NHL April 1st, 2015

Four games tonight, with the first in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Anders Lindback are in goal. Buffalo started in the first period with a Zac Dalpe goal, coming off of Matt Ellis and Andrej Meszaros. Toronto tied it on an Eric Brewer goal, his third of the season, passed from Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak. The Maple Leafs took the lead on a James van Riemsdyk goal in the second period, his twenty-fifth of the year, via Kessel and Bozak. Toronto added on with a Nazem Kadri goal, his eighteenth of the season, assisted by Richard Panik. The Sabres got one back with a Cody Hodgson goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Andre Benoit and Philip Varone. Buffalo tied it in the third period with a Matt Moulson power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, powered by Johan Larsson and Brian Gionta. The Sabres gained the lead on an Ellis goal, helped along by Nikita Zadorov and Gionta. This stood for a 4-3 win, with the three stars given to Ellis, Gionta, and Kessel, while Bozak gets an honorable mention.

Down in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome their cross-state rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Marc-Andre Fleury are the masked men. Pittsburgh opened in the first period on a Sidney Crosby goal, his twenty-sixth of the season, fueled by Patric Hornqvist and Ian Cole. Philadelphia tied it on a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. The Flyers took the lead in the second period as Brayden Schenn scored his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Brandon Manning and Sean Couturier. Philadelphia added on with a third period Schenn goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, guided in by Jakub Voracek and Mark Streit on the power play. The Flyers extended the lead with an unassisted shorthanded goal by Carlo Colaiacovo. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars given to Schenn, Mason (24 for 25 in saves), and Colaiacovo.

Out west, the Anaheim Ducks bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Ben Scrivens and Frederik Andersen are in the creases. Anaheim struck first in the first period on a Francois Beauchemin goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Jakob Silfverberg and Hampus Lindholm. The Ducks added on with a Nate Thompson goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Silfverberg. Anaheim extended the lead with a Corey Perry goal in the second period, his thirty-third of the season, guided in by Tomas Fleischmann and Beauchemin. The Ducks padded the lead on a Simon Despres goal, his third of the year, via Andrew Cogliano and Silfverberg, the latter getting a sock trick. Edmonton got on the board with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, coming off of Jordan Eberle. Anaheim shot back with a Cogliano penalty shot goal, his fifteenth of the year, after he was slashed by Oscar Klefbom. This produced the 5-1 final, with the three stars given to Beauchemin, Cogliano, and Silfverberg.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Colorado Avalanche. Reto Berra and Alex Stalock are the backups in goal. San Jose got going in the second period on a Scott Hannan goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski. The Sharks added on with a third period goal by Chris Tierney, his fifth of the year, via Matthew Nieto and Taylor Fedun. Colorado got on the board with a Matt Duchene power play goal, his twentieth of the season, powered by Zach Redmond and John Mitchell. San Jose shot back with a Patrick Marleau goal, his eighteenth of the year, guided in by Logan Couture. The Sharks extended the lead on an empty net goal by Couture, his twenty-sixth of the season, set up by Melker Karlsson and Burns. San Jose finished it at 5-1 on a John Scott empty net goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist by Ben Smith. The three stars went to Couture, Stalock (19 for 20 in saves), and Burns.

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NHL March 31st, 2015

Seven games on for tonight, beginning in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Tuukka Rask guard the cages. Boston opened in the first period on a Loui Eriksson goal, his twentieth of the season, via Carl Soderberg. Florida tied it on a second period goal by Brandon Pirri, his twenty-first of the year, a power play goal powered by Brian Campbell and Jimmy Hayes. The Panthers took the lead on a Brad Boyes goal, his thirteenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Bruins tied it in the third period on a David Pastrnak goal, his eleventh of the year, assisted by Ryan Spooner and Milan Lucic. Boston won 3-2 with a Lucic goal, his eighteenth of the campaign, made possible by Pastrnak and Spooner. The three stars went to Lucic, Pastrnak, and Spooner.

Down in DC, the Washington Capitals welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Braden Holtby are in the blue paint. Washington struck first in the first period on Mike Green's eighth of the season, courtesy of Tom Wilson and Curtis Glencross. The Capitals added on with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fiftieth of the year, assisted by Evgeny Kuznetsov and Matt Niskanen. Carolina got on the board in the second period as Nathan Gerbe scored his ninth of the season, thanks to and Alexander Semin. The Hurricanes tied it with an Eric Staal goal, his twenty-second of the year, via Chris Terry and John-Michael Liles. Washington regained the lead with a Brooks Laich goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Jason Chimera and Green. The Capitals extended the lead with a Joel Ward goal, his seventeenth of the year, with assists provided by Ovechkin and Kuznetsov. This held up for a 4-2 win, with the three stars being Ovechkin, Green, and Kuznetsov.

