NHL March 19th, 2015

Ten games on a busy night in hockey, beginning with...

The Montreal Canadiens hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Anton Khudobin and Carey Price man the nets. Montreal began in the first period on a Dale Weise goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Manny Malhotra and Brandon Prust. The Canadiens added on with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his twentieth of the year, via Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty. Montreal extended the lead in the second period as David Desharnais scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Tom Gilbert and Weise. The Canadiens padded the lead in the third period on a Pacioretty goal, his thirty-fifth of the year, made possible by Plekanec. This stood for a 4-0 win, with the three stars going to Price (31 save shutout), Weise, and Pacioretty, while Plekanec gets an honorable mention.

Over in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators welcome the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Andrew Hammond are called on to start. Ottawa struck first in the first period on a Kyle Turris goal, his eighteenth of the season, assisted by Milan Michalek and Mark Stone. Boston tied it on a Carl Soderberg goal, his eleventh of the year, coming off of Loui Eriksson and Dougie Hamilton. The Bruins took the lead with a Ryan Spooner goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Milan Lucic and David Pastrnak. The Senators tied it as Michalek scored his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Stone and Turris. Ottawa took the lead back in the second period with a David Legwand goal, his ninth of the season, guided in by Erik Condra and Alex Chiasson. Boston tied it on a power play goal by Spooner, his second of the game and fifth of the year, powered by Torey Krug and Patrice Bergeron. The Senators regained the lead on a shorthanded goal by Jean-Gabriel Pageau, his fifth of the season, set up by Condra. The Bruins tied it again with a Krug goal, his twelfth of the year, helped along by Soderberg and Pastrnak. Ottawa claimed the lead again in the third period on a Bobby Ryan goal, his eighteenth of the season, dished from Cody Ceci and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators iced it at 6-4 with an empty net goal by Turris, his second of the game and nineteenth of the year, with helpers provided by Stone, who got a sock trick, and Michalek. The three stars were Turris, Michalek, and Spooner, while Stone, Krug, Soderberg, and Pastrnak get the honorable mentions.

Staying in the province, the Toronto Maple Leafs brings in the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jonathan Bernier are the masked men. San Jose started in the first period on a Tomas Hertl goal, his twelfth of the season, guided in by Chris Tierney and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks added on in the second period as Logan Couture scored his twenty-third of the year, thanks to Brent Burns and Joe Thornton. Toronto got on the board with a Jake Gardiner goal, his third of the season, via Leo Komarov and Brandon Kozun. San Jose shot back with a Melker Karlsson goal, his thirteenth of the year, made possible by Thornton and Joe Pavelski. The Sharks extended the lead on a Tommy Wingels goal, his fifteenth of the campaign, helped along by Matthew Nieto and Couture. This made it 4-1, the eventual final, with the three stars being Couture, Niemi (27 for 28 in saves), and Thornton.

Way south to Florida, where the Panthers host the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek is mismatched with Roberto Luongo in goal. Florida got going in the second period on a Jaromir Jagr goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov. The Panthers added on with a Brandon Pirri goal, his seventeenth of the year, assisted by Jagr and Aaron Ekblad. Florida extended the lead in the third period with an unassisted goal by Scottie Upshall, his eighth of the season, going in unassisted. Detroit got on the board with an Erik Cole goal, his twentieth of the year, passed from Tomas Tatar and Riley Sheahan. This made it a 3-1 final, with the three stars given to Jagr, Pirri, and Luongo (26 for 27 in saves).

Back into Canada, where the Winnipeg Jets welcome the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Ondrej Pavelec are the veteran goalies. St. Louis dented the scoreboard in the second period on a David Backes goal, his twenty-fifth of the season, guided in by Paul Stastny and Alex Pietrangelo. Winnipeg tied it on a Drew Stafford goal, his fifteenth of the year, coming off of Tyler Myers and Toby Enstrom. In the shootout, Stafford and Andrew Ladd combined to beat T.J. Oshie for a 2-1 Jets win. The three stars went to Pavelec (32 for 33 in saves), Stafford, and Elliott (33 for 34 in saves).

