KHL Western Conference Quarterfinal: Jokerit Helsinki VS. Dinamo Minsk

Welcome to the western conference quarterfinal round for the 2015 Gagarin Cup Playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series between Jokerit Helsinki and Dinamo Minsk.

Game 1: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland. In goal: Lars Haugen for Minsk and Henrik Karlsson for Helsinki. Helsinki struck first in the first period on an Atte Ohtamaa goal, passed from Riku Hahl and Eetu Poysti. Jokerit added on in the second period as Petr Koukal scored, thanks to Linus Omark. Minsk got on the board in the third period with a Ryan Vesce power play goal, powered by Matt Ellison. Dinamo tied it with a Charles Linglet goal, fueled by Jonathan Cheechoo and Nick Bailen. Minsk won 3-2 in overtime on an Ellison goal, assisted by Linglet and Bailen. The three stars went to Ellison, Linglet, and Bailen. Minsk has a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland. In goal: Dmitry Milchakov for Minsk and Henrik Karlsson for Helsinki. Helsinki got going in the second period on a Steve Moses goal, via Petr Koukal and Atte Ohtamaa. Minsk tied it on a Nick Bailen goal, courtesy of Charles Linglet and Ryan Vesce. Jokerit retook the lead on an Oskari Korpikari goal, assisted by Daine Todd and Linus Omark. Helsinki added on with a Tommi Huhtala goal, going in unassisted. Jokerit finished it at 4-1 in the third period on a Tomi Maki empty net goal, set up by Petteri Wirtanen. The three stars were Korpikari, Karlsson (18 for 19 in saves), and Huhtala. The series heads to Belarus tied at 1.

Game 3: Minsk-Arena, Minsk, Belarus. In goal: Henrik Karlsson for Helsinki and Lars Haugen for Minsk. Helsinki dented the scoreboard in the second period on an unassisted power play goal by Linus Omark. Jokerit added on with an Omark power play goal, his second of the game, powered by Petr Koukal. Helsinki extended the lead as Tommi Huhtala scored, thanks to Ossi Vaananen and Omark. Jokerit padded the lead with a Juhamatti Aaltonen goal, going in unassisted. Helsinki scored again with a Steve Moses goal, with a lone assist by Omark. This made it 5-0, the final, with the three stars going to Omark, Karlsson (27 save shutout), and Huhtala. Jokerit has a 2-1 series lead now.

Game 4: Minsk-Arena, Minsk, Belarus. In goal: Riku Helenius for Helsinki and Dmitry Milchakov for Minsk. Minsk was first to score in the second period on a Lukas Krajicek power play goal, powered by Paul Szczechura and Alexei Kalyuzhny. Helsinki tied it on a Juhamatti Aaltonen goal, with a lone assist by Niko Kapanen. Jokerit took the lead with a Niklas Hagman goal, fueled by Kapanen and Tommi Huhtala on the power play. This was all they needed for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Helenius (17 for 18 in saves), Kapanen, and Hagman. Jokerit heads home carrying a 3-1 series lead.

Game 5: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland. In goal: Dmitry Milchakov for Minsk and Henrik Karlsson for Helsinki. Helsinki began in the first period on a Steve Moses goal, coming off of Linus Omark and Riku Hahl. Jokerit added on with a Tomi Maki goal, fueled by Oskari Korpikari and Ryan Gunderson. Helsinki extended the lead with a Jere Sallinen goal, passed from Petr Koukal and Atte Ohtamaa. Lars Haugen came on for Milchakov in the second period. Jokerit padded the lead in the second period as Moses scored his second of the game, thanks to Omark and Gunderson. Helsinki kept going on a Juhamatti Aaltonen power play goal, powered by Gunderson, who got a sock trick. Jokerit continued with a Tommi Huhtala goal, via Sallinen and Daine Todd. Helsinki struck again in the third period as Koukal scored, with the help of Moses and Gunderson. Minsk avoided the shutout on a Charles Linglet goal, courtesy of Ryan Vesce and Nick Bailen. The final was a brutal 7-1, with the three stars going to Moses, Gunderson, and Sallinen, while Koukal and Omark get the honorable mentions. Jokerit advances to the conference semifinals on a 4-1 series win. 