Over in Columbus, the Blue Jackets bring in the New Jersey Devils. Sergei Bobrovsky and Cory Schneider tend the twines. New Jersey started in the first period on a Michael Cammalleri power play goal, his twenty-sixth of the season, powered by Eric Gelinas and Adam Henrique. Columbus tied it on a Nick Foligno power play goal in the second period, his twenty-seventh of the year, assisted by Alexander Wennberg and Ryan Johansen. The Blue Jackets took the lead with a Brandon Dubinsky penalty shot goal for his tenth of the season. The Devils retied it in the third period on a Cammalleri shorthanded goal, his second of the game and twenty-seventh of the year, set up by Dainius Zubrus and Adam Larsson. Columbus won 3-2 in overtime on a Jack Johnson goal, his seventh of the campaign, passed from David Savard and Johansen. The three stars went to Cammalleri, Johnson, and Johansen.

Up in Detroit, the Red Wings host the Ottawa Senators. Andrew Hammond and Petr Mrazek draw the starts. Detroit got going in the second period with a Gustav Nyquist goal, his twenty-fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Justin Abdelkader. Ottawa tied it in the third period with a Clarke MacArthur goal, his fourteenth of the year, passed from Mark Stone and Kyle Turris. The tie went to a shootout, where Mika Zibanejad, Turris, and Stone scored for Senators to top the Red Wings' Nyquist and Tatar. The three stars of the 2-1 Senators win were Stone, Turris, and Nyquist.

Into Ontario, where the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and James Reimer are set to start in goal. Toronto began in the first period on a Nazem Kadri power play goal, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Joakim Lindstrom and T.J. Brennan. The Maple Leafs added on with a David Booth goal, his seventh of the year, going in unassisted. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Ryan Callahan power play goal, his twenty-third of the season, with helpers provided by Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov. Toronto shot back with a Morgan Rielly goal in the third period, his eighth of the year, made possible by Kadri and Jake Gardiner. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being Kadri, Reimer (40 for 41 in saves), Booth.

South to Nashville, as the Predators welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack and Pekka Rinne are the masked men. Nashville was first to score in the first period on a Cody Franson power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Mike Fisher. The Predators added on with Taylor Beck's eighth of the year, with a lone assist by Paul Gaustad. Vancouver got on the board in the second period with a Linden Vey goal, his tenth of the season, made possible by Derek Dorsett and Dan Hamhuis. The Canucks tied it as Jannik Hansen scored his fifteenth of the year, with the help of Nick Bonino and Hamhuis. Nashville pulled ahead on a Viktor Stalberg goal, his second of the season, coming off of Anton Volchenkov. Vancouver tied it in the third period on an Alexandre Burrows shorthanded goal, his sixteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Canucks took the lead with a power play goal by Chris Higgins, his twelfth of the season, passed from Burrows and Bonino. The Predators tied it with a Fisher power play goal, his nineteenth of the year, an unassisted goal. In the shootout, Bonino and Radim Vrbata scored for a 5-4 Canucks victory. The three stars went to Burrows, Bonino, and Fisher, while Hamhuis gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Winnipeg Jets host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist opposes a lesser foe in Ondrej Pavelec in goal. Winnipeg led off in the first period with a Jim Slater goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Chris Thorburn and Jiri Tlusty. New York tied it on a Mats Zuccarello goal, his fifteenth of the year, assisted by Rick Nash and Derick Brassard. The Jets took the lead with a second period goal by Lee Stempniak, his twelfth of the season, coming off of Mathieu Perreault and Adam Lowry. The Rangers tied it again with a Brassard power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, powered by Ryan McDonagh and Keith Yandle. New York took the lead on a Chris Kreider goal in the third period, his twenty-first of the season, made possible by J.T. Miller and Derek Stepan. The final was 3-2, with the three stars going to Brassard, Kreider, and Lundqvist (32 for 34 in saves).

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NHL March 30th, 2015

Six games on this evening, beginning in...

Montreal, as the Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Carey Price guard the cages. Tampa Bay got going in the second period on a Vladislav Namestnikov goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Steven Stamkos and the goalie Bishop. Montreal tied it with a Max Pacioretty goal, his thirty-seventh of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Markov. The Lightning retook the lead on a Jonathan Drouin power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Anton Stralman and the goalie Bishop again. Tampa Bay added on with a Nikita Kucherov goal, his twenty-eighth of the year, passed from Namestnikov and Ondrej Palat. The Canadiens got one back in the third period as Jeff Petry scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Lars Eller. The Lightning replied on a Namestnikov goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year, guided in by Palat. Montreal chipped back on a P.K. Subban power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, with assists provided by Nathan Beaulieu and David Desharnais. Tampa Bay wrapped it up at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Stralman, his ninth of the year, with a lone assist by Brian Boyle. The three stars went to Namestnikov, Stralman, and Palat, while the goalie Bishop also had a multi-point night for an honorable mention.

Down in St. Louis, the Blues welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack and Brian Elliott are the masked men. Vancouver dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Shawn Matthias goal, his eighteenth of the season, via Christopher Tanev. St. Louis tied it with a Zbynek Michalek goal, his third of the year, courtesy of Olli Jokinen and T.J. Oshie. The Canucks regained the lead on a Nick Bonino goal, his fifteenth of the season, assisted by Kevin Bieksa and Radim Vrbata. Vancouver took the lead as Vrbata scored his thirty-first of the year, thanks to Chris Higgins and Tanev. The Canucks iced it at 4-1 on an Alexandre Burrows empty net goal, his fifteenth of the campaign, set up by Daniel Sedin. The three stars belonged to Vrbata, Lack (23 for 24 in saves), and Tanev.