A little south to Minnesota, where the Wild bring in the Washington Capitals. Devan Dubnyk and Braden Holtby are given the starting nods. Washington was first to score in the second period on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his forty-sixth of the season, fueled by Karl Alzner and Matt Niskanen. The Capitals added on with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his ninth of the year, going in unassisted. Minnesota got on the board with a Christian Folin goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Zach Parise and Mikael Granlund. Washington answered in the third period with another Ovechkin goal, his second of the game and forty-seventh of the year, made possible by Nicklas Backstrom. The Wild shot back with a Jared Spurgeon power play goal, his ninth of the campaign, powered by Thomas Vanek and Granlund. They took a 3-2 loss, with the three stars given to Ovechkin, Granlund, and Kuznetsov.

Down in Dallas, the Stars host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas opened in the second period with a Brett Ritchie goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Jamie Benn and Shawn Horcoff. The Stars added on with a Benn goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, passed from Tyler Seguin and Cody Eakin. Pittsburgh got on the board with a Kris Letang goal, his eleventh of the campaign, via Sidney Crosby and Christian Ehrhoff. This produced the 2-1 final, with the three stars going to Benn, Lehtonen (31 for 32 in saves), and Ritchie.

Up to Alberta, as the Flames welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Karri Ramo are the surprisingly reliable goalies. Calgary led off in the second period with a Dennis Wideman goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Jiri Hudler. The Flames added on with a T.J. Brodie goal, his eleventh of the year, made possible by Deryk Engelland and Johnny Gaudreau. Mason was pulled for Ray Emery. Philadelphia got on the board with a Claude Giroux goal, his nineteenth of the season, via Jakob Voracek and Nicklas Grossmann. Calgary shot back in the third period on a Sean Monahan power play goal, his twenty-eighth of the year, powered by Gaudreau and Kris Russell. The Flames finished it at 4-1 with a Gaudreau power play goal, his twentieth of the campaign, assisted by Hudler and Russell. The three stars belonged to Gaudreau, Hudler, and Russell.

West to British Columbia, as the Vancouver Canucks bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Eddie Lack are in the creases. Vancouver dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Bo Horvat goal, his twelfth of the season, going in unassisted. The Canucks added on with a Daniel Sedin goal, his fifteenth of the year, assisted by Henrik Sedin and Alexandre Burrows. Columbus got on the board with a Rene Bourque goal, his fourth of the season, via Ryan Johansen. The Blue Jackets tied it on a Marko Dano goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Artem Anisimov and Nick Foligno. Columbus took the lead on a Cam Atkinson power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Mark Letestu and Jack Johnson. The Blue Jackets extended the lead in the third period on a Dano goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, guided in by Alexander Wennberg. Columbus chased Lack with a Scott Hartnell goal, his twenty-second of the season, made possible by Dano and David Savard. The Blue Jackets padded the lead on a Wennberg goal, his third of the year, going unassisted into the empty net. The three stars were awarded to Dano, Wennberg, and Atkinson.

Finally, the Arizona Coyotes host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov faces a lesser foe in Louis Domingue in goal. Arizona struck first in the first period on an Oliver Ekman-Larsson goal, his eighteenth of the season, coming off of Sam Gagner and Shane Doan. Colorado tied it on a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his twelfth of the year, passed from Gabriel Landeskog and Alex Tanguay. The Avalanche took the lead with a Jarome Iginla goal, his twenty-third of the season, guided in by John Mitchell and Jan Hejda. Colorado added on with a Freddie Hamilton goal, made possible by Brad Stuart and Daniel Briere. The Coyotes got one back in the third period on another Ekman-Larsson goal, his second of the game and nineteenth of the year, assisted by Lauri Korpikoski and Brandon Gormley. The Avalanche shot back on a Matt Duchene goal, his eighteenth of the season, via Dennis Everberg. Colorado finished it at 5-2 on a Landeskog empty net goal, his twentieth of the year, set up by O'Reilly. The three stars went to O'Reilly, Ekman-Larsson, and Landeskog.

