokomotiv tied it in the third period as Ilya Lyubushkin scored, thanks to Andrei Loktionov. Moscow won 3-2 in the shootout on a lone tally by Prokhorkin. The three stars went to Prokhorkin, Korotkov, and Lalande (20 for 22 in saves).

Down into Moscow, where Dynamo hosts Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Alexander Yeryomenko are the veteran goalies. Cherepovets started in the first period on a Sergei Monakhov goal, via Vadim Berdnikov and Marek Kvapil. Moscow tied it in the second period on a Yegor Dugin goal, fueled by Dmitry Markovin and Dmitry Boichuk. Severstal retook the lead on a Nikolai Kazakovtsev goal, assisted by Alexander Urbom and Evgeny Kovyrshin. Cherepovets iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Kvapil, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Stepanek (21 for 22 in saves), Kvapil, and Kazakovtsev.

A little north to Mytishchi, where Atlant welcomes Jokerit Helsinki. Riku Helenius and Atte Engren are occupying the blue paint. Helsinki struck first in the first period on a Steve Moses penalty shot goal, which he received after a hook from Albert Yarullin. Jokerit added on in the second period with a Petteri Wirtanen goal, with a lone assist by Eetu Poysti. Helsinki extended the lead in the third period with a Ryan Gunderson goal, courtesy of Petr Koukal and Linus Omark. Jokerit padded the lead as Tommi Huhtala scored, thanks to Niklas Hagman and Niko Kapanen. Mytishchi got on the board with an Andrei Taratukhin goal, helped along by Artyom Chernov. Atlant pulled closer on another Taratukhin goal, with a lone helper by Chernov again. This only made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars given to Taratukhin, Gunderson, and Chernov.

Finally, Slovan Bratislava brings in Dinamo Riga. Jakub Sedlacek and Johan Backlund are the goalies. Riga was first to score in the first period on a Lauris Darzins penalty shot goal, coming after he was hooked by Ivan Baranka. Bratislava tied it on a Dominik Rehak goal, courtesy of Vladimir Mihalik and Andrej Stastny. Dinamo retook the lead on a Miks Indrasis goal, passed from Darzins and Krisjanis Redlihs. Riga added on with a Ginta Meija goal, made possible by Rodrigo Abols and Charles Genoway. Slovan pulled back in the second period as Libor Hudacek scored, with a lone assist by Matt Murley. Bratislava tied it in the third period with a Stastny goal, with assists provided by Hudacek and Cam Barker. Dinamo won 4-3 with a Genoway goal, set up by Oskars Cibulskis. The three stars were handed to Genoway, Darzins, and Hudacek, while Stastny gets an honorable mention.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.