Back in Chicago, the Blackhawks bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick faces a lesser foe in Scott Darling in goal. Chicago struck first in the first period on a Bryan Bickell goal, his thirteenth of the season, courtesy of Brandon Saad and Andrew Shaw. Los Angeles tied it on a Jake Muzzin goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Trevor Lewis and Nick Shore. The Blackhawks retook the lead in the second period as Duncan Keith scored his ninth of the season, a power play goal powered by Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews. Chicago added on with a Niklas Hjalmarsson goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The Blackhawks extended the lead on an unassisted Hossa goal, his twenty-second of the campaign. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were Hossa, Darling (31 for 32 in saves), and Keith.

South to Dallas, where the Stars host the Calgary Flames. Jonas Hiller and Kari Lehtonen are the veteran goalies. Dallas was first to score in the first period on a Jason Spezza goal, his seventeenth of the season, passed from Patrick Eaves and Trevor Daley. Calgary tied it on a Dennis Wideman power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Johnny Gaudreau and Joe Colborne. The Stars took the lead back on a Tyler Seguin goal, his thirty-fifth of the season, coming on the power play from Jamie Benn and Spezza. The Flames retied it on a second period Jiri Hudler goal, his twenty-ninth of the year, assisted by Kris Russell and Wideman. Calgary took the lead on a Raphael Diaz goal, his second of the season, fueled by David Jones and Lance Bouma. The Flames added on with a Gaudreau goal, his twenty-second of the year, coming off of Sean Monahan and Hudler. Jhonas Enroth relieved Lehtonen in goal. Dallas got one back in the third period on a Jason Demers goal, his fifth of the season, with helpers from Benn and Fiddler. Calgary wrapped it up at 5-3 with a Mikael Backlund empty net goal, his tenth of the year, set up by T.J. Brodie. The three stars were handed to Gaudreau, Wideman, and Hudler, while Spezza and Benn get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Colorado, as the Avalanche welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Richard Bachman is mismatched with Semyon Varlamov in goal. Edmonton began in the first period on a Brandon Davidson goal, coming off of Anton Lander and Andrew Miller. Colorado tied it on a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his fifteenth of the season, made possible by Alex Tanguay and Nate Guenin. The Oilers took the lead back in the second period on a Justin Schultz goal, his sixth of the year, via Teddy Purcell. Edmonton added on in the third period with a Nikita Nikitin empty net goal, his fourth of the season, set up by Miller and Lander. The Oilers iced it on a Taylor Hall empty net goal, his thirteenth of the year, with assists provided by Miller, who got a sock trick, and Martin Marincin. The three stars were given to Miller, Lander, and Bachman (29 for 30 in saves).

Finally, the Arizona Coyotes bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Anders Lindback and Mike Smith are between the pipes. Arizona led off in the first period on a Connor Murphy goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Sam Gagner and Klas Dahlbeck. Buffalo tied it on a second period goal by Andrej Meszaros, his sixth of the year, coming on the power play from Andre Benoit and Mikhail Grigorenko. The Sabres took the lead on another Meszaros goal, his second of the game and seventh of the season, passed from Nicolas Deslauriers and Zac Dalpe. Buffalo added on with a shorthanded empty net goal by Brian Gionta, his eleventh of the year, set up by Marcus Foligno and Mike Weber. The Sabres extended the lead as Rasmus Ristolainen scored his eighth of the campaign into an empty net, from Gionta and Matt Moulson. The three stars were handed to Meszaros, Gionta, and Lindback (28 for 29 in saves).

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NHL March 29th, 2015

Eight games on for today, beginning with...

The New York Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Cam Talbot are set to start in goal. Washington struck first in the first period on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his forty-eighth of the season, assisted by Joel Ward and John Carlson. New York tied it on a Kevin Hayes goal, his fifteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Rangers took the lead as Derick Brassard scored his sixteenth of the season, passed from Mats Zuccarello and Ryan McDonagh. The Capitals tied it on a second period power play goal by Ovechkin, his second of the game and forty-ninth of the year, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and Matt Niskanen. Washington pulled ahead in the third period on a Jason Chimera goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Eric Fehr and Brooks Laich. The Capitals added on with another Chimera goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, courtesy of Laich and Fehr. Washington won 5-2 on an empty net goal by Marcus Johansson, his eighteenth of the season, set up by Troy Brouwer. The three stars went to Ovechkin, Chimera, and Fehr, while Laich gets an honorable mention.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask faces former backup Anton Khudobin in goal. Boston started in the first period on a Ryan Spooner goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by David Pastrnak and Adam McQuaid. Carolina tied it in the second period on a Nathan Gerbe goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Chris Terry and Danny Biega. The Bruins won 2-1 with a Pastrnak goal in overtime, his tenth of the campaign, assisted by Carl Soderberg and Torey Krug. The three stars were Pastrnak, Rask (30 for 31 in saves), and Spooner.