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KHL Eastern Conference Semifinals: Ak Bars Kazan VS. Avangard Omsk

Welcome to the eastern conference semifinal round for the 2015 Gagarin Cup Playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series between Ak Bars Kazan and Avangard Omsk.

Game 1: TatNeft Arena, Kazan, Russia. In goal: Konstantin Barulin for Omsk and Anders Nilsson for Kazan. Kazan began with an unassisted goal by Alexander Svitov. Omsk tied it on a Sergei Shirokov penalty shot goal, coming after he was slashed by Stepan Zakharchuk. Avangard took the lead in the second period with an Alexander Perezhogin goal, with a lone assist by Chad Kolarik. Ak Bars tied it on a Sheldon Brookbank goal, guided in by Justin Azevedo. Omsk retook the lead in the third period on a Kirill Semyonov goal, coming off of Roman Berdnikov. Kazan tied it again with another Svitov goal, fueled by Oscar Moller and Igor Mirnov on the power play. Avangard won 4-3 in the second overtime on a Shirokov goal, made possible by Erik Gustafsson. The three stars belonged to Shirokov, Svitov, and Semyonov. Avangard leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: TatNeft Arena, Kazan, Russia. In goal: Denis Kostin for Omsk and Anders Nilsson for Kazan. Kazan struck first in the first period on a Konstantin Koltsov goal, fueled by Alexander Svitov and Ilya Nikulin. Ak Bars added on with a Stepan Zakharchuk goal, assisted by Koltsov and Artyom Lukoyanov. Kazan extended the lead in the second period as Igor Mirnov scored a power play goal, powered by Justin Azevedo and Nikulin. Ak Bars finished it at 4-0 in the third period on a Lukoyanov goal, guided in by Svitov and Yakov Rylov. The three stars went to Nilsson (33 save shutout), Koltsov, and Lukoyanov, while Svitov and Nikulin get the honorable mentions. The series heads east tied at 1.

Game 3: Omsk Arena, Omsk, Russia. In goal: Anders Nilsson for Kazan and Konstantin Barulin for Omsk. Kazan got going in the second period on an Ilya Nikulin goal, passed from Konstantin Koltsov and Alexander Svitov. Ak Bars iced it at 2-0 with a third period goal by Justin Azevedo, fueled by Yakov Rylov and Igor Mirnov. The three stars were Nilsson (25 save shutout), Nikulin, and Azevedo. Ak Bars holds a 2-1 series lead now.

Game 4: Omsk Arena, Omsk, Russia. In goal: Anders Nilsson for Kazan and Denis Kostin for Omsk. Kazan led off in the first period with an unassisted goal by Mikhail Glukhov. Ak Bars added on with a Sergei Kostitsyn goal in the second period, made possible by Glukhov. Kazan extended the lead as Stepan Zakharchuk scored, thanks to Kostitsyn and Yakov Rylov. Omsk got on the board with a Kirill Semyonov goal in the third period, passed from Sergei Shirokov and Ivan Fischenko. The final was 3-1 for Ak Bars, and the three stars went to Kostitsyn, Glukhov, and Nilsson (23 for 24 in saves). Ak Bars holds a 3-1 series lead as they head home.

Game 5: TatNeft Arena, Kazan, Russia. In goal: Konstantin Barulin for Omsk and Anders Nilsson for Kazan. Kazan dented the scoreboard in the second period with an unassisted Oscar Moller goal. Ak Bars added on with an Alexander Burmistrov goal, going in unassisted. This stood for a 2-0 win, with the three stars given to Nilsson (21 save shutout), Moller, and Burmistrov. Ak Bars faces Sibir in the Eastern Conference final.

