Thursday, November 5, 2015

2015-16 NHL Season - Day 30

Nine games on for tonight, beginning with...

The Buffalo Sabres hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Linus Ullmark are the unknown goalies. Tampa Bay struck first in the first period on a Steven Stamkos goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Valtteri Filppula and Ondrej Palat. The Lightning added on with a Tyler Johnson goal, his second of the year, via Alex Killorn and Nikita Kucherov. Tampa Bay extended the lead as Kucherov scored his fifth of the season, passed from Vladislav Namestnikov and Braydon Coburn. Chad Johnson replaced Ullmark in goal for the second period. Buffalo got on the board in the second period with a Jack Eichel goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Mike Weber and Tyler Ennis. The Lightning iced it at 4-1 with a Victor Hedman empty net goal in the third period, set up by Andrej Sustr. The three stars went to Kucherov, Vasilevskiy (30 for 31 in saves), and Johnson.

Along to DC, with the Washington Capitals welcoming the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Braden Holtby tend the twines. Boston started on a first period goal by Jimmy Hayes, his fourth of the season, coming off of Brett Connolly and Colin Miller on the power play. Washington tied it on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Evgeny Kuznetsov and John Carlson. The Capitals took the lead in the second period as Brooks Laich scored, thanks to Dmitry Orlov and Michael Latta. Washington added on with a Carlson power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Nicklas Backstrom and Justin Williams. The Capitals finished it at 4-1 in the third period on an unassisted empty net goal by Karl Alzner. The three stars were Carlson, Holtby (28 for 29 in saves), and Laich.

Up in Montreal, the Canadiens bring in the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Mike Condon man the nets. Montreal was first to score in the first period on a Dale Weise power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Jeff Petry and P.K. Subban. New York tied it in the second period on a Kyle Okposo goal, his fourth of the year, via Johnny Boychuk and the goalie Halak. The Canadiens retook the lead in the third period on a David Desharnais goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Tomas Fleischmann and Nathan Beaulieu. Montreal added on with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec. The Canadiens wrapped it up at 4-1 with a Plekanec empty net goal, his sixth of the campaign, set up by Gallagher and Paciorety. The three stars belonged to Condon (17 for 18 in saves), Gallagher, and Plekanec, with Pacioretty getting an honorable mention.

Over in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators host the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Craig Anderson are the goalies. Ottawa opened in the first period on a Cody Ceci goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The Senators added on in the second period with a Bobby Ryan goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Mika Zibanejad and Erik Karlsson. Winnipeg got on the board with an Andrew Ladd goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Blake Wheeler and Toby Enstrom. The Jets tied it on a third period goal from Dustin Byfuglien, his fourth of the year, going in unassisted. The tie went to a shootout, where Ryan, Kyle Turris, and Zibanejad scored for Ottawa, topping a Wheeler goal to give the hosts a 3-2 win. The three stars went to Zibanejad, Ryan, and Wheeler.

Over in Minnesota, the Wild welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Devan Dubnyk are the masked men. Nashville dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Mike Fisher goal, his second of the season, with a lone helper by Shea Weber. Minnesota tied it on a Marco Scandella power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Ryan Suter and Mikko Koivu. The Predators retook the lead in the third period on an unassisted Roman Josi goal, his third of the season. The Wild retied it with a Matt Dumba goal, his second of the year, coming on the power play from Jared Spurgeon and Jason Zucker. Nashville pulled ahead with a Cody Hodgson goal, going in unassisted. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars given to Hodgson, Josi, and Fisher.

Along to Calgary, where the Flames bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Michal Neuvirth and Karri Ramo receive the starting nods. Calgary led off in the first period on a Josh Jooris goal, his second of the season, with a lone assist by Mikael Backlund. Philadelphia tied it on a Michael Raffl goal in the second period, fueled by Claude Giroux. The Flames won 2-1 in overtime on Backlund's second of the year, helped along by Johnny Gaudreau and the goalie Ramo. The three stars were handed to Backlund, Ramo (26 for 27 in saves), and Jooris.

Down in Arizona, the Coyotes host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Mike Smith are the experienced goalies. Arizona began in the first period on a Nicklas Grossmann goal, assisted by Mikkel Boedker and Connor Murphy. The Coyotes added on with a second period goal by Tobias Rieder, his fifth of the season, via Martin Hanzal. Colorado got on the board with a Cody McLeod goal, his second of the year, helped along by Erik Johnson. Arizona replied on Grossmann's second of the game, made possible by Hanzal and Murphy. The Avalanche pulled back in the third period on a Matt Duchene goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Nathan MacKinnon. The Coyotes iced it at 4-2 on a Jordan Martinook empty net goal, his second of the year, set up by Boedker. The three stars were Grossmann, Hanzal, and Murphy, while Boedker gets an honorable mention.