NHL March 4th, 2015

Four games on tonight, beginning with...

The Winnipeg Jets hosting the Ottawa Senators. Andrew Hammond and Michael Hutchinson are the young goalies. Ottawa began on a Kyle Turris goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Cody Ceci and Milan Michalek in the first period. The Senators added on in the second period with a Bobby Ryan power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, powered by Mika Zibanejad and Erik Karlsson. Ottawa extended the lead with an Erik Condra goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Mark Stone and Turris. Ondrej Pavelec replaced Hutchinson in goal. Winnipeg got on the board in the third period on a Michael Frolik goal, his fourteenth of the year, via Lee Stempniak and Tyler Myers. This produced the 3-1 final, with the three stars going to Turris, Hammond (35 for 36 in saves), and Ryan.

Stateside, the Detroit Red Wings welcome the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot and Jimmy Howard are in the creases. Detroit led off in the first period on a Justin Abdelkader goal, his fourteenth of the season, fueled by Henrik Zetterberg and Jonathan Ericsson. New York tied it on a Dan Girardi goal, his third of the year, a power play goal made possible by Rick Nash and Dan Boyle. The Red Wings won 2-1 in overtime on a Marek Zidlicky power play goal, his fifth of the campaign, powered by Pavel Datsyuk and Zetterberg. The three stars were Howard (39 for 40 in saves), Zidlicky, and Zetterberg.

West to Colorado, as the Avalanche bring in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Semyon Varlamov guard the cages. Colorado got going in the second period on a Jarome Iginla power play goal, his twentieth of the season, powered by Gabriel Landeskog and Tyson Barrie. The Avalanche added on with a Nathan MacKinnon goal, his fourteenth of the year, via Jan Hejda and Landeskog. Pittsburgh got on the board in the third period on an Evgeni Malkin goal, his twenty-seventh of the season, going in unassisted. Colorado finished it at 3-1 on a Landeskog goal, his seventeenth of the year, helped along by Ryan O'Reilly. The three stars were Landeskog, Varlamov (28 for 29 in saves), and MacKinnon.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and John Gibson are given the starting nods. Anaheim opened in the first period on a Francois Beauchemin goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Kyle Palmieri and Nate Thompson. The Ducks added on in the second period as Rickard Rakell scored his sixth of the year, with the help of Jiri Sekac and Hampus Lindholm. Anaheim extended the lead with a shorthanded empty net goal by Cam Fowler, his sixth of the season, set up by Ryan Kesler. Montreal got on the board with a power play goal by Alex Galchenyuk, his nineteenth of the year, powered by Andrei Markov and David Desharnais. This made it a 3-1 final, with the three stars given to Gibson (37 for 38 in saves), Rakell, and Fowler.

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Premier League Week 28

A midweek session of games for you, with three on Tuesday and the other seven on Wednesday. Only one game this weekend, a Saturday game for the make-up of QPR and Tottenham Hotspur. To begin...

Aston Villa hosts West Bromwich Albion. Ben Foster and Brad Guzan are in goal. Aston Villa started in the twenty-second minute on a Gabriel Agbonlahor goal, passed from Christian Benteke on a through ball. In the forty-second minute, Claudio Yacob took a yellow card for his foul for West Brom. West Brom saw another yellow card for Joleon Lescott in the fifty-second minute for a foul. West Brom tied it in the sixty-sixth minute on a Saido Berahino header goal, via Lescott's headed pass after a corner kick. In the eighty-first minute, Ciaran Clark of Aston Villa took a yellow card. West Brom took a yellow card for a foul by Craig Gardner in the eighty-sixth minute. Aston Villa had another yellow card assessed to Alan Hutton in the eighty-eighth minute, as did West Brom for Berahino. Late in stoppage time, Aston Villa took the game on a penalty kick goal by Benteke. The final was 2-1.