KHL Western Conference Semifinals: CSKA Moscow VS. Jokerit Helsinki

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

Game 1: CSKA Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Henrik Karlsson for Helsinki and Kevin Lalande for Moscow. Helsinki got going in the second period on a power play goal by Niklas Hagman, powered by Ryan Gunderson and Juhamatti Aaltonen. Jokerit added on in the third period on a Steve Moses power play goal, guided in by Gunderson and Atte Ohtamaa. Moscow got on the board with an Alexander Radulov goal, assisted by Igor Grigorenko and Nikita Zaitsev. CSKA tied it on a Grigorenko goal, made possible by Zaitsev and Radulov. Moscow took the lead on another Grigorenko goal, again with helpers from Zaitsev, who got a sock trick, and Radulov. The final stood at 3-2, with the three stars going to Grigorenko, Radulov, and Zaitsev, while Gunderson gets an honorable mention. CSKA begins with a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: CSKA Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Henrik Karlsson for Helsinki and Kevin Lalande for Moscow. Moscow dented the scoreboard in the second period on an Igor Grigorenko goal, via Alexander Radulov. CSKA added on with a Simon Hjalmarsson goal, passed from Jan Mursak and Igor Makarov. Moscow extended the lead on a Radulov goal, fueled by Nikita Zaitsev and Mursak. CSKA finished it at 4-0 in the third period on a Grigorenko goal, with a lone assist by Evgeny Artyukhin. The three stars went to Radulov, Grigorenko, and Lalande (25 save shutout), while Mursak gets an honorable mention. CSKA has a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland. In goal: Kevin Lalande of Moscow and Henrik Karlsson of Helsinki. Moscow opened in the second period on a Simon Hjalmarsson shorthanded goal, set up by Jan Mursak and Grigory Panin. Helsinki tied it on a Ville Lajunen power play goal, powered by Juhamatti Aaltonen and Topi Jaakola. Jokerit took the lead in the third period on a Tommi Huhtala goal, passed from Jere Sallinen and Eetu Poysti. Helsinki added on with another Huhtala goal, made possible by Jaakola. CSKA got one back with an Igor Grigorenko goal, coming off of Nikita Zaitsev and Denis Denisov. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Huhtala, Jaakola, and Lajunen. CSKA still leads the series 2-1.

Game 4: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland. In goal: Stanislav Galimov of Moscow and Henrik Karlsson of Helsinki. Moscow started in the first period on a Simon Hjalmarsson power play goal, guided in by Stephane Da Costa and Jan Mursak. CSKA added on in the third period on a power play goal by Hjalmarsson, powered by Denis Denisov and Mursak. Moscow iced it at 3-0 with a power play goal by Igor Grigorenko, assisted by Alexander Radulov and Mursak, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars were awarded to Hjalmarsson, Galimov (17 save shutout), and Mursak. CSKA heads home carrying a 3-1 series lead.

Game 5: CSKA Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Henrik Karlsson for Helsinki and Stanislav Galimov for Moscow. Helsinki struck first in the second period on an unassisted goal by Juhamatti Aaltonen. Moscow tied it on a Vladimir Zharkov goal, fueled by Damir Zhafyarov. Jokerit took the lead back with a Linus Omark goal, via Steve Moses and Petr Koukal. CSKA tied it again in the third period on an Igor Grigorenko goal, made possible by Alexander Radulov. Moscow took the lead on a Zhafyarov goal, passed from Jan Mursak. CSKA iced it at 4-2 on a shorthanded empty net goal by Grigory Panin. The three stars went to Zhafyarov, Grigorenko, and Zharkov. CSKA will face SKA in the Western Conference Final.