Out in Los Angeles, the Kings welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Jonathan Quick are the world-class goalies. Columbus drew first blood in the first period on a Cam Atkinson power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Brandon Dubinsky and Kevin Connauton. Los Angeles tied it on an Alec Martinez power play goal, his second of the year, fueled by Dustin Brown and Jamie McBain. The Blue Jackets regained the lead with a Dubinsky goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Nick Foligno and David Savard. Columbus added on with a Gregory Campbell goal in the third period, passed from Jack Johnson and William Karlsson. The Kings got one back with a Jeff Carter goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone helper by Anze Kopitar. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars being Campbell, Dubinsky, and Atkinson.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks bring in the Florida Panthers. Al Montoya and Alex Stalock are the backups in the blue paint. San Jose got going in the first period on a Brent Burns goal, his fourth of the season, going in unassisted. The Sharks added on with a Joonas Donskoi goal, his second of the year, passed from Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton. Florida got on the board with an unassisted Vincent Trocheck goal, his fifth of the season. San Jose replied on a Patrick Marleau goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Joel Ward and Tomas Hertl in the second period. The Panthers pulled back on a Brandon Pirri power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Brian Campbell and Jussi Jokinen. The Sharks replied with a Marc-Edouard Vlasic goal, coming off of Nikolay Goldobin and Tommy Wingels. San Jose wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Chris Tierney empty net goal in the third period, his second of the year, set up by Thornton and Burns. The three stars were given to Burns, Thornton, and Marleau.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

2015-16 NHL Season - Day 29

Four games on tonight, beginning with...

The Toronto Maple Leafs hosting the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and James Reimer are in the blue paint. Winnipeg started in the first period on a Dustin Byfuglien goal, his third of the season, made possible by Mathieu Perreault and Toby Enstrom. Toronto tied it with a P.A. Parenteau goal, his second of the year, coming off of Tyler Bozak and Dion Phaneuf on the power play. The Jets regained the lead as Mark Scheifele scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Enstrom and Perreault. The Maple Leafs tied it again in the second period on a Leo Komarov goal, his fifth of the year, via Roman Polak and James van Riemsdyk. Winnipeg took the lead back in the third period on an Alex Burmistrov goal, his second of the season, helped along by Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little. The Jets iced it on a shorthanded empty net goal by Little his sixth of the year, set up by Wheeler. The final stood at 4-2, with the three stars going to Perreault, Enstrom, and Little, while Wheeler gets an honorable mention.

Down in Chicago, the Blackhawks welcome the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Corey Crawford receive the starting nods. Chicago was first to score in the first period on a Marko Dano goal, via Ryan Hartman. St. Louis tied it on an Alexander Steen goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Colton Parayko and Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blackhawks retook the lead on an Andrew Shaw penalty shot goal, coming after Joel Edmundson. Chicago added on with a Teuvo Teravainen goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Trevor Daley. The Blues got one back on a Robby Fabbri goal, his second of the season, fueled by David Backes. The Blackhawks answered with a Brent Seabrook goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Patrick Kane and Teravainen. Chicago extended the lead as Kane scored a power play goal, his eighth of season, powered by Seabrook and Shaw. St. Louis pulled back on a Steen goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Parayko and Jay Bouwmeester. The Blues chipped closer on a Bouwmeester power play goal, with assists provided by Troy Brouwer and Scott Gomez. St. Louis tied it with a Backes goal, his third of the season, helped along by Alex Pietrangelo and Fabbri. The Blues won 6-5 in overtime on a Tarasenko goal, his seventh of the year, with a lone assist by Pietrangelo. The three stars were awarded to Tarasenko, Steen, and Shaw, while Backes, Bouwmeester, Fabbri, Seabrook, Teravainen, Kane, Parayko, and Pietrangelo get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Vancouver, with the Canucks bringing in Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Ryan Miller. Pittsburgh struck first on a David Perron goal, coming off of Brian Domoulin. The Penguins added on with a third period on a Sidney Crosby power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Phil Kessel and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh extended the lead with an Eric Fehr shorthanded goal, his second of the year, set up by Rob Scuderi and Ben Lovejoy. Vancouver got on the board with a Daniel Sedin, his fourth of the season, via Matt Bartkowski and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks got closer on a Jannik Hansen goal, his third of the year, assisted by Jared McCann. The Penguins held on for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Fehr, Crosby, and Perron.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Frederik Andersen are the masked men. Florida got going in the second period on a Rocco Grimaldi goal, passed from Quinton Howden and Derek MacKenzie. Anaheim tied it on a Chris Stewart his second of the season, via Kevin Bieksa and Shawn Horcoff. The Panthers took the lead back on an Erik Gudbranson goal, guided in by Nick Bjugstad and Jonathan Huberdeau. The Ducks retied it in the third period on a Corey Perry power play goal, powered by Ryan Kesler and Hampus Lindholm. The tie went to a shootout, where Brandon Pirri got overwhelmed by Jakob Silfverberg and Stewart. The final stood at 3-2, with Stewart, Perry, and Luongo (37 for 39 in saves) getting the three stars.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