Back north, the New York Islanders bring in the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek is mismatched with Jaroslav Halak in goal. Detroit quickly was first to score in the first period on a Tomas Tatar goal, his twenty-eighth of the season, coming off of Danny DeKeyser. The Red Wings added on with a Drew Miller goal, his fifth of the year, via Tomas Jurco and Luke Glendening. New York got on the board with a Brock Nelson power play goal, his nineteenth of the season, powered by Lubomir Visnovsky and Travis Hamonic. The Islanders tied it with a Ryan Strome goal, his sixteenth of the year, with a lone assist by John Tavares. New York gained the lead on a Kyle Okposo power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, fueled by Tavares and Nick Leddy. Detroit pulled even again on a Niklas Kronwall goal, his ninth of the year, with a lone helper from Pavel Datsyuk. Jimmy Howard took over for Mrazek in the second period. The Islanders edged ahead in the second period on a Frans Nielsen power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, with assists provided by Tavares, who got a sock trick, and Leddy. New York extended the lead as Cal Clutterbuck scored a shorthanded and unassisted goal, his seventh of the year. The Red Wings got one back as Datsyuk scored a power play goal, his twenty-fourth of the campaign, with the help of Tatar and Marek Zidlicky. The scoring dried up here, with the game ending at 5-4. The three stars were handed to Tavares, Tatar, and Datsyuk, while Leddy gets an honorable mention.

Into Canada, as the Ottawa Senators host the Florida Panthers. Dan Ellis and Craig Anderson are the journeymen goalies. Florida got going in the second period on a Jaromir Jagr power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Jonathan Huberdeau and Dmitry Kulikov. The Panthers added on with a Jussi Jokinen power play goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Dave Bolland and Brian Campbell. Ottawa got on the board in the third period with an Erik Karlsson power play goal, his twentieth of the season, coming off of Mark Stone and Kyle Turris. Florida shot back on a Jagr goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the year, made possible by Huberdeau. The Senators chipped back on a Jean-Gabriel Pageau goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Mike Hoffman and Cody Ceci. The Panthers iced it at 4-2 on a Bolland shorthanded and empty net goal, his fifth of the year, set up by Willie Mitchell. The three stars belonged to Jagr, Bolland, and Huberdeau.

Back stateside, the Nashville Predators welcome the Calgary Flames. Jonas Hiller and Pekka Rinne are the Finnish goalies. Nashville opened in the first period on a Roman Josi goal, his fifteenth of the season, guided in by Michael Santorelli and Calle Jarnkrok. Calgary tied it on a Lance Bouma goal, his fifteenth of the year, made possible by Mikael Backlund. The Flames took the lead on a Kris Russell goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Sean Monahan and Jiri Hudler. Calgary added on in the second period with a Michael Ferland goal, assisted by Drew Shore and Matt Stajan. The Flames extended the lead as Hudler scored his twenty-eighth of the year, with the help of Deryk Engelland. The Predators got one back in the third period with a Seth Jones goal, his seventh of the season, passed from Mike Ribeiro and Josi. Calgary finished it at 5-2 on a Bouma empty net goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year, set up by Hudler and Engelland. The three stars were awarded to Hudler, Bouma, and Josi, while Engelland gets an honorable mention.

East to New Jersey, as the Devils bring in the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Cory Schneider are the masked men. Anaheim led off in the first period on a Ryan Kesler goal, his twentieth of the season, courtesy of James Wisniewski. The Ducks added on in the third period with a Francois Beauchemin goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Kyle Palmieri and Tomas Fleischmann. New Jersey got on the board with a Dainius Zubrus goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Andy Greene and Patrik Elias. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars belonging to Gibson (26 for 27 in saves), Beauchemin, and Kesler.

Backtracking to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins host the San Jose Sharks. Alex Stalock and Marc-Andre Fleury are in the blue paint. Pittsburgh dented the scoreboard in the first period on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, passed from Daniel Winnik and Ian Cole. The Penguins added on with a Chris Kunitz power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, powered by Sidney Crosby and Derrick Pouliot. San Jose got on the board in the second period with a Ben Smith goal, his seventh of the season, via Justin Braun and Barclay Goodrow. The Sharks tied it with a Logan Couture power play goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, assisted by Patrick Marleau and Brent Burns. In the shootout, David Perron and Crosby scored to lift Pittsburgh to a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Crosby, Kunitz, and Hornqvist.

Finally, the Winnipeg Jets host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Ondrej Pavelec are the veteran goalies. Chicago began in the first period on an Andrew Shaw power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Brandon Saad and Duncan Keith. Winnipeg tied it in the second period on a Dustin Byfuglien goal, his seventeenth of the year, coming on the power play unassisted. The Jets took the lead on a shorthanded goal by Blake Wheeler, his twenty-fifth of the season, set up by Tyler Myers and Andrew Ladd. The Blackhawks retied it as Brad Richards scored his twelfth of the year, with the help of Johnny Oduya and Antoine Vermette. Winnipeg took the lead back on another Byfuglien power play goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the season, guided in by Ladd and Drew Stafford. Chicago evened it in the third period on a Patrick Sharp goal, his fourteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Blackhawks took the lead with a Jonathan Toews goal, his twenty-fifth of the campaign, helped along by Niklas Hjalmarsson and Marian Hossa. The final was 4-3, and the three stars were Byfuglien, Sharp, and Ladd.