Up north, Hull City welcomes Sunderland. Costel Pantilimon and Allan McGregor are set to start in goal. In the twelfth minute, Wes Brown of Sunderland received a yellow card for a foul. Hull City began in the fifteenth minute on a Dame N'Doye goal, via Tom Huddlestone's cross after a set piece. Sunderland's Jack Rodwell took a yellow card in the thirty-sixth minute. Hull City had a yellow card go to Paul McShane at the forty-one minute mark for his foul. Sunderland took yellow cards in the forty-sixth minute for Liam Bridcutt and in the sixtieth minute for Lee Cattermole, both for fouls. Sunderland tied it in the seventy-seventh minute on a Rodwell header goal, assisted by Patrick van Aanholt's cross. In the seventy-ninth minute, Hull City took a yellow card for a foul by Sebastian Larsson. Sunderland took a yellow card for an eighty-seventh minute offense by Ricardo Alvarez. The final stood at 1-1.

Closing out Tuesday, Southampton brings in Crystal Palace. Julian Speroni and Fraser Forster are given the starting nods. In the thirtieth minute, Crystal Palace's James McArthur took a yellow card for a foul. Southampton dented the scoreboard in the eighty-third minute with a Sadio Mane goal. Crystal Palace's Damien Delaney received a yellow card in stoppage time. Southampton took a 1-0 win. 

The first of seven games listed for Wednesday has Manchester City hosting Leicester City. Mark Schwarzer and Joe Hart are in the six-yard boxes. In the thirty-sixth minute, Leicester City's Pail Konchesky took a yellow card for his foul. Manchester City opened the scoring in first half stoppage time on a David Silva goal from close range. Manchester City added on in the eighty-eighth minute with a James Milner goal, set up by Jesus Navas on the cross. Manchester City won 2-0.

Over to Newcastle United welcoming Manchester United. David de Gea and Tim Krul guard the woodwork. Manchester United took a yellow card for a Marcos Rojo foul in the sixtieth minute. In the sixty-seventh minute, Jonas Gutierrez of Newcastle United received a yellow card for his foul. Manchester United had another yellow card in the eighty-fourth minute for a foul by Antonio Valencia. In the eighty-ninth minute, Manchester United got on the board with an Ashley Young goal, going in unassisted. Manchester United took the game 1-0.

Down in London, the Queens Park Rangers bring in Arsenal. David Ospina and Robert Green receive the starting nods. In the thirty-second minute, Karl Henry of QPR took a yellow card for a foul. Arsenal saw a yellow card go to Hector Bellerin in the thirty-fourth minute for his foul. Arsenal dented the scoreboard in the sixty-fourth minute on an Olivier Giroud goal. Arsenal added on with a sixty-ninth minute on an Alexis Sanchez goal, via Kieran Gibbs. In the eightieth minute, Yun Suk-Young took a yellow card for QPR for his foul. QPR got on the board in the eighty-second minute with a Charlie Austin goal, courtesy of Matthew Phillips' cross. Arsenal held on for a 2-1 win.

Back north, Stoke City hosts Everton. Tim Howard and Asmir Begovic man the nets. Everton had a yellow card in the fourteenth minute for a Gareth Barry foul. Stoke City began in the thirty-second minute on a Victor Moses header goal, passed from Phil Bardsley on a cross. Steven Naismith of Everton received a yellow card in the fifty-second minute. Stoke City added on in the eighty-fourth minute with a Mame Biram Diouf goal. Stoke City had yellow cards given to Begovic in the eighty-ninth minute for time wasting and Jonathan Walters in stoppage time for a foul. Stoke City won 2-0.

In London again, Tottenham Hotspur welcomes Swansea City. Lukasz Fabianski and Hugo Lloris are the gloved men. Tottenham Hotspur led off in the seventh minute with a Nacer Chadli goal, coming off of Danny Rose's cross. Swansea City tied it on a Ki Sung-Yueng goal in the nineteenth minute, made possible by Neil Taylor. Tottenham Hotspur retook the lead in the fifty-first minute on a Ryan Mason goal, passed from Christian Eriksen. Tottenham Hotspur added on in the sixtieth minute with an Andros Townsend goal, via Nabil Bentaleb after a fast break. Tottenham Hotspur saw a yellow card go to Eric Dier in the sixty-second minute for his foul. Swansea City got one back in the eighty-ninth minute on a Gylfi Sigurdsson goal, assisted by Jefferson Montero's cross. The final still favored Tottenham Hotspur 3-2.