KHL Eastern Conference Semifinals: Sibir Novosibirsk VS. Metallurg Magnitogorsk

Welcome to the eastern conference semifinal round for the 2015 Gagarin Cup Playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series between Sibir Novosibirsk and Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

Game 1: Ice Sports Palace Sibir, Novosibirsk, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin of Magnitogorsk and Alexander Salak of Novosibirsk. Novosibirsk got going in the second period on a David Ullstrom goal, guided in by Jonas Enlund and Maxim Shalunov. Sibir added on with an Alexei Kopeikin power play goal in the third period, powered by Dmitry Kugryshev and Vyacheslav Belov. This made it 2-0, the final, with the three stars going to Salak (38 save shutout), Ullstrom, and Kopeikin. Sibir owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Ice Sports Palace Sibir, Novosibirsk, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin of Magnitogorsk and Alexander Salak of Novosibirsk. Novosibirsk was first to score in the first period on a Viktor Bobrov goal, via Ivan Vereshchagin. Magnitogorsk tied it in the second period on a Jan Kovar power play goal, powered by Chris Lee and Danis Zaripov. Sibir retook the lead with an unassisted goal by Stepan Sannikov. Novosibirsk added on in the third period as Patrik Hersley scored on the power play, with the help of Alexei Kopeikin and Dmitry Kugryshev. Metallurg got one back with an unassisted power play goal from Zaripov. The final was 3-2, with the three stars given to Hersley, Sannikov, and Zaripov. Sibir travels with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Arena Metallurg, Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Alexander Salak of Novosibirsk and Vasily Koshechkin of Magnitogorsk. Magnitogorsk began in the first period on a Tim Stapleton goal, via Vladimir Malenkikh and Tim Brent. Metallurg added on with a Sergei Mozyakin power play goal, with a lone assist by Chris Lee. Magnitogorsk extended the lead on another Mozyakin power play goal, powered by Viktor Antipin and Danis Zaripov. Novosibirsk got on the board in the second period with an unassisted power play goal by David Ullstrom. Metallurg shot back as Brent scored, thanks to Lee and Oskar Osala. Sibir pulled back in the third period on a Dmitry Monya power play goal, guided in by Patrik Hersley and Jonas Enlund. Magnitogorsk answered with a Jan Kovar goal, helped along by Mozyakin. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars given to Mozyakin, Brent, and Lee. The series still belongs to Sibir, but only with a 2-1 advantage.

Game 4: Arena Metallurg, Magnitogorsk, Russia. In goal: Nikita Bespalov of Novosibirsk and Vasily Koshechkin of Magnitogorsk. Novosibirsk struck first in the first period on a Dmitry Kugryshev goal, with a lone assist by Oleg Gubin. Sibir added on with a Patrik Hersley power play goal, powered by Jonas Enlund and Igor Ozhiganov. Magnitogorsk got on the board with a Danis Zaripov goal, fueled by Sergei Mozyakin and Jan Kovar on the power play. Metallurg tied it in the second period with another Zaripov goal, coming off of Mozyakin. The tie was broken in overtime on a Renat Mamashev goal for Novosibirsk, giving them a 3-2 win. The three stars belonged to Zaripov, Mamashev, and Mozyakin. Sibir takes a 3-1 series lead home.

Game 5: Ice Sports Palace Sibir, Novosibirsk, Russia. In goal: Vasily Koshechkin of Magnitogorsk and Alexander Salak of Novosibirsk. Magnitogorsk dented the scoreboard with a Sergei Mozyakin power play goal in the second period, powered by Viktor Antipin and Danis Zaripov. Novosibirsk tied it on a Sergei Shumakov goal, courtesy of Stepan Sannikov. Sibir took the lead in the third period on an Oleg Gubin goal, coming off of Artyom Voroshilo. Novosibirsk iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Igor Ozhiganov, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Gubin, Salak (26 for 27 in saves), and Shumakov. Sibir advances to the conference final round with a 4-1 series win.

NHL March 18th, 2015

Three games on a calm Wednesday, beginning with...

The New York Rangers hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. Scott Darling and Cam Talbot are the little known goalies. Chicago got going in the third period on a Brad Richards goal, his eleventh of the season, guided in by Duncan Keith and Andrew Desjardins. This was the only goal, with the Blackhawks winning 1-0. The three stars were Darling (25 save shutout), Richards, and Talbot (30 for 31 in saves).