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Major League Soccer Week 4

All teams in action this Saturday and Sunday, with eight games on Saturday to begin. The first game has...

The New England Revolution hosting the San Jose Earthquakes. David Bingham and Bobby Shuttleworth. San Jose' Clarence Goodson took a yellow card for a thirteenth minute foul. New England struck first on a Kelyn Rowe goal in the twenty-first minute, set up by Lee Nguyen and Daigo Kobayashi. The Revolution added on with a Rowe goal in the thirty-seventh minute, assisted by Darrius Barnes and Chris Tierney. The Earthquakes had another yellow card in the fifty-seventh minute for a Shaun Francis foul. San Jose got on the board with a sixty-second minute penalty kick goal by Chris Wondolowski. The final stood at 2-1 for the Revolution. Rowe was the man of the match with a brace.

Up in Montreal, the Impact welcome Orlando City SC. Donovan Ricketts and Eric Kronberg are the keepers. Montreal struck first in the fourteenth minute with an Ignacio Piatti penalty kick goal, but he also received a yellow card for excessive celebration. The Impact added on with a twenty-seventh minute goal by Jack McInerney. Orlando City got on the board with a twenty-ninth minute Pedro Ribeiro goal, passed from Kaka . Orlando City tied it as Kaka scored in the thirtieth minute, thanks to Ribeiro. Montreal's Dominic Oduro took a yellow card for a thirty-fourth minute foul. In the fifty-eighth minute, the Impact took another yellow card for a foul by Marco Donadel. Orlando City saw a yellow card given to Aurelien Collin in the sixty-third minute for dissent. In the seventy-fourth minute, Nigel Reo-Coker of Montreal was given a yellow card for a foul. Orlando City had a yellow card given to Tyler Turner in the seventy-sixth minute for his foul. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. The man of the match was Kaka for the equalizer.

Back stateside, New York City FC bring in Sporting Kansas City. Luis Marin and Josh Saunders draw the starts in goal. Kansas City was first to score in the twelfth minute on an Ike Opara goal, coming off of Matt Besler. Sporting's Paulo Nagamura received a yellow card for a sixty-eighth minute foul. New York City took a yellow card for a seventy-third minute foul by Mix Diskerud. New York City's Kwame Watson-Siriboe had a yellow card for his eighty-sixth minute foul. The final stood at 1-0 for Sporting. The man of the match was Opara for his goal.

Down in DC, United host the Los Angeles Galaxy. Brian Rowe and Bill Hamid protect the nets. DC had two yellow cards in the second half, going to Davy Arnaud in the forty-sixth minute and Bobby Boswell in the eighty-ninth minute, both for fouls. United won 1-0 late with a stoppage time goal by Chris Pontius, coming off of Nick DeLeon. The man of the match was Hamid for his five-save clean sheet.

West to Columbus, as the Crew welcome the New York Red Bulls. Luis Robles and Steve Clark guard the woodwork. New York's Damien Perrinelle took a yellow card for a seventeenth minute foul. Columbus saw a yellow card go to Federico Higuain for his foul in the thirty-ninth minute. The Red Bulls started in the forty-ninth minute on a Bradley Wright-Phillips penalty kick goal. The Crew tied it on a Tony Tchani goal in the fifty-eighth minute. New York regained the lead as Mike Grella scored in the sixty-seventh minute, thanks to Wright-Phillips. Higuain was sent off for unsporting behavior in the eighty-third minute, his second yellow card of the night putting Columbus at ten men. In stoppage time, the Red Bulls' Chris Duvall took a yellow card for a foul. New York won 2-1, and the man of the match was Wright-Phillips.

Northwest to Vancouver, where the Whitecaps FC bring in the Portland Timbers for the first installment of this season's Cascadia Cup. Adam Larsen Kwarasey and David Ousted are in the six-yard boxes. Vancouver took a yellow card in the twelfth minute for a Gershon Koffie foul. The Whitecaps added on with a Nicolas Mezquida goal in the fifteenth minute. Portland's Alvas Powell received a yellow card in the thirtieth minute for unsporting behavior. Vancouver had a yellow card assessed to Steven Beitashour in the fifty-eighth minute for a foul. The Timbers tied it on an eighty-second minute goal by Fanendo Adi. The Whitecaps suffered a yellow card for Kendall Waston's time wasting in the eighty-seventh minute. Vancouver retook the lead in the ninetieth minute on a Robert Earnshaw goal, passed from Pedro Morales. This stood for a 2-1 win, and Ousted was the man of the match for making three saves on four shots for the win.