Moving along to West Ham United bringing in Chelsea. Thibaut Courtois and Adrian are the keepers. In the thirteenth minute, West Ham United's Cheikhou Kouyate took a yellow card for his foul. Chelsea had a yellow card go to John Terry for his fifteenth minute foul. Chelsea got going in the twenty-second minute on an Eden Hazard header goal, set up by Ramires on a cross. In the forty-third minute, James Collins of West Ham was shown a yellow card for his infraction. Chelsea had a yellow card given to Hazard in the first half stoppage time. West Ham's Kevin Nolan took a yellow card in the sixty-seventh minute for a foul. Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas had a yellow card for his seventieth minute foul, as did Didier Drogba in second half stoppage time. Chelsea won 1-0.

Finally, Liverpool hosts Burnley. Tom Heaton and Simon Mignolet are between the posts. Liverpool began in the twenty-ninth minute with a Jordan Henderson goal. Liverpool added on in the fifty-first minute as Daniel Sturridge scored, thanks to Henderson. Burnley took a yellow card in the eighty-fifth minute for a foul by Ben Mee. Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win.

NHL March 3rd, 2015

Ten games on tonight, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton is mismatched with Cory Schneider in goal. New Jersey opened in the first period on an Adam Larsson goal, his third of the season, coming off of Patrik Elias and Andy Greene. The Devils added on with an Eric Gelinas power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Scott Gomez and Steve Bernier. Nashville got one back in the second period with a Mike Fisher goal, his sixteenth of the season, courtesy of Craig Smith and Victor Bartley. New Jersey iced it at 3-1 in the third period on a Michael Cammalleri empty net goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, set up by Mark Fraser and Stephen Gionta. The three stars went to Schneider (33 for 34 in saves), Gelinas, and Larsson.

Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers welcome the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Steve Mason draw the starts in goal. Calgary led off in the first period on a Sean Monahan goal, his twenty-second of the season, via Mason Raymond and Jiri Hudler. The Flames added on in the second period as Mikael Backlund scored his seventh of the year, thanks to Lance Bouma and Emile Poirier. Philadelphia tied it in the third period on a Sean Couturier goal, his thirteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Ryan White. The Flyers tied it on a Mark Streit goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Michael Raffl and Claude Giroux. Calgary won 3-2 in overtime on a Hudler goal, his twentieth of the campaign, assisted by T.J. Brodie and Johnny Gaudreau. The three stars belonged to Hudler, Ramo (35 for 37 in saves), and Monahan.

West to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Sergei Bobrovsky protect the nets. Washington started in the first period on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his forty-second of the season, guided in by Brooks Orpik and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on with an Eric Fehr goal, his eighteenth of the year, via Tim Gleason and Jason Chimera. Columbus got on the board in the second period with a David Savard goal, his tenth of the season, courtesy of Scott Hartnell and Fedor Tyutin. Washington shot back on a Tom Wilson goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Chimera and Jay Beagle. The Blue Jackets pulled back on a Hartnell goal, his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Jack Johnson and Alexander Wennberg. The Capitals replied in the third period on an Ovechkin power play goal, his second of the game and forty-third of the year, powered by Backstrom and John Carlson. Columbus chipped back on a Hartnell power play goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, helped along by Nick Foligno and Ryan Johansen. Washington finished it at 5-3 with a Marcus Johansson empty net goal, his sixteenth of the year, set up by Joel Ward. The three stars were awarded to Ovechkin, Hartnell, and Backstrom, while Chimera gets an honorable mention.

Way south to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Buffalo Sabres. Anders Lindback faces his former team and Andrei Vasilevskiy in goal. Tampa Bay began in the first period on a Steven Stamkos goal, his thirty-sixth of the season, assisted by Alex Killorn and Andrej Suster. The Lightning added on in the second period as Ryan Callahan scored a power play goal, his twentieth of the year, powered by Tyler Johnson and Valtteri Filppula. Tampa Bay extended the lead on a power play goal by Victor Hedman, his eighth of the campaign, coming off of Anton Stralman and Ondrej Palat. This was all they needed for a 3-0 win, with the three stars given to Vasilevskiy (28 save shutout), Stamkos, and Callahan.