2015-16 NHL Season - Day 28

Nine games on the schedule for today, beginning in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Tuukka Rask are the Finnish goalies. Dallas led off in the first period on a Tyler Seguin goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of Jason Spezza and Jamie Benn. Boston tied it on a Colin Miller goal, passed from Torey Krug and Jimmy Hayes. The Bruins took the lead with a Loui Eriksson goal, his third of the year, a power play goal powered by Krug and Patrice Bergeron. The Stars retied it in the second period on a Seguin power play goal, his second of the game and seventh of the season, assisted by John Klingberg and Jamie Benn. Dallas took the lead as Jyrki Jokipakka scored, thanks to Valeri Nichushkin and Jordie Benn. The Stars added on in the third period with Seguin completing his hat trick on his eighth of the year, via Spezza and Klingberg. Dallas extended the lead with an Alex Goligoski power play goal, made possible by Mattias Janmark and Colton Sceviour. Boston got one back on an Eriksson goal, his second of the game and fourth of the campaign, with a lone helper by Ryan Spooner. The final held at 5-3, with the three stars given to Seguin, Eriksson, and Jamie Benn, while Spezza, Klingberg, and Krug get the honorable mentions.

Over in Brooklyn, the New York Islanders welcome the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Jaroslav Halak guard the cages. New York opened in the first period on a Brock Nelson goal, his third of the season, guided in by Anders Lee and Marek Zidlicky. New Jersey tied it on a third period power play goal by Travis Zajac, his fifth of the year, powered by Kyle Palmieri and Eric Gelinas. The Islanders took the lead back on a Casey Cizikas goal, his second of the campaign, with assists provided by Matt Martin and Brian Strait. This made it a 2-1 final, with the three stars handed to Halak (23 for 24 in saves), Cizikas, and Nelson.

Staying in the the city, the New York Rangers bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. New York struck first in the first period on an Oscar Lindberg goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Kevin Hayes and Viktor Stalberg. Washington tied it on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone assist by Nate Schmidt. The Rangers took the lead back on Hayes' third of the season, fueled by Lindberg and Marc Staal. New York added on with a Kevin Klein goal, his third of the year, helped along by Derick Brassard in the second period. The Rangers extended the lead on an unassisted goal by Brassard, his fourth of the season. The Capitals chipped back on a Marcus Johansson goal, his third of the year, via Karl Alzner and Justin Williams. New York shot back in the third period on a Jarret Stoll goal, assisted by Keith Yandle and Klein. The final stood at 5-2, with the three stars going to Lindberg, Klein, and Brassard, while Hayes gets an honorable mention.

Along to Detroit, with the Red Wings hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Jimmy Howard are the masked men. Detroit got going in the second period on a Riley Sheahan goal, his second of the season, passed from Tomas Tatar and Jakub Kindl. Tampa Bay tied it with a Nikita Kucherov power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Tyler Johnson and Steven Stamkos. The Red Wings retook the lead in the third period on a Dylan Larkin goal, his fourth of the campaign, assisted by Justin Abdelkader and Danny DeKeyser. Detroit won 2-1, with the three stars going to Howard (29 for 30 in saves), Larkin, and Sheahan.

Into Canada, with the Montreal Canadiens welcoming the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Mike Condon are set to start in goal. Ottawa dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Jean-Gabriel Pageau goal, his fourth of the season, going in shorthanded and unassisted. Montreal tied it on a Dale Weise power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Alex Galchenyuk and Andrei Markov. The Senators won 2-1 in overtime on a Kyle Turris goal, his eighth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Mike Hoffman. The three stars went to Anderson (36 for 37 in saves), Turris, and Pageau.