Out west, the Edmonton Oilers welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney and Ben Scrivens are in the blue paint. Columbus started in the first period on a David Savard goal, his eleventh of the season, coming off of Alexander Wennberg and Scott Hartnell. The Blue Jackets added on in the second period with a Ryan Johansen goal, his twenty-third of the year, via Ryan Murray and Cam Atkinson. Edmonton got on the board with a Derek Roy power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Benoit Pouliot and Nail Yakupov. The Oilers tied it in the third period on a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal, his twentieth of the year, with a lone assist by Jordan Eberle. Edmonton took the lead on a Yakupov goal, his twelfth of the season, passed from Oscar Klefbom and Andrew Ference. Columbus retied it with a Mark Letestu goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Jack Johnson. In the shootout, Johansen and Wennberg topped Eberle for a 4-3 Blue Jackets win. The three stars went to Johansen, Wennberg, and Yakupov.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and John Gibson are between the pipes. Los Angeles opened in the first period on a Jeff Carter power play goal, his twenty-fifth of the season, powered by Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Anaheim tied it on a third period goal by Patrick Maroon, his eighth of the year, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and James Wisniewski. The Ducks took the lead on a Jakob Silfverberg goal, his twelfth of the season, made possible by Andrew Coglaino and Hampus Lindholm. The Kings tied it on a Justin Williams goal, his eighteenth of the year, via Jake Muzzin and Trevor Lewis. Anaheim won 3-2 in overtime on a Ryan Kesler goal, his eighteenth of the campaign, helped along by Cam Fowler and Simon Despres. The three stars were Kesler, Silfverberg, and Maroon.

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KHL Western Conference Semifinals: SKA St. Petersburg VS. Dynamo Moscow

Welcome to the western conference semifinal round for the 2015 Gagarin Cup Playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series between SKA St. Petersburg and Dynamo Moscow.

Game 1: Ice Palace St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Alexander Lazushin of Moscow and Mikko Koskinen of St. Petersburg. Moscow was first to score in the first period on a Mat Robinson goal, made possible by Maxim Pestushko. St. Petersburg tied it in the second period on an Evgeny Ketov goal, fueled by Tony Martensson and Anton Burdasov. Dynamo retook the lead with an Alexei Tsvetkov goal, passed from Pestushko. SKA tied it as Patrick Thoresen scored a power play goal, powered by Jimmie Ericsson and Ilya Kovalchuk. St. Petersburg won 3-2 in overtime on an Artemy Panarin goal, via Roman Cervenka. The three stars went to Panarin, Thoresen, and Pestushko. SKA owns a 1-0 lead to begin the series.

Game 2: Ice Palace St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Alexander Lazushin of Moscow and Mikko Koskinen of St. Petersburg. Moscow struck first in the first period on a Vladimir Bryukvin goal, going in unassisted. St. Petersburg got on the board in the second period as Vadim Shipachyov scored a power play goal, powered by Artemy Panarin. Dynamo retook the lead as Maxim Karpov scored, thanks to Alexei Tsvetkov and Andrei Mironov. Moscow added on in the third period on a Kaspars Daugavins power play goal, assisted by Nikolai Zherdev and Filip Novak. Dynamo iced it at 4-1 on a Tsvetkov empty net goal, set up by Mat Robinson and Karpov. The three stars went to Karpov, Lazushin (34 for 35 in saves), and Tsvetkov. The series is tied at 1 as it heads to Moscow.