Staying in the state, the Florida Panthers welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. Roberto Luongo and Jonathan Bernier are in the blue paint. In goalie news, Luongo was hurt in the first period, forcing Al Montoya to the crease. Montoya was shaken up in the third period, and Luongo finished off the game. Florida struck first in the first period on a Brandon Pirri goal, his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Jimmy Hayes and Vincent Trocheck. Toronto tied it on a second period power play goal by Tyler Bozak, his eighteenth of the year, powered by Phil Kessel and Morgan Rielly. The Panthers retook the lead on an Aaron Ekblad goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Hayes and Jonathan Huberdeau on the power play. The Maple Leafs tied it in the third period as Nazem Kadri scored his sixteenth of the year, with the help of Jake Gardiner and Richard Panik. Toronto took the lead on a Peter Holland goal, his tenth of the campaign, made possible by David Booth. This produced the 3-2 final, with the three stars going to Bernier (40 for 42 in saves), Hayes, and Luongo (19 for 19 in saves in 28:04 TOI).

Northwest to Minnesota, where the Wild bring in the Ottawa Senators. Andrew Hammond and Devan Dubnyk are the goalies no one expected to be good at the start of the season, but they are playing well enough to warrant the start in this game. Minnesota got going in the second period on a Matt Dumba goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Mikael Granlund. The Wild added on with another Dumba goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, via Chris Stewart and Granlund. Ottawa got on the board with a Mika Zibanejad goal, his sixteenth of the season, passed from Bobby Ryan and Patrick Wiercioch. The Senators tied it with a Ryan goal, his sixteenth of the year, assisted by Mike Hoffman and Erik Karlsson. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Mikko Koivu was matched by Ryan, followed by Jason Pominville exchanging goals with Kyle Turris, and then Charlie Coyle's winner for the Wild, making the final 3-2. The three stars went to Dumba, Ryan, and Hammond (36 for 38 in saves).

South again to Dallas, where the Stars host the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. New York was first to score in the first period on a Josh Bailey goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Ryan Strome and Brock Nelson. Dallas tied it on a Brett Ritchie goal in the third period, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Jyrki Jokipakka and Cody Eakin. The Stars took the lead with a Vernon Fiddler goal, his eighth of the season, made possible by Ryan Garbutt and Antoine Roussel. The Islanders retied it on an unassisted goal by Anders Lee, his twenty-first of the year. Dallas won 3-2 in overtime on an Eakin goal, his fifteenth of the campaign, assisted by Jamie Benn and John Klingberg. The three stars went to Eakin, Lehtonen (35 for 37 in saves), and Fiddler.

West a little to Arizona, where the Coyotes welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and Mike Smith are the masked men. Anaheim dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Ryan Kesler shorthanded goal, his seventeenth of the season, set up by Jakob Silfverberg. The Ducks added on in the second period on an Andrew Cogliano goal, his eleventh of the year, coming off of Simon Despres and Nate Thompson. Arizona got on the board with a Tobias Rieder goal, his ninth of the season, passed from Sam Gagner and Mark Arcobello. Anaheim shot back in the third period as Silfverberg scored his tenth of the year, assisted by Tomas Fleischmann and Cam Fowler. The Ducks iced it at 4-1 with Cogliano's shorthanded empty net goal, his second of the game and twelfth of the campaign, with helpers provided by Silfverberg and Francois Beauchemin. The three stars went to Silfverberg, Cogliano, and Andersen (29 for 30 in saves).

Up in Edmonton, the Oilers bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick faces former backup Ben Scrivens in goal. Los Angeles opened in the first period on a Matt Greene goal, his third of the season, assisted by Anze Kopitar and Trevor Lewis. The Kings added on with a Lewis goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Kopitar and Marian Gaborik. Los Angeles extended the lead on a second period shorthanded goal by Jeff Carter, his twenty-first of the season, set up by Tyler Toffoli and Drew Doughty. Edmonton got on the board with a Luke Gazdic goal, his second of the year, fueled by Jordan Oesterle and Boyd Gordon. The Kings replied with a Kyle Clifford goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Nick Shore and Jordan Nolan. Los Angeles padded the lead in the third period on a Kopitar goal, his thirteenth of the year, guided in by Lewis and Doughty. The Oilers chipped back with a power play goal by Teddy Purcell, his ninth of the campaign, powered by Justin Schultz and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The three stars of the 5-2 game went to Kopitar, Lewis, and Doughty.

