If the post title didn't make it explicitly clear, I can't stand fan votes for All-Star games. This is rooted in my history of playing a lot of fantasy sports, and knowing who is statistically deserving or undeserving on a year-to-year basis, rather than which under-performing and marketable star will occupy the spot. I've seen a lot of bad choices for the NHL, MLB, and MLS, but this is the cost that comes with giving the fans a hand in the process. You're going to get lousy results because the casual or moderate fan will not take their time to make a choice. I may have no right to complain about any of this, because I rarely cast a vote myself in All-Star votes. Still, there are three major problems with these votes.
1. The fans do not pick the most deserving players
As mentioned above, a lot of times the players who are definite stars in the league get in the All-Star Game, regardless of worthiness. This year, it wouldn't be a shock to see Sidney Crosby representing the Metropolitan Division despite having arguably the worst statistical season of his career, just because he's the face of hockey. Ditto Anze Kopitar in the Pacific Division. While there are better choices on their own teams and certainly in the division at large, fans vote for big names whether they should or not.
2. Joke Votes
There have been joke votes in probably every balloting system in human history. From Mickey Mouse for President of the United States to the poor kid who didn't realize what a can of laughter his election to the Homecoming Court at my high school was, there will always be people who advance a candidate for the sole purpose of being a clown. This year, the King of the Clowns is John Scott, face-puncher extraordinaire. I don't ask for much out of the All-Star Game, especially in the NHL, but if you can't propose a player without smirking, maybe you shouldn't vote for that player. If being at least an arguable star is no longer a requirement for the All-Star Game, the branding needs to be updated to reflect that. Might I propose "Game of Random Players Who Had Nothing Better to Do This Weekend."
3. The League is a better judge of which players should participate
Rare is it for a fan to have actual faith in their favorite league's decision-making process, but here we go. I think the NHL can fill out all the rosters just fine without any help from the fans. At the very least, let the general managers or coaches, who see these players on a day-to-day basis, make the majority of the decisions for the teams. It seems like a novel concept, but people will have a central target to whine about when their favorite player is left off the teams. As far as I see it, nothing will ever replace the Fantasy Draft system in creating teams, so the league doing all of the work is the next best option. I understand they already do most of it. It's more that that fan vote stirs up so much emotion for so little of the game that it would be better off for the league to do it all themselves.
If we're going to participate in this as it is, it would be fair if I gave my opinion of who deserved to be in the All-Star Game. Here's how I see it breaking down.
Metropolitan Division
Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Mike Cammalleri, Claude Giroux, John Tavares, John Carlson, Justin Faulk, Keith Yandle, Henrik Lundqvist, Braden Holtby.
Atlantic Division
Max Pacioretty, Patrice Bergeron, Tomas Plekanec, Brad Marchand, Dylan Larkin, Mike Hoffman, Erik Karlsson, P.K. Subban, Dion Phaneuf, Ben Bishop, Roberto Luongo.
Central Division
Patrick Kane, Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Nathan MacKinnon, Vladimir Tarasenko, James Neal, John Klingberg, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Suter, Jake Allen, Devan Dubnyk.
Pacific Division
Daniel Sedin, Taylor Hall, Joe Pavelski, Jeff Carter, Henrik Sedin, Corey Perry, Brent Burns, Drew Doughty, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Martin Jones, Jonathan Quick.
The three teams here that are not represented are Calgary, Columbus, and Buffalo. In the case of Calgary, their best bet would be Johnny Gaudreau replacing Jeff Carter, which would also make the 3-on-3 aspect more exciting. The Buffalo Sabres could make a case for Rasmus Ristolainen to be included over Dion Phaneuf, but that would take away the Maple Leafs representative. Columbus really doesn't have anyone that should be in the All-Star Game, as I see it. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
2015/16 KHL Season - Day 90
Four games were played today, beginning with...