Back stateside, the St. Louis Blues bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jhonas Enroth and Jake Allen are in the blue paint. Los Angeles drew first blood in the second period on a Jeff Carter power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Drew Doughty and Christian Ehrhoff. The Kings added on with a Tanner Pearson goal in the third period, his second of the year, fueled by Brayden McNabb and Tyler Toffoli. Los Angeles iced it at 3-0 with a Trevor Lewis empty net goal, set up by Pearson. The three stars went to Enroth (24 save shutout), Pearson, and Carter.

Northwest to Alberta, where the Edmonton Oilers host the Philadelphia Flyers. Michal Neuvirth and Anders Nilsson are the backups in goal. Edmonton was first to score in the first period with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Leon Draisaitl and Taylor Hall. Philadelphia tied it on a second period goal by Scott Laughton, his second of the year, made possible by Wayne Simmonds and Matt Read. The Flyers took the lead on a Ryan White goal, via Radko Gudas and the goalie Neuvirth. The Oilers retied it with a third period goal from Matt Hendricks, coming off of Andrej Sekera and Mark Letestu. Edmonton took the lead as Hall scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Draisaitl and Eric Gryba. The Oilers iced it at 4-2 on a Nugent-Hopkins empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the campaign, set up by Hall. The three stars went to Hall, Nugent-Hopkins, and Draisaitl.

Down in Colorado, the Avalanche welcome the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Semyon Varlamov receive starting nods in goal. Colorado began in the first period on a Matt Duchene goal, his second of the season, assisted by Gabriel Landeskog and Erik Johnson. Calgary tied it in the second period on a Johnny Gaudreau goal, his second of the year, passed from T.J. Brodie and Sam Bennett. The Avalanche retook the lead on a Jarome Iginla goal, his fifth of the season, guided in by Tyson Barrie and Nathan MacKinnon. Colorado added on with a shorthanded Johnson goal, his third of the year, set up by Francois Beauchemin and Landeskog. The Flames got one back on a Bennett goal, his second of the season, via Joe Colborne and Michael Frolik. Calgary tied it in the third period as Jiri Hudler scored his fifth of the year, with the help of Mark Giordano and Sean Monahan. The Avalanche retook the lead on a MacKinnon goal, his fifth of the season, helped along by Iginla and Nick Holden. Colorado extended the lead as Duchene scored his second of the game and third of the year on the power play, with assists provided by Beauchemin and Barrie. The Avalanche padded the lead with an Iginla empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, with helpers from Barrie and MacKinnon. This made it 6-3, the final, with the three stars being Iginla, Duchene, and Bennett, while Barrie, Johnson, Beauchemin, MacKinnon, and Landeskog all get honorable mentions.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Martin Jones are the masked men. Columbus started in the first period on a Brandon Saad goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Brandon Dubinsky and Kevin Connauton on the power play. San Jose tied it on a Joe Pavelski goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Justin Braun and Joe Thornton. The Blue Jackets regained the lead in the second period on a Scott Hartnell goal, his fifth of the season, helped along by Ryan Johansen. The Sharks retied it on Pavelski's second of the game and eighth of the year, via Joonas Donskoi. Columbus gained the lead on a Boone Jenner goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Hartnell. The Blue Jackets added on with a Ryan Murray goal, his second of the year, fueled by Johansen and Saad. Alex Stalock relieved Jones for the third period. Columbus won 5-2 with an empty net goal in the third period from Matt Calvert, his second of the campaign, set up by Gregory Campbell and Murray. The three stars went to Saad, Pavelski, and Hartnell, while Johansen and Murray get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Monday, November 2, 2015

KHL Day 70/NHL Day 27 2015/16

Today sees just four total hockey games, the last day before the KHL break. We begin with the only KHL game from...

Minsk, as Dinamo hosts Dinamo Riga. Joacim Eriksson and Kevin Lalande draw the starts in goal. Minsk led off in the first period on a Ryan Vesce goal, passed from Alexei Kalyuzhny and Matt Ellison. Minsk added on in the second period on a Paul Szczechura goal, courtesy of Andrei Stepanov. This made it 2-0, the eventual final, with the three stars given to Lalande (19 save shutout), Vesce, and Szczechura.

In the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs welcome the Dallas Stars. Antti Niemi and James Reimer are in goal. Toronto began in the first period with a Brad Boyes goal, fueled by Byron Froese and Morgan Rielly. Dallas tied it on a Jamie Benn goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by Tyler Seguin and Patrick Sharp. The Maple Leafs took the lead back in the second period with a Joffrey Lupul goal, his fourth of the year, via Rielly and Daniel Winnik. Toronto added on with a Lupul power play goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, powered by Nazem Kadri and Boyes. The Maple Leafs iced it at 4-1 in the third period with an empty net goal by Rielly, his third of the year, set up by Lupul and Tyler Bozak. The three stars were Lupul, Rielly, and Kadri.