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jakob Markstrom are between the pipes. San Jose started in the first period on a Chris Tierney goal, his second of the season, coming off of Barclay Goodrow. The Sharks added on with a Melker Karlsson goal, his tenth of the year, assisted by Joe Pavelski and Matt Irwin. San Jose chased Markstrom with a Logan Couture goal, his twenty-second of the season, fueled by Matthew Nieto and Patrick Marleau. Eddie Lack came on in relief. Vancouver got on the board in the second period on a Henrik Sedin power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Daniel Sedin and Radim Vrbata. The Canucks pulled closer on another Henrik Sedin goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the season, guided in by Daniel Sedin and Chris Higgins. The Sharks shot back with a Nieto goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Marleau. San Jose extended the lead in the third period on a Nieto empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, set up by Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. The Sharks wrapped it up at 6-2 on a Marc-Edouard Vlasic empty net goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone assist by Thornton. The three stars went to Nieto, Henrik Sedin, and Marleau, while Daniel Sedin and Thornton get the honorable mentions.

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KHL Western Conference Quarterfinal: CSKA Moscow VS. Sochi Leopards

Welcome to the western conference quarterfinal round for the 2015 Gagarin Cup Playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series between CSKA Moscow and the Sochi Leopards.

Game 1: CSKA Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Dmitry Shikin of Sochi and Kevin Lalande of Moscow. Moscow struck first in the first period on a Simon Hjalmarsson goal, via Stephane Da Costa. CSKA added on with an Evgeny Artyukhin goal in the third period, assisted by Damir Zhafyarov. Moscow iced it at 3-0 on a Jan Mursak empty net goal, set up by Hjalmarsson. The three stars were Lalande (23 save shutout), Hjalmarsson, and Artyukhin. CSKA takes a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: CSKA Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Dmitry Shikin of Sochi and Kevin Lalande of Moscow. Moscow was first to score in the first period on an Igor Makarov goal, via Simon Hjalmarsson. CSKA added on with a Stephane Da Costa goal, guided in by the goalie Lalande and Alexander Radulov in the second period. Sochi got on the board in the third period on a Mikhail Anisin goal, assisted by Pyotr Schastlivy. Moscow shot back with an Igor Volkov goal, coming off of Andrei Stas. This produced the 3-1 final, with the three stars going to Lalande (18 for 19 in saves), Da Costa, and Makarov. CSKA owns a 2-0 series lead as the series heads south.

Game 3: Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia. In goal: Kevin Lelande for Moscow and Andrei Gavrilov for Sochi. Sochi led off in the first period on a Mikhail Anisin goal, courtesy of Pyotr Schastlivy and Max Warn. Moscow tied it on an Alexander Radulov goal in the second period, via Vladimir Zharkov. CSKA took the lead on an Evgeny Korotkov goal in the third period, fueled by Igor Makarov. This produced the 2-1 final, with the three stars going to Korotkov, Lalande (21 for 22 in saves), and Gavrilov (35 for 37 in saves). CSKA has pushed Sochi to the edge with a 3-0 series lead.

Game 4: Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia. In goal: Kevin Lelande for Moscow and Andrei Gavrilov for Sochi. Moscow began in the first period on an Alexander Radulov goal, with a lone assist by Igor Grigorenko. CSKA added on with a Damir Zhafyarov goal, fueled by Evgeny Korotkov and Vladimir Zharkov. Sochi got on the board with an Andre Petersson goal, passed from Ryan Whitney and Andrei Kostitsyn. Moscow answered with a Jan Mursak goal, assisted by Evgeny Artyukhin and Denis Denisov. The Leopards shot back in the second period on an Ilya Krikunov goal, guided in by Igor Radulov. CSKA replied in the third period as Grigorenko scored, thanks to Stephane Da Costa. Moscow extended the lead on a Grigorenko goal, his second of the game, with helpers from Da Costa and Alexander Radulov. CSKA padded the lead on an Artyukhin goal, made possible by Simon Hjalmarsson. This made it 6-2, the final, with the three stars given to Grigorenko, Alexander Radulov, and Artyukhin, while Da Costa gets an honorable mention. The series ends with CSKA winning 4-0 and advancing to the conference semifinals to oppose the lowest remaining seed.