Back southeast to Houston, as the Dynamo host the Colorado Rapids. Clint Irwin and Tyler Deric are the gloved men. Houston had a yellow card for a forty-third minute foul by Ricardo Clark. In the second half, yellow cards were assessed to the Dynamo's Alexander Lopez in the sixty-eighth minute and Kofi Sarkodie in the eighty-fourth minute, both for fouls. The final stood at 0-0, and the man of the match honors went to Deric for a three-save clean sheet.

Closing out Saturday, FC Dallas welcomes the Seattle Sounders FC. Stefan Frei and Chris Seitz are between the posts. Dallas went down to ten men in the eighteenth minute after a Kellyn Acosta foul drew out a red card. Dallas took a yellow card for an eightieth minute foul by Walker Zimmerman. Seattle saw yellow cards given to Micheal Azira in the eighty-fourth minute and Leonardo Gonzalez in stoppage time, both for fouls. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, with the man of the match being Azira for firing off four shot attempts.

For Sunday, we begin with the Chicago Fire bringing in the Philadelphia Union. Rais M'bolhi and Sean Johnson are the goalies. Chicago led off in the thirty-seventh minute on an Adailton goal, passed from Harrison Shipp. Philadelphia's Fred received a red card in the seventy-second minute for a fight. The Fire took a yellow card for Johnson's time wasting in the eightieth minute. The Union's Maurice Edu took a yellow card for a ninetieth minute foul. Chicago won 1-0, with the man of the match being Adailton.

Finally, Real Salt Lake hosts Toronto FC. Joe Bendik and Jeff Attinella are given the green light in goal. Toronto had a yellow card go to Luke Moore for his twentieth minute foul. Salt Lake began in the thirty-eighth minute with a Luke Mulholland goal, set up by Javier Morales, but Mulholland also received a yellow card for excessive celebration after the goal. Toronto took two yellow cards in the second half for fouls by Collen Warner in the sixtieth minute and Clement Simonin in the sixty-seventh minute. Toronto tied it in the eighty-eighth minute with a Jackson goal, passed from Bright Dike. Real regained the lead on a Jordan Allen goal, assisted by Morales in the eighty-ninth minute. This stood for a 2-1 win, and the man of the match was Morales for his role in setting up both Real goals.

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NHL March 28th, 2015

Thirteen games on as the season begins to hit the intense homestretch. We begin with the first of six matinees in...

DC, as the Washington Capitals host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Braden Holtby guard the cages. Nashville opened in the first period on a Mattias Ekholm goal, his seventh of the season, via Gabriel Bourque and Anton Volchenkov. The Predators added on with a Mike Fisher goal, his eighteenth of the year, courtesy of Filip Forsberg and Bourque. Nashville extended the lead as Forsberg scored his twenty-third of the season, thanks to Mike Ribeiro. Holtby was replaced by Justin Peters. Washington got on the board in the second period with a Troy Brouwer goal, his nineteenth of the year, assisted by Evgeny Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals pulled closer on a Brouwer shorthanded goal, his second of the game and twentieth of the season, set up by Brooks Laich. The Predators answered with a Ribeiro goal, his fifteenth of the year, with a lone helper from Forsberg. Washington got one back in the third period on a Mike Green goal, his seventh of the campaign, helped along by Matt Niskanen and Johansson. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Forsberg, Brouwer, and Ribeiro, while Bourque and Johansson get the honorable mentions.

Over in Boston, the Bruins welcome the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Tuukka Rask tend the twines. Boston began in the first period on a Milan Lucic goal, his sixteenth of the season, fueled by Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. The Bruins added on with another Lucic goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the year, courtesy of Torey Krug and Ryan Spooner. Boston extended the lead on a Carl Soderberg goal, his twelfth of the season, going in unassisted. Rask was pulled early in the second period with an injury, and Niklas Svedberg relieved him. The Bruins padded the lead with a Reilly Smith goal, his thirteenth of the year, passed from Loui Eriksson and Soderberg. New York got on the board with a Rick Nash goal, his fortieth of the season, assisted by Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan. The Rangers pulled closer in the third period on a Matt Hunwick goal, his second of the year, helped along by Keith Yandle and J.T. Miller, but they still lost 4-2. The three stars were handed to Lucic, Soderberg, and Smith.

Backtracking to Long Island, as the New York Islanders bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen faces a lesser foe in Michal Neuvirth in goal. Anaheim started in the first period on a Rickard Rakell goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Patrick Maroon. New York tied it on a Lubomir Visnovsky goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Ryan Strome and Thomas Hickey. The Ducks retook the lead in the second period with a Kyle Palmieri goal, his fourteenth of the season, via Matt Beleskey and James Wisniewski. Anaheim added on with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his fourteenth of the year, with a lone assist by Cam Fowler. The Islanders got one back in the third period on a Casey Cizikas goal, his eighth of the campaign, going in unassisted. They failed to tie it, losing 3-2, with the three stars going to Cogliano, Palmieri, and Rakell.