Salavat Yulaev Ufa hosting Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Niklas Svedberg are in goal. Ufa opened in the first period on a Nikolai Prokhorkin goal, assisted by Maxim Mayorov and Teemu Hartikainen. Salavat Yulaev added on with a power play goal by Alexander Loginov, powered by Linus Omark and Sami Lepisto. Ufa extended the lead in the second period as Dmitry Makarov scored, thanks to Loginov and Hartikainen. Ilya Samsonov replaced Koshechkin in goal at this time. Salavat Yulaev padded the lead on an Igor Grigorenko goal, via Omark and Andreas Engqvist. Ufa kept going on an Artyom Chernov goal, with a lone assist from Prokhorkin. Magnitogorsk got on the board with a Sergei Mozyakin goal, fueled by Chris Lee and Wojtek Wolski. Metallurg got closer in the third period on a Denis Osipov goal, guided in by Tomas Filippi and Danis Zaripov. Salavat Yulaev finished it at 6-2 with an Anton Lazarev goal, helped along by Engqvist. The three stars went to Loginov, Hartikainen, and Prokhorkin, while Omark and Engqvist get the honorable mentions.
Over in Nizhny Novgorod, Torpedo welcomes Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Andrei Kareyev and Mikhail Biryukov are in the creases. Novokuznetsk got going in the second period on an Andrei Karavayev goal, passed from Alexei Razumov and Stanislav Butuzov. Metallurg added on with a Roman Manukhov goal, assisted by Kirill Kaprizov and Robert Kousal on the power play. Nizhny Novgorod got on the board with a Carter Ashton goal, via Nikolai Zherdev and Sergei Kostitsyn. Torpedo tied it in the third period with a Maxim Osipov goal, fueled by Zherdev and Kostitsyn. Novokuznetsk retook the lead with an Ignat Zemchenko goal, guided in by Manukhov and Alexander Komaristy. Metallurg iced it at 4-2 with a Kirill Lebedev empty net goal, set up by Evgeny Orlov and Mark Skutar. The three stars were handed to Manukhov, Zherdev, and Kostitsyn.
West to St. Petersburg, where SKA brings in Spartak Moscow. Atte Engren and Igor Shestyorkin are called on to start. St. Petersburg started in the first period with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, assisted by Alexander Kadeikin and Anton Burdasov. SKA added on with a Jarno Koskiranta goal, via Evgeny Ketov and Anton Belov in the second period. St. Petersburg extended the lead as Nikita Gusev scored a power play goal, powered by Vadim Shipachyov. SKA padded the lead on an unassisted Shipachyov goal. St. Petersburg continued in the third period with an Evgeny Dadonov goal, made possible by Gusev and Vyacheslav Voynov. This made it 5-0, the final, with the three stars going to Gusev, Shestyorkin (31 save shutout), and Shipachyov.
Finally, Dinamo Minsk hosts Sibir Novosibirsk. Alexander Salak and Kevin Lalande protect the nets. Novosibirsk drew first blood on an Alexei Kopeikin goal, via Maxim Shalunov in the first period. Minsk tied it in the third period on a Ryan Gunderson power play goal, powered by Alexander Materukhin and Nick Bailen. Dinamo took the lead on a Jonathan Cheechoo goal, coming off of Bailen. Sibir tied it with an Andrej Meszaros goal, guided in by Tomas Vincour and Calle Ridderwall. Novosibirsk won 3-2 in overtime with another Meszaros goal, assisted by Konstantin Alexeyev and Oleg Gubin. The three stars went to Meszaros, Bailen, and Kopeikin.
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Salavat Yulaev Ufa hosting Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Niklas Svedberg are in goal. Ufa opened in the first period on a Nikolai Prokhorkin goal, assisted by Maxim Mayorov and Teemu Hartikainen. Salavat Yulaev added on with a power play goal by Alexander Loginov, powered by Linus Omark and Sami Lepisto. Ufa extended the lead in the second period as Dmitry Makarov scored, thanks to Loginov and Hartikainen. Ilya Samsonov replaced Koshechkin in goal at this time. Salavat Yulaev padded the lead on an Igor Grigorenko goal, via Omark and Andreas Engqvist. Ufa kept going on an Artyom Chernov goal, with a lone assist from Prokhorkin. Magnitogorsk got on the board with a Sergei Mozyakin goal, fueled by Chris Lee and Wojtek Wolski. Metallurg got closer in the third period on a Denis Osipov goal, guided in by Tomas Filippi and Danis Zaripov. Salavat Yulaev finished it at 6-2 with an Anton Lazarev goal, helped along by Engqvist. The three stars went to Loginov, Hartikainen, and Prokhorkin, while Omark and Engqvist get the honorable mentions.