Down in Chicago, the Blackhawks bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Corey Crawford tend the twines. Chicago started in the first period on a Jonathan Toews goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Ryan Garbutt and Artemi Panarin. Los Angeles tied it on an Alec Martinez goal, made possible by Kyle Clifford and Jake Muzzin. The Kings took the lead on an Anze Kopitar goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Muzzin and Trevor Lewis. The Blackhawks tied it again in the third period with a Patrick Kane goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Brent Seabrook and Viktor Svedberg. Chicago took the lead on a Teuvo Teravainen goal, his third of the year, passed from Kane and Artem Anisimov. The Blackhawks finished it at 4-2 with an Anisimov goal, his fifth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Toews. The three stars belonged to Kane, Toews, and Anisimov, while Muzzin gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to Vancouver, where the Canucks host the Philadelphia Flyers in the day's last game. Steve Mason and Ryan Miller are the veteran goalies. Vancouver opened in the first period on a Jannik Hansen goal, his second of the season, coming off of Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi. Philadelphia tied it on a Claude Giroux goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Jakub Voracek and Nick Schultz in the second period. The Canucks retook the lead on Horvat's second of the season, via Christopher Tanev. Vancouver added on in the third period on a Jake Virtanen goal, made possible by Ben Hutton and the goalie Miller. The Canucks extended the lead as Matt Bartkowski scored his second of the year in an empty net, thanks to Radim Vrbata and Henrik Sedin. The final stood at 4-1, and the three stars were Horvat, Miller (27 for 28 in saves), and Virtanen.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

2015/16 Premier League Week 11

Another full slate of games this weekend, beginning with a Saturday seven. The first is in...

London, with Chelsea hosting Liverpool. Simon Mignolet and Asmir Begovic are in goal. Chelsea opened with a fourth minute goal by Ramires. In the twenty-fourth minute, Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho took a yellow card for a foul. Liverpool tied it in first half stoppage time on a Coutinho goal, passed from Roberto Firmino. Liverpool had yellow cards given to Lucas Leiva in the fifty-eighth minute and Emre Can in the sixty-fifth minute, both for fouls. Chelsea had a yellow card given to John Obi Mikel in the sixty-sixth minute for a foul. In the seventy-fourth minute, Liverpool took the lead through a Coutinho goal, assisted by Christian Benteke. Liverpool added on in the eighty-third minute with a Benteke goal, via Jordan Ibe. Benteke took a yellow card in the eighty-sixth minute for Liverpool for his foul. The final held at 3-1 Liverpool.

Staying in London, Crystal Palace welcomes Manchester United. David de Gea and Wayne Hennessey are the goalies. Crystal Palace saw yellow cards for fouls by Yohan Cabaye in the eighteenth minute and Martin Kelly in the twenty-sixth minute. Manchester United had yellow cards given to Chris Smalling in the forty-seventh minute and Matteo Darmian in the fifty-third minute, both for fouls. Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle received a yellow card for an eightieth minute foul. Manchester United took a yellow card in stoppage time for a foul by Marcos Rojo. The final stood at a 0-0 draw.

Speaking of Manchester, City brings in Norwich City. John Ruddy and Joe Hart draw the starts in goal. In the thirty-fourth minute, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City took a yellow card for a foul. Manchester City struck first in the sixty-eighth minute on a Nicolas Otamendi goal, passed from De Bruyne. In the seventy-sixth minute, Cameron Jerome of Norwich City took a yellow card for a foul. Norwich City tied it in the eighty-third minute as Jerome made up for his transgression with the equalizing goal. Russell Martin of Norwich City was sent off with a red card in the eighty-eighth minute, arguing against a penalty kick call, putting Norwich City at ten men. Manchester City took the lead with a Yaya toure penalty kick goal in the eighty-ninth minute. Norwich City's Alexander Tettey took a yellow card for a foul in the ninetieth minute. In stoppage time, Manchester City's Fernando had a yellow card for his foul. Manchester City hung on for a 2-1 win.

Staying north, Newcastle United hosts Stoke City. Jack Butland and Robert Elliot are in the six-yard boxes. In the sixty-third minute, Stoke City's Philipp Wollscheid took a yellow card for a foul, as did Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic. Stoke City had yellow cards go to Marko Arnautovic in the eighty-second minute and Charlie Adam in stoppage time, both for fouls. The score stood at 0-0 in the draw.