West to Philadelphia, as the Flyers host the San Jose Sharks. Alex Stalock is mismatched with Steve Mason in goal. San Jose led off in the first period on a Matt Irwin goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Chris Tierney and Tommy Wingels. Philadelphia tied it on a Michael Raffl goal, his twentieth of the year, guided in by Nicklas Grossmann and Jakub Voracek. The Sharks retook the lead on a Joe Pavelski power play goal, his thirty-sixth of the season, powered by Logan Couture and Brent Burns. The Flyers retied it in the third period as Claude Giroux scored a power play goal, his twenty-third of the year, fueled by Voracek and Michael Del Zotto. The tie went to a shootout, where Voracek was matched by Melker Karlsson before Burns won the game 3-2 for the Sharks. The three stars went to Burns, Voracek, and Mason (42 for 44 in saves).

Across Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith faces his former backup, Thomas Greiss, in goal. Arizona dented the scoreboard in the third period on a Tye McGinn goal, his second of the season, guided in by Klas Dahlbeck and B.J. Crombeen. Pittsburgh tied it on a Daniel Winnik goal, his ninth of the year, coming off of Paul Martin and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins took the lead with a Steve Downie power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Pittsburgh added on with a Crosby power play goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, assisted by Derrick Pouliot and Malkin. The Coyotes got one back with a Tobias Rieder goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, fueled by Shane Doan and Mark Arcobello. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars given to Crosby, Malkin, and Downie.

Over in Detroit, the Red Wings bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Petr Mrazek are in the creases. Detroit got going in the second period on a Joakim Andersson goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Kyle Quincey and Stephen Weiss. The Red Wings added on with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his twenty-third of the year, assisted by Gustav Nyquist. Detroit extended the lead on a Nyquist goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, with a lone assist by Quincey. The Red Wings iced it at 4-0 on a Luke Glendening empty net goal in the third period, his eleventh of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Nyquist, Mrazek (23 save shutout), and Quincey.

At the normal time, the Carolina Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils. Keith Kinkaid and Cam Ward draw the starts in goal. New Jersey struck first in the first period on a Patrik Elias power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Michael Cammalleri. Carolina tied it in the second period on a Chris Terry goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Jeff Skinner and Victor Rask. The Hurricanes took the lead in the third period on an Eric Staal goal, his twenty-first of the season, via Ryan Murphy and Jordan Staal. Carolina added on with a Justin Faulk goal, his fifteenth of the year, fueled by Elias Lindholm and John-Michael Liles. This produced the 3-1 final, with the three stars given to Ward (21 for 22 in saves), Eric Staal, and Faulk.

North to Montreal, as the Canadiens welcome the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Carey Price protect the nets. Montreal was first to score in the first period on a Lars Eller goal, his twelfth of the season, helped along by Jeff Petry and Nathan Beaulieu. Florida tied it on an Aleksander Barkov goal in the second period, his thirteenth of the year, coming off of Jonathan Huberdeau and Jaromir Jagr. The Panthers took the lead with a Barkov power play goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, powered by Huberdeau and Dmitry Kulikov. The Canadiens retied it as Alex Galchenyuk scored his twentieth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Markov. Montreal won 3-2 in overtime with a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his thirty-sixth of the campaign, passed from David Desharnais and P.K. Subban. The three stars belonged to Barkov, Pacioretty, and Huberdeau.

West to a Battle of Ontario, as the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and James Reimer are called on to start in goal. Ottawa got going in the second period on a Mark Stone goal, his nineteenth of the season, guided in by Clarke MacArthur and Kyle Turris. The Senators added on with a Curtis Lazar goal, his sixth of the year, via Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Erik Condra. Toronto got on the board in the third period on a Tyler Bozak goal, his twentieth of the season, assisted by James van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel. Ottawa replied with a Turris power play goal, his twenty-second of the year, powered by David Legwand and Erik Karlsson. The Maple Leafs answered with another Bozak goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the season, made possible by van Riemsdyk and Kessel. Toronto tied it on a Bozak goal, his twenty-second of the year earning him a hat trick, fueled by van Riemsdyk, who got a sock trick, and Morgan Rielly. The Maple Leafs won 4-3 in overtime on an Eric Brewer goal, his second of the campaign, set up by Bozak and Kessel, the latter earning a sock trick. The three stars were Bozak, Kessel, and van Riemsdyk, while Turris gets an honorable mention.

South to St. Louis, as the Blues host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Elliott are the masked men. Columbus opened in the first period on a William Karlsson goal, his third of the season, coming off of Scott Hartnell and Marko Dano. St. Louis tied it in the second period on a Patrik Berglund goal, his ninth of the year, made possible by Jaden Schwartz and Jori Lehtera. The Blue Jackets retook the lead with a Jack Johnson power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Fedor Tyutin and Brandon Dubinsky. The Blues retied it with a Vladimir Tarasenko power play goal, his thirty-sixth of the year, assisted by Berglund and Alex Pietrangelo. Columbus pulled ahead on a Boone Jenner goal, his seventh of the season, passed from Ryan Johansen and Cam Atkinson. The Blue Jackets won 4-2 with a third period empty net goal by Atkinson, his twentieth of the year, set up by Jenner and David Savard. The three stars were handed to Jenner, Atkinson, and Bobrovsky (29 for 31 in saves).