NHL March 2nd, 2015

Three games on tonight, beginning with...

The New York Rangers hosting the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Cam Talbot are set to start in goal. New York began in the first period on a Marc Staal goal, his fifth of the season, guided in by Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard. The Rangers added on with a Chris Kreider goal in the second period, his seventeenth of the year, via Zuccarello and Brassard. Nashville got on the board with a Matt Cullen goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Taylor Beck and Mike Santorelli. New York shot back in the third period as Dominic Moore scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Dan Girardi and Tanner Glass. The Rangers finished it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Rick Nash, his thirty-eighth of the campaign, set up by Kevin Klein. The three stars were given to Talbot (25 for 26 in saves), Zuccarello and Brassard.

Westward to Chicago, as the Blackhawks welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Corey Crawford are the veteran goalies. Chicago led off in the first period with a Jonathan Toews goal, his twentieth of the season, assisted by Michal Rozsival and Niklas Hjalmarsson. The Blackhawks added on with a Toews shorthanded goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, set up by Duncan Keith. Chicago extended the lead with an unassisted Brandon Saad goal, his twentieth of the season. The Blackhawks padded the lead on a Marcus Kruger goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone assist by Andrew Shaw. Anton Khudobin relieved Ward in the third period. Carolina got on the board with a John-Michael Liles goal, his second of the season, passed from Andrej Nestrasil and Nathan Gerbe. Chicago replied with a Marian Hossa goal, his eighteenth of the year, made possible by Toews and Rozsival. The Hurricanes got one back with an Alexander Semin goal, his third of the campaign, with assists provided by Eric Staal and Jay McClement. This produced the 5-2 final score, with the three stars given to Toews, Crawford (27 for 29 in saves), and Rozsival.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price faces a lesser foe in goal in Alex Stalock. San Jose opened in the first period on a Ben Smith goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Tomas Hertl and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks added on with a Joe Pavelski power play goal, his thirty-second of the year, powered by Brent Burns and Joe Thornton. San Jose extended the lead in the second period on a Matt Irwin goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Tommy Wingels and Smith. The Sharks padded the lead in the third period as Patrick Marleau scored a power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, thanks to Pavelski and Logan Couture. This made it 4-0, the final, with the three stars going to Smith, Pavelski, and Stalock (20 save shutout).

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NHL March 1st, 2015

Six games on today, beginning with...

The Winnipeg Jets hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Michael Hutchinson are the masked men. Winnipeg started with a Drew Stafford goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Mark Scheifele and Jiri Tlusty. Los Angeles tied it on a Jeff Carter goal, his nineteenth of the year, coming off of Tyler Toffoli and Jake Muzzin. The Jets retook the lead on a Tyler Myers goal, his sixth of the season, via Blake Wheeler and Chris Thorburn. Winnipeg added on with an Andrew Ladd goal, his twenty-first of the year, courtesy of Bryan Little and Dustin Byfuglien. The Jets extended the lead as Ladd scored his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, thanks to Michael Frolik. The Kings got one back on a Carter goal in the third period, his second of the game and twentieth of the year, going in unassisted. Winnipeg iced it at 5-2 with a Wheeler empty net goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, set up by Adam Lowry. The three stars were Ladd, Carter, and Wheeler.