Out in Wales, Swansea City welcomes Arsenal. Petr Cech and Lukasz Fabianski protect the nets. Arsenal got going in the forty-ninth minute with an Olivier Giroud goal, courtesy of Mesut Ozil. In the fifty-seventh minute, Ki Sung-Yueng took a yellow card for his foul for Swansea City. Arsenal added on with a Laurent Koscielny goal in the sixty-eighth minute. Arsenal extended the lead as Joel Campbell scored in the seventy-third minute, thanks to Ozil. Swansea City had a yellow card go to Ashley Williams in the eighty-ninth minute for his foul. Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win.

Back in England, Watford bring in West Ham United. Adrian and Heurelho Gomes are between the posts. Watford started in the thirty-ninth minute with an Odion Ighalo goal. Watford added on with another Ighalo goal in the forty-eighth minute. Watford saw yellow cards for Nyom in the sixty-sixth minute and Nathan Ake in the eighty-first minute, both for fouls. West Ham United went down to ten men in the eighty-fourth minute for a James Collins foul that drew a red card. Etienne Capoue of Watford took a yellow card in the eighty-fifth minute. Watford finished with a 2-0 win.

Saturday's last game had West Bromwich Albion host Leicester City. Kasper Schmeichel and Boaz Myhill guard the woodwork. West Bromwich Albion was first to score in the thirtieth minute on a Salomon Rondon goal, coming off of Stephane Sessegnon. Leicester City tied it in the fifty-seventh minute with a Riyad Mahrez goal, assisted by Marc Albrighton. Leicester City took the lead on a sixty-fourth minute goal by Mahrez. Leicester City added on with a Jamie Vardy goal in the seventy-seventh minute, passed from Daniel Drinkwater. West Bromwich Albion kept it interesting, pulling back in the eighty-fourth minute on a penalty kick goal by Rickie Lambert. Robert Huth of Leicester City had a yellow card for an eighty-ninth minute foul, and Schmeichel took a yellow card for time wasting in stoppage time. The final stood at 3-2 for Leicester City.

On Sunday, the first game is Everton welcoming Sunderland. Costel Pantilimon and Tim Howard are the reliable keepers. Sunderland's Jermain Defoe took a yellow card for his dissent in the eighteenth minute. Everton led off in the nineteenth minute on a Gerard Deulofeu goal, passed from Arouna Kone. In the thirty-first minute, Everton added on with a Kone goal, via Romelu Lukaku. In first half stoppage time, Sunderland got on the board with a Defoe goal, set up by Sebastian Coates. Sunderland tied it in the fiftieth minute with a Steven Fletcher goal, coming off of Patrick van Aanholt. In the fifty-third minute, Everton's John Stones had a yellow card, followed by a fifty-fourth minute yellow card to Deulofeu of Everton. Everton regained the lead on a fifty-fifth minute own goal by Sunderland's Coates. In the fifty-eighth minute, Jack Rodwell of Sunderland got booked on a yellow card for his foul. Everton extended the lead as Lukaku scored in the sixtieth minute, courtesy of Deulofeu. In the sixty-second minute, Kone scored for Everton, with the help of James McCarthy. Everton padded the lead on a Kone goal in the seventy-sixth minute, completing his hat trick on a pass from Lukaku. In second half stoppage time, Brendan Galloway of Everton took a yellow card. Everton cruised to a 6-2 win.

The other game has Southampton bringing in rival Bournemouth. Adam Federici and Maarten Stekelenburg are in the six-yard boxes. Victor Wanyama of Southampton had a yellow card for his twenty-first minute foul. Southampton began in the thirty-first minute on a Steven Davis goal, courtesy of Ryan Bertrand. Southampton added on with a thirty-sixth minute goal from Graziano Pelle, via Dusan Tadic. In the fifty-seventh minute, Simon Francis of Bournemouth had a yellow card for his foul. Dan Gosling of Bournemouth took the next yellow card for a sixty-fourth minute foul. Southampton went down to ten men in the seventy-eighth minute when Wanyama took a second yellow card for a foul. Southampton held on to win 2-0. 

The week ends with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Aston Villa. Brad Guzan and Hugo Lloris are the experienced goalies. Tottenham Hotspur dented the scoreboard early on a third minute goal from Mousa Dembele, via Danny Rose. In the forty-second minute, Aston Villa had a yellow card go to Jordan Ayew for his foul. Tottenham Hotspur added on in first half stoppage time on a goal by Dele Alli. In the sixty-seventh minute, Kieran Richardson of Aston Villa had a yellow card for his foul. Aston Villa got on the board with a seventy-ninth minute goal by Ayew. Alan Hutton of Aston Villa took a yellow card in second half stoppage time for his foul. Tottenham Hotspur iced it at 3-1 a minute later on a Harry Kane goal, passed from Erik Lamela. The final stood at 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur. 