Back north, the Minnesota Wild welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Devan Dubnyk are the reliable goalies. Minnesota started on a first period goal by Nino Niederreiter, his twenty-third of the season, guided in by Mikko Koivu and Chris Stewart. The Wild added on with a Koivu goal, his thirteenth of the year, passed from Stewart. Martin Jones replaced Quick for the second period. Los Angeles got on the board in the second period with a Dwight King goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli. Minnesota shot back in the third period on a Niederreiter power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-fourth of the year, powered by Jared Spurgeon and Marco Scandella. The Wild iced it at 4-1 with a Koivu empty net goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were awarded to Niederreiter, Koivu, and Dubnyk (31 for 32 in saves), while Stewart gets an honorable mention.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Avalanche bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Anders Lindback and Semyon Varlamov are set to start in goal. Colorado led off in the first period on a Marc-Andre Cliche goal, his second of the season, fueled by Cody McLeod and Dennis Everberg. The Avalanche added on with a John Mitchell goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Matt Duchene and Jarome Iginla. Matt Hackett relieved Lindback for the second period. Colorado extended the lead in the second period as Tyson Barrie scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Ryan O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. The Avalanche padded the lead on a Duchene goal, his nineteenth of the year, assisted by Iginla and Zach Redmond. Buffalo got on the board in the third period on an Andrej Meszaros goal, his fourth of the season, via Rasmus Ristolainen and Johan Larsson. Colorado shot back on a Brad Stuart goal, his third of the year, with assists provided by Duchene and Iginla, the latter getting a sock trick. The Sabres answered with another Meszaros goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. Buffalo pulled closer on a Ristolainen goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Marcus Foligno and Zac Dalpe. This only made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars given to Duchene, Meszaros, and Iginla, while Ristolainen gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Eddie Lack occupy the blue paint. Dallas began in the first period on a Jamie Benn goal, his twenty-eighth of the season, coming off of Tyler Seguin and Jason Demers. Vancouver tied it on a Nick Bonino goal, his fourteenth of the year, fueled by Radim Vrbata and Christopher Tanev. The Canucks took the lead in the second period on a Chris Higgins power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Dan Hamhuis and Tanev. The Stars tied it in the third period with a Patrick Eaves goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Jason Spezza and Alex Goligoski. Dallas took the lead on a Seguin goal, his thirty-fourth of the season, assisted by Trevor Daley and Cody Eakin. Vancouver pulled even again with a Vrbata goal, his thirtieth of the year, coming on the power play from Bonino and Daniel Sedin. The Stars won 4-3 in overtime on a John Klingberg goal, his eleventh of the campaign, dished from Daley and Eakin. The three stars went to Seguin, Daley, and Eakin, while Bonino, Vrbata, and Tanev get the honorable mentions.

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NHL March 27th, 2015

Just three games on tonight, beginning with...

The Minnesota Wild hosting the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Devan Dubnyk are in the creases. Calgary began in the first period on a Josh Jooris goal, his twelfth of the season, coming off of Matt Stajan and Joe Colborne. Minnesota tied it on a Matt Dumba power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Mikael Granlund and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild took the lead in the third period on a Thomas Vanek goal, his twentieth of the season, assisted by Justin Fontaine and Charlie Coyle. Minnesota added on with a Mikko Koivu goal, his twelfth of the year, guided in by Chris Stewart and Jonas Brodin. The Wild extended the lead on a Zach Parise goal, his thirtieth of the season, going in unassisted. Jonas Hiller relieved Ramo. The Flames got one back on a Markus Granlund goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Mason Raymond and Paul Byron. This made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars going to Koivu, Parise, and Vanek.

Down in Chicago, the Blackhawks welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Corey Crawford tend the twines. Chicago led off in the first period on a Brandon Saad goal, his twenty-second of the season, courtesy of Johnny Oduya and Patrick Sharp. Columbus tied it on a Ryan Johansen goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The Blue Jackets took the lead on a Cam Atkinson goal, his seventeenth of the season, passed from Cody Goloubef. The Blackhawks tied it as Jonathan Toews scored his twenty-fourth of the year, with the help of Oduya and Kris Versteeg. Columbus regained the lead with a Kevin Connauton goal, his ninth of the season, an unassisted. The Blue Jackets added on with another Atkinson goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Goloubef and Artem Anisimov. Crawford was pulled for Scott Dartling in goal. Columbus finished it at 5-2 on an Atkinson empty net goal to complete his hat trick, his nineteenth of the campaign, with assists provided by Nick Foligno and Johansen. The three stars belonged to Atkinson, Johansen, and Goloubef, while Oduya gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Richard Bachman are set to start. Edmonton started in the first period on a Jordan Eberle goal, his twenty-second of the season, via Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Benoit Pouliot. The Oilers added on in the third period with a Derek Roy goal, his twelfth of the year, assisted by Nail Yakupov and Teddy Purcell. Edmonton extended the lead as Pouliot scored his seventeenth of the season, thanks to Taylor Hall and Justin Schultz. The Oilers won 4-0 with an Andrew Miller penalty shot goal after he was tripped by Jordie Benn. The three stars went to Pouliot, Bachman (29 save shutout), and Eberle.

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