Game 3: Luzhniki Minor Arena, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Mikko Koskinen for St. Petersburg and Alexander Lazushin for Moscow. St. Petersburg dented the scoreboard in the second period on an Anton Burdasov goal, fueled by Dmitry Kalinin and Roman Rukavishnikov. SKA iced it at 2-0 with an Ilya Kovalchuk empty net goal, set up by Roman Cervenka in the third period. The three stars were Koskinen (27 save shutout), Burdasov, and Lazushin (28 for 29 in saves). SKA owns a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Luzhniki Minor Arena, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Mikko Koskinen for St. Petersburg and Alexander Lazushin for Moscow. St. Petersburg began in the first period on a Patrick Thoresen goal, guided in by Tony Martensson. Moscow tied it on a Yegor Dugin goal, fueled by Janne Jalasvaara. SKA took the lead in the second period on a Vadim Shipachyov goal, coming off of Evgeny Dadonov and Artemy Panarin. St. Petersburg added on with an Ilya Kablukov goal, passed from Evgeny Ketov. Alexander Sharychenkov replaced Lazushin late in the second period. SKA extended the lead in the third period with a Dadonov goal, via Ilya Kovalchuk and Shipachyov on the power play. St. Petersburg padded the lead on a Thoresen goal, with a lone helper by Martensson. SKA finished it at 6-1 with a Viktor Tikhonov goal, helped along by Martensson, who got a sock trick. The three stars went to Martensson, Thoresen, and Shipachyov, while Dadonov gets an honorable mention. SKA heads home leading the series 3-1. 

Game 5: Ice Palace St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russia. In goal: Alexander Sharychenkov of Moscow and Mikko Koskinen of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg led off in the first period with a Vadim Shipachyov goal, fueled by Roman Cervenka and Ilya Kovalchuk. Moscow tied it on a power play goal by Maxim Karpov in the third period, powered by Alexander Osipov and Denis Kokarev. SKA took the lead on an Anton Belov goal, via Viktor Tikhonov and Patrick Thoresen. Dynamo tied it again as Sergei Soin scored, thanks to Mat Robinson and Yegor Dugin. St. Petersburg took the game 3-2 with an Evgeny Dadonov goal in overtime, coming off of Shipachyov and Artemy Panarin. The three stars were Shipachyov, Dadonov, and Belov. SKA wins the series 4-1, and awaits their opponent for the conference final.

NHL March 17th, 2015

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all those celebrating. Be safe and don't drink too much! Hockey is providing us with nine games to enjoy tonight, beginning with...

The Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Senators. Andrew Hammond and Anton Khudobin are the little-known goalies. Carolina opened in the first period on an Elias Lindholm goal, his fifteenth of the season, coming off of Jeff Skinner and John-Michael Liles. Ottawa tied it in the second period on a Patrick Wiercioch power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Erik Karlsson and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators won 2-1 in overtime on a Mark Stone goal, his eighteenth of the campaign, via Kyle Turris and Karlsson. The three stars went to Hammond (35 for 36 in saves), Stone, and Karlsson.

Up north, the New Jersey Devils welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Thomas Greiss is mismatched with Cody Schneider in goal. New Jersey got going in the second period on a Jacob Josefson goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Michael Ryder and Eric Gelinas. The Devils iced it at 2-0 with an empty net goal by Adam Henrique, his sixteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Schneider (35 save shutout), Josefson, and Greiss (17 for 18 in saves).

Over in Boston, the Bruins bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Anders Lindback and Niklas Svedberg are the unknown goalies in net. Boston started in the first period on a Loui Eriksson goal, his eighteenth of the season, fueled by Adam McQuaid and Carl Soderberg. Buffalo tied it on a Rasmus Ristolainen power play goal in the third period, his fifth of the year, powered by Brian Gionta and Johan Larsson. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Tyler Ennis secured the 2-1 win for the Sabres. The three stars were handed to Lindback (44 for 45 in saves), Ristolainen, and Svedberg (23 for 24 in saves).

Down in Florida, the Panthers host the Montreal Canadiens. Dustin Tokarski and Dan Ellis are the backups in goal. Florida dented the scoreboard in the second period on an Aleksander Barkov goal, his twelfth of the season, guided in by Jonathan Huberdeau. Montreal tied it on an Alexei Emelin goal, his third of the year, passed from Brandon Prust and Dale Weise. The Canadiens took the lead as Jacob De La Rose scored his third of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Prust. The Panthers retied it on a Brandon Pirri goal, his sixteenth of the year, via Brad Boyes and Nick Bjugstad. Montreal retook the lead on a P.K. Subban goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, assisted by Lars Eller and De La Rose. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to De La Rose, Tokarski (41 for 43 in saves), and Prust.