Sunday, November 1, 2015

MLS Conference Semifinals, First Legs

Four games will be played today, representing the first games in each two-game Conference Semifinal series. The first game is...

DC United hosting the New York Red Bulls. Luis Robles and Bill Hamid are the goalies. New York had a yellow card for a thirty-fifth minute foul by Matt Miazga. The Red Bulls saw a yellow card for Ronald Zubar in the sixty-ninth minute. New York got going with a seventy-second minute Dax McCarty goal, courtesy of Sacha Kljestan. DC took yellow cards in the seventy-fifth minute to Fabian Espindola and in the seventy-seventh minute to Alvaro Saborio, both for fouls. In the eighty-eighth minute, the Red Bulls had a yellow card for time wasting by Bradley Wright-Phillips. The final stood at 1-0, with the man of the match being McCarty. The Red Bulls hold the advantage with their turn at home next week.

Out west, the Portland Timbers welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in an all-Cascadia series. David Ousted and Jake Gleeson protect the nets. Portland's Lucas Melano took a yellow card for his foul in the forty-fourth minute. Vancouver's Gershon Koffie received a yellow card in the forty-fifth minute for a foul. The scoring never came, with the final holding at 0-0, and the man of the match was Ousted for preserving a clean sheet with six-saves. The tie will have to be decided next weekend in Vancouver.

Northeast to Montreal, where the Impact bring in the Columbus Crew SC. Steve Clark and Evan Bush are the gloved men. Columbus opened in the thirty-third minute on a Federico Higuain goal. Montreal tied it on a thirty-seventh minute goal from Patrice Bernier, via Marco Donadel. The Impact had a yellow card for Victor Cabrera in first half stoppage time for his foul. Ambroise Oyongo of Montreal had a yellow card for a foul in the fifty-first minute. The Crew's Gaston Sauro received a yellow card for his fifty-second minute foul. The Impact took the lead on a seventy-seventh minute goal from Johan Venegas. Montreal's Didier Drogba took a yellow card for his foul in the eighty-seventh minute. Columbus' Harrison Afful received a yellow card in second half stoppage time for his foul. The final stood at 2-1, with the man of the match being Venegas for the winner that sends the Crew home trailing in the series with a deficit to recover next week.

Finally, the Seattle Sounders FC host FC Dallas. Jesse Gonzalez and Stefan Frei are between the posts. Dallas started in the eighteenth minute on a Fabian Castillo goal, set up by Mauro Diaz. Seattle tied it on a sixty-seventh minute goal by Andreas Ivanschitz. The Sounders took the lead in the eighty-sixth minute on a Clint Dempsey goal. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the man of the match being named as Dempsey for the winner. Seattle will travel with an advantage.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 69/NHL Day 26 2015/16

Even less hockey goes on around the world today, as there are seven games across the top two leagues. We begin with...

Dynamo Moscow hosting Spartak Moscow in a capital city derby. Atte Engren and Alexander Yeryomenko protect the nets. Dynamo struck first on a Martins Karsums goal, going in unassisted. Dynamo added on with a Denis Kokarev power play goal, with a lone assist by Mat Robinson. Spartak got on the board in the second period with a Konstantin Glazachev power play goal, powered by Gleb Klimenko and Charles Genoway. Dynamo answered with an Alexei Tsvetkov goal, guided in by Karsums. Spartak pulled back with an Alexander Mereskin goal, via Lukas Radil and Glazachev. Spartak tied it on an Evgeny Bodrov goal, assisted by Sergei Shmelyov and Casey Wellman. Spartak took the lead with an Alexander Vasilyev goal, fueled by Glazachev. Dynamo retied it in the third period on a power play goal from Juuso Hietanen, coming off of Robinson. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Glimenko's tally for Spartak got topped by two from Artyom Fyodorov of Dynamo, as the hosts take a 5-4 win. The three stars went to Karsums, Glazachev, and Robinson.