Over in Nizhny Novgorod, Torpedo welcomes Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Andrei Kareyev and Mikhail Biryukov are in the creases. Novokuznetsk got going in the second period on an Andrei Karavayev goal, passed from Alexei Razumov and Stanislav Butuzov. Metallurg added on with a Roman Manukhov goal, assisted by Kirill Kaprizov and Robert Kousal on the power play. Nizhny Novgorod got on the board with a Carter Ashton goal, via Nikolai Zherdev and Sergei Kostitsyn. Torpedo tied it in the third period with a Maxim Osipov goal, fueled by Zherdev and Kostitsyn. Novokuznetsk retook the lead with an Ignat Zemchenko goal, guided in by Manukhov and Alexander Komaristy. Metallurg iced it at 4-2 with a Kirill Lebedev empty net goal, set up by Evgeny Orlov and Mark Skutar. The three stars were handed to Manukhov, Zherdev, and Kostitsyn.
West to St. Petersburg, where SKA brings in Spartak Moscow. Atte Engren and Igor Shestyorkin are called on to start. St. Petersburg started in the first period with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, assisted by Alexander Kadeikin and Anton Burdasov. SKA added on with a Jarno Koskiranta goal, via Evgeny Ketov and Anton Belov in the second period. St. Petersburg extended the lead as Nikita Gusev scored a power play goal, powered by Vadim Shipachyov. SKA padded the lead on an unassisted Shipachyov goal. St. Petersburg continued in the third period with an Evgeny Dadonov goal, made possible by Gusev and Vyacheslav Voynov. This made it 5-0, the final, with the three stars going to Gusev, Shestyorkin (31 save shutout), and Shipachyov.
Finally, Dinamo Minsk hosts Sibir Novosibirsk. Alexander Salak and Kevin Lalande protect the nets. Novosibirsk drew first blood on an Alexei Kopeikin goal, via Maxim Shalunov in the first period. Minsk tied it in the third period on a Ryan Gunderson power play goal, powered by Alexander Materukhin and Nick Bailen. Dinamo took the lead on a Jonathan Cheechoo goal, coming off of Bailen. Sibir tied it with an Andrej Meszaros goal, guided in by Tomas Vincour and Calle Ridderwall. Novosibirsk won 3-2 in overtime with another Meszaros goal, assisted by Konstantin Alexeyev and Oleg Gubin. The three stars went to Meszaros, Bailen, and Kopeikin.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2015
2015-16 NHL Season - Day 55
Ten games line the schedule tonight, beginning with...
The New Jersey Devils hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Reto Berra and Cory Schneider are in the creases. Colorado got going in the second period on a Matt Duchene goal, his thirteenth of the season, passed from Erik Johnson and the goalie Berra. The Avalanche added on with a Tyson Barrie goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist by Jack Skille. New Jersey got on the board with a third period goal by Kyle Palmieri, his ninth of the season, helped along by Travis Zajac. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars given to Berra (27 for 28 in saves), Barrie, and Duchene.