East to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney and Marc-Andre Fleury start in goal. Columbus opened with a James Wisniewski power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Ryan Johansen and Jack Johnson. Pittsburgh tied it on an Evgeni Malkin goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, courtesy of Chris Kunitz and Paul Martin. The Penguins took the lead in the second period on a David Perron power play goal, his fifteenth of the season, coming off of Malkin and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh added on with a Malkin power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-sixth of the year, helped along by Letang and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins extended the lead as Derrick Pouliot scored his second of the season, a power play goal, via Patric Hornqvist and Crosby. Pittsburgh padded the lead in the third period on a Steve Downie goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Daniel Winnik and Brandon Sutter. The Blue Jackets got one back on a Johansen shorthanded goal, his twenty-second of the season, going in unassisted. Columbus pulled closer with a Nick Foligno goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Scott Hartnell. This made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars going to Malkin, Letang, and Johansen, while Crosby gets an honorable mention.

Down in Florida, the Panthers bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop faces a lesser foe in Al Montoya in goal. Florida struck first in the first period with a Jaromir Jagr goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Jonathan Huberdeau and Brian Campbell. Tampa Bay tied it on an Anton Stralman goal, his fifth of the year, via Jonathan Drouin and Brian Boyle. The Panthers took the lead in the second period on an Aleksander Barkov goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Jagr and Huberdeau. Florida added on with an unassisted goal by Brad Boyes, his eleventh of the year. The Panthers extended the lead on a third period power play goal by Aaron Ekblad, his tenth of the season, powered by Nick Bjugstad and Huberdeau, the latter getting a sock trick. The Lightning got one back as Steven Stamkos scored his thirty-fifth of the year, with the help of Alex Killorn and Jason Garrison. Tampa Bay pulled closer on a Tyler Johnson goal, his twenty-fourth of the campaign, helped along by Nikita Kucherov and Stralman. They failed to tie it, losing 4-3, with the three stars going to Huberdeau, Jagr, and Stralman.

Back north, the Washington Capitals host the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Braden Holtby are set to start in goal. Washington was first to score in the first period on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fortieth of the season, via Nicklas Backstrom and Karl Alzner. The Capitals added on with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and forty-first of the year, assisted by Brooks Orpik and John Carlson in the second period. Washington extended the lead in the third period as Marcus Johansson scored his fifteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Troy Brouwer and Ovechkin. The Capitals iced it 4-0 on a Joel Ward empty net goal, his fifteenth of the year, set up by Eric Fehr. The three stars were Ovechkin, Holtby (32 save shutout), and Johansson.

Southwest to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Jhonas Enroth are the backups in goal. Anaheim led off in the first period on a Corey Perry goal, his twenty-seventh of the season, fueled by Jiri Sekac and Ryan Getzlaf. Dallas tied it on a second period power play goal by Patrick Eaves, his seventh of the year, powered by Trevor Daley and John Klingberg. The Ducks took the lead back in the third period on a Clayton Stoner goal, going in unassisted. Anaheim added on with a Getzlaf goal, his twentieth of the season, with a lone assist by Perry. The final stood at 3-1, with the three stars going to Gibson (39 for 40 in saves), Getzlaf, and Perry.

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks bring in the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Eddie Lack are the young goalies. St. Louis began in the first period with a Ryan Reaves goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Steve Ott and Marcel Goc. The Blues added on with an Alex Pietrangelo goal, his sixth of the year, via T.J. Oshie and David Backes. Vancouver got on the board with a Shawn Matthias goal, his sixteenth of the season, courtesy of Chris Higgins and Linden Vey. The Canucks tied it on a Yannick Weber goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Radim Vrbata and Derek Dorsett. Vancouver took the lead on a second period goal by Jannik Hansen goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Ronalds Kenins and Ryan Stanton. The Canucks extended the lead as Henrik Sedin scored his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Dan Hamhuis and Kenins. Vancouver padded the lead in the third period with a Nick Bonino goal, his twelfth of the season, passed from Weber and Vrbata. St. Louis got one back with a Dmitrij Jaskin power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Paul Stastny and Oshie. The Blues chipped back on a Petteri Lindbohm goal, his second of the season, with assists provided by Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko. St. Louis tied it on a Backes goal, his twenty-first of the year, with a lone helper from Oshie. The Canucks won 6-5 with shootout goals by Bonino, Vrbata, and Chris Higgins to top Tarasenko's lone tally. The three stars went to Vrbata, Weber, and Oshie, while Kenins and Backes get the honorable mentions.

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