Backtracking to Nashville, as the Predators welcome the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Pekka Rinne protect the nets. Minnesota led off in the first period on a Charlie Coyle goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Jordan Leopold and Thomas Vanek. Nashville tied it in the second period on a Roman Josi goal, his thirteenth of the year, with a lone assist by Filip Forsberg. The Predators took the lead as Josi scored his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, thanks to Viktor Stalberg and Matt Cullen. The Wild retied it as Coyle scored his second of the game and tenth of the year in the third period, with the help of Chris Stewart and Nino Niederreiter. Minnesota won 3-2 in overtime on a Matt Dumba goal, his seventh of the campaign, helped along by Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The three stars were handed to Coyle, Josi, and Dumba.

Way to the north, the Winnipeg Jets bring in the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Ondrej Pavelec are in the creases. Winnipeg struck first in the first period on an Adam Lowry goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Andrew Ladd. The Jets added on with a Mark Scheifele power play goal, his twelfth of the year, powered by Toby Enstrom and Blake Wheeler. Winnipeg extended the lead as Ladd scored his twenty-fourth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Jacob Trouba and Michael Frolik. Alex Stalock relieved Niemi at this time. San Jose got on the board in the second period with a Joe Pavelski goal, his thirty-third of the year, guided in by Joe Thornton and Melker Karlsson. The Jets shot back with a Wheeler goal, his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Drew Stafford and Scheifele. Winnipeg padded the lead in the third period on Wheeler's second of the game and twenty-second of the year, courtesy of Stafford and Scheifele. The Sharks replied with a Pavelski goal, his second of the game and thirty-fourth of the campaign, with helpers provided by Brent Burns and Thornton. The final stood at 5-2, with the three stars given to Wheeler, Scheifele, and Pavelski, while Ladd, Thornton, and Stafford get the honorable mentions.

Back stateside, the Chicago Blackhawks host the New York Islanders. Michal Neuvirth and Corey Crawford are the experienced goalies. Chicago was first to score in the first period on a Jonathan Toews goal, his twenty-second of the season, assisted by Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks added on with Toews' second of the game and twenty-third of the year, via Niklas Hjalmarsson and Johnny Oduya. Chicago extended the lead in the second period as Marian Hossa scored his twentieth of the season, with a lone assist by Toews. The Blackhawks padded the lead in the third period Hossa's second of the game and twenty-first of the year, helped along by Sharp and Toews. New York got on the board with a Nikolay Kulemin goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, fueled by Tyler Kennedy and Frans Nielsen. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars handed to Toews, Hossa, and Crawford (36 for 37 in saves), while Sharp gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to where the Calgary Flames welcome the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jonas Hiller are between the pipes. St. Louis began in the second period with an Alexander Steen goal, his twenty-first of the season, guided in by T.J. Oshie and David Backes. The Blues added on with a third period goal from Jori Lehtera, his eleventh of the year, via Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko. St. Louis extended the lead as Steen scored his second of the game and twenty-second of the season, thanks to Oshie and Backes. The Blues finished it at 4-0 on a Backes empty net goal, his twenty-fourth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Steen, Elliott (25 save shutout), and Backes, while Oshie gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Eddie Lack are the reliable goalies. Philadelphia got going in the second period on a Michael Raffl goal, his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds. Vancouver tied it on an Alexander Edler goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Brad Richardson and Derek Dorsett. The Canucks took the lead in the third period on an Alexandre Burrows goal, his thirteenth of the season, coming off of Daniel Sedin and Edler. Vancouver added on with another Burrows goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, made possible by Daniel Sedin and Luca Sbisa. The Canucks iced it at 4-1 with a Radim Vrbata empty net goal, his twenty-sixth of the campaign, set up by Shawn Matthias. The three stars were Burrows, Lack (27 for 28 in saves), and Edler, while Daniel Sedin gets an honorable mention.

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