Over in Croatia, Medvescak Zagreb welcomes Slovan Bratislava. Barry Brust and Danny Taylor are the North American goalies. Zagreb started with an Alexandre Bolduc goal, courtesy of Blake Parlett and Mikko Kousa. Medvescak added on with an unassisted goal by Stefano Giliati. Zagreb extended the lead in the second period as Edwin Hedberg scored, thanks to Nathan Perkovich. Bratislava got on the board with a power play goal by Rok Ticar, powered by Ivan Svarny and Cam Barker. Slovan got closer in the third period on a Lukas Kaspar goal, guided in by Vaclav Nedorost and Francis Pare. Medvescak countered with a Giliati goal, his second of the game, helped along by Colby Genoway and Mike Glumac. Zagreb padded the lead again with a Tomas Mertl goal, with a lone helper by Radek Smolenak. Medvescak continued on a Milan Jurcina power play goal, assisted by Bolduc and Jesse Saarinen. The final stood at 6-2, with the three stars being Giliati, Bolduc, and Hedberg.

In the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche bring in the San Jose Sharks in one of two matinees. Martin Jones and Semyon Varlamov are set to start in goal. Colorado opened in the first period on a Jarome Iginla power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Tyson Barrie and Carl Soderberg. San Jose tied it with a Joel Ward goal, his seventh of the year, with a lone assist by Patrick Marleau. The Sharks took the lead on a shorthanded goal from Brent Burns in the second period, his second of the season, set up by Barclay Goodrow and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Avalanche retied it as Francois Beauchemin scored a power play goal, with the help of Gabriel Landeskog and Matt Duchene. San Jose retook the lead in the third period on a Burns goal, his second of the game and third of the year, assisted by Marleau and Tomas Hertl. The Sharks added on with a Joe Pavelski empty net goal, his sixth of the campaign, going in unassisted. Colorado got one back with a Cody McLeod goal, made possible by Barrie and Nick Holden. The final stood at 4-3, with the three stars going to Burns, Marleau, and Barrie.

Out in the east, the Carolina Hurricanes host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Cam Ward draw the starts. Carolina was first to score in the first period on an Eric Staal power play goal, powered by Kris Versteeg and Victor Rask. Tampa Bay tied it in the second period on a Ryan Callahan goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Ondrej Palat. The Lightning took the lead on a Steven Stamkos goal, his sixth of the season, coming on the power play from Nikita Kucherov and Anton Stralman. Tampa Bay added on in the third period with a J.T. Brown goal, his second of the year, via Valtteri Filppula. The Lightning extended the lead as Tyler Johnson scored, thanks to Kucherov and Victor Hedman. The Hurricanes got one back on a Versteeg goal, his second of the campaign, with a lone helper by Rask. Carolina got closer with a Jordan Staal goal, made possible by Rask, who got a sock trick. The final held at 4-3, with the three stars handed to Rask, Kucherov, and Versteeg.

Up in Montreal, the Canadiens bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Mike Condon are the backups in goal. Montreal led off in the first period on a shorthanded goal by Paul Byron, his second of the season, set up by Torrey Mitchell and Jeff Petry. The Canadiens added on with a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his third of the year, assisted by David Desharnais and Alexei Emelin. Montreal extended the lead in the second period as Fleischmann scored his second of the game and fourth of the season, with the help of Dale Weise and Desharnais. The Canadiens padded the lead on a Desharnais goal, his third of the year, helped along by Nathan Beaulieu. Ondrej Pavelec took over for Hutchinson in goal. Montreal kept going with a power play goal by Lars Eller, his fourth of the season, powered by Andrei Markov and P.K. Subban. Winnipeg got on the board in the third period with a Chris Thorburn goal, his second of the year, fueled by Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers. The final remained at 5-1, with the three stars handed to Fleischmann, Desharnais, and Condon (18 for 19 in saves).

Back stateside, the New York Islanders welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Linus Ullmark and Thomas Greiss are the little-known goalies. New York got going in the second period on a Calvin de Haan goal, guided in by Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas. Buffalo tied it on a third period goal by Matt Moulson, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Zemgus Girgensons and Brian Gionta. The Sabres took the lead on a Sam Reinhart goal, his second of the year, via David Legwand and Jamie McGinn. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Ullmark (29 for 30 in saves), Reinhart, and Moulson.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton is mismatched with Frederik Andersen in goal. Anaheim began in the first period on a Rickard Rakell goal, his second of the season, coming off of Chris Stewart and Jiri Sekac. The Ducks added on with a Sami Vatanen goal, his second of the year, made possible by Clayton Stoner and Stewart. Anaheim extended the lead as Andrew Cogliano scored, with assists provided by Jakob Silfverberg and Vatanen. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Shea Weber power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Roman Josi and Mike Ribeiro. The Ducks responded with a Stewart goal, via Korbinian Holzer and Rakell. The Predators pulled back on a Calle Jarnkrok goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Colin Wilson and Cody Hodgson. The scoring ended here, with the final at 4-2 and the three stars given to Stewart, Vatanen, and Rakell.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.