Northwest to Detroit, with the Red Wings welcoming the Buffalo Sabres. Linus Ullmark and Petr Mrazek receive the starting nods. Detroit led off in the first period on a Tomas Tatar goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Mike Green and Gustav Nyquist. The Red Wings added on with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his sixth of the year, via Jonathan Ericsson and Danny DeKeyser. Buffalo got on the board with an Evander Kane goal, his third of the season, coming off of Ryan O'Reilly and Rasmus Ristolainen. Detroit answered in the second period on a Drew Miller goal, courtesy of Abdelkader and Luke Glendening. The Sabres replied with a Zemgus Girgensons power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Ristolainen and Matt Moulson. Buffalo tied it on Kane's second of the game and fourth of the season, a power play goal helped along by Brian Gionta and Ristolainen, the latter getting a sock trick. The Sabres took the lead as Zach Bogosian scored, thanks to Girgensons and Ristolainen. The Red Wings retied it on an Abdelkader power play goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, with assists provided by Nyquist and Niklas Kronwall. In the shootout, Detroit's Brad Richards scored the only goal for a 5-4 Red Wings win. The three stars went to Ristolainen, Abdelkader, and Kane, while Nyquist and Girgensons get the honorable mentions.
Into Quebec, where the Montreal Canadiens bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Mike Condon are the streaky goalies. Montreal was first to score in the first period on a Paul Byron goal, his third of the season, made possible by Christian Thomas and Nathan Beaulieu. Columbus tied it on a Nick Foligno goal, his second of the year, coming off of Ryan Johansen. The Canadiens took the lead on a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, powered by Dale Weise and P.K. Subban. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Pacioretty, Condon (22 for 23 in saves), and Byron.
Over in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Craig Anderson are the veteran goalies. Philadelphia struck first in the first period on a Shayne Gostisbehere goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Claude Giroux and Brayden Schenn. Ottawa tied it on a Zack Smith goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone helper by Cody Ceci. The Flyers regained the lead with a second period goal by Evgeny Medvedev, passed from Sean Couturier and Michael Del Zotto. The Senators tied it again with a Mike Hoffman goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris. Philadelphia gained the lead again on a Wayne Simmonds goal, his sixth of the year, made possible by Couturier and Brandon Manning. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 in the third period on a Couturier empty net goal, his third of the campaign, set up by Simmonds. The three stars were handed to Couturier, Simmonds, and Medvedev.
Back stateside, the Chicago Blackhawks welcome the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Corey Crawford protect the nets. Minnesota began in the first period on a Jason Pominville goal, his second of the season, guided in by Mikael Granlund and Jared Spurgeon. Chicago tied it on a Patrick Kane power play goal in the second period, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Duncan Keith. The Wild retook the lead in the third period on a Ryan Suter goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Granlund and Zach Parise. The final held at 2-1, with the three stars being Dubnyk (30 for 31 in saves), Granlund, and Crawford (34 for 36 in saves).
Down in St. Louis, the Blues bring in the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Jake Allen guard the cages. Florida dented the scoreboard with a second period goal by Brandon Pirri, his fifth of the season, made possible by Aleksander Barkov and Willie Mitchell. The Panthers added on with a Derek MacKenzie goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. St. Louis got on the board with a David Backes goal, his sixth of the season, via Robby Fabbri and Colton Parayko. Florida replied with another unassisted MacKenzie goal, his second of the season and third of the year. The final held at 3-1, with the three stars awarded to MacKenzie, Luongo (29 for 30 in saves), and Pirri.
East to Nashville, with the Predators hosting the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith is mismatched with Pekka Rinne in goal. Arizona opened in the first period on an Oliver Ekman-Larsson power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Max Domi and Mikkel Boedker. Nashville tied it with a second period Calle Jarnkrok power play goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Shea Weber and Filip Forsberg. The Coyotes retook the lead on a Kyle Chipchura goal, his third of the season, passed from Boyd Gordon and Zbynek Michalek. The Predators tied it again in the third period as Mike Ribeiro scored his third of the year, with the help of Cody Hodgson. Nashville gained the lead on a Forsberg goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Craig Smith and Weber. The Predators added on with a Forsberg goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, assisted by Ribeiro and Weber. Nashville iced it at 5-2 with a James Neal empty net goal, his tenth of the campaign, going in unassisted.
Out in Alberta, the Calgary Flames welcome the Dallas Stars. Antti Niemi and Karri Ramo are the Finnish goalies. Dallas started in the first period on a Jason Spezza goal, his tenth of the season, via Jordie Benn. The Stars added on with a Cody Eakin goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Jyrki Jokipakka and Valeri Nichushkin. Dallas extended the lead as Mattias Janmark scored his fourth of the season in the second period, with the help of Johnny Oduya and Jason Demers. Calgary got on the board with a Mikael Backlund goal in the third period, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The Flames pulled closer with a Johnny Gaudreau goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Sean Monahan and T.J. Brodie. Calgary tied it with a Dougie Hamilton goal, his third of the year, helped along by Monahan and Dennis Wideman. The tie went to a shootout, where Joe Colborne, Gaudreau, and Monahan topped Patrick Sharp to give the Flames a 4-3 win. The three stars went to Monahan, Gaudreau, and Hamilton.
Down to Los Angeles, where the Kings bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Jacob Markstrom and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. Vancouver drew first blood in the first period with a Daniel Sedin power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Henrik Sedin and Yannick Weber. Los Angeles tied it with a third period Drew Doughty power play goal, his third of the year, assisted by Nick Shore and Marian Gaborik. The Kings won 2-1 with an Anze Kopitar goal in overtime, his eighth of the campaign, set up by Jeff Carter. The three stars were Quick (15 for 16 in saves), Kopitar, and Doughty.
Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Martin Jones are the solid goalies. Pittsburgh got started in the first period on a Phil Kessel goal, his eighth of the season, via Evgeni Malkin and David Perron. The Penguins added on with a second period Matt Cullen goal, his second of the year, coming off of Brian Domoulin and Eric Fehr. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Malkin scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Chris Kunitz. San Jose got on the board with a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his tenth of the year, powered by Joe Pavelski and Joel Ward. The Penguins answered with a Perron power play goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Kunitz and Beau Bennett. Pittsburgh iced it at 5-1 with a Kessel empty net goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year, set up by Malkin and Ian Cole. The three stars went to Malkin, Kessel, and Fleury (33 for 34 in saves), while Perron and Kunitz get the honorable mentions.
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The New Jersey Devils hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Reto Berra and Cory Schneider are in the creases. Colorado got going in the second period on a Matt Duchene goal, his thirteenth of the season, passed from Erik Johnson and the goalie Berra. The Avalanche added on with a Tyson Barrie goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist by Jack Skille. New Jersey got on the board with a third period goal by Kyle Palmieri, his ninth of the season, helped along by Travis Zajac. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars given to Berra (27 for 28 in saves), Barrie, and Duchene.
Northwest to Detroit, with the Red Wings welcoming the Buffalo Sabres. Linus Ullmark and Petr Mrazek receive the starting nods. Detroit led off in the first period on a Tomas Tatar goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Mike Green and Gustav Nyquist. The Red Wings added on with a Justin Abdelkader goal, his sixth of the year, via Jonathan Ericsson and Danny DeKeyser. Buffalo got on the board with an Evander Kane goal, his third of the season, coming off of Ryan O'Reilly and Rasmus Ristolainen. Detroit answered in the second period on a Drew Miller goal, courtesy of Abdelkader and Luke Glendening. The Sabres replied with a Zemgus Girgensons power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Ristolainen and Matt Moulson. Buffalo tied it on Kane's second of the game and fourth of the season, a power play goal helped along by Brian Gionta and Ristolainen, the latter getting a sock trick. The Sabres took the lead as Zach Bogosian scored, thanks to Girgensons and Ristolainen. The Red Wings retied it on an Abdelkader power play goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, with assists provided by Nyquist and Niklas Kronwall. In the shootout, Detroit's Brad Richards scored the only goal for a 5-4 Red Wings win. The three stars went to Ristolainen, Abdelkader, and Kane, while Nyquist and Girgensons get the honorable mentions.
Into Quebec, where the Montreal Canadiens bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Mike Condon are the streaky goalies. Montreal was first to score in the first period on a Paul Byron goal, his third of the season, made possible by Christian Thomas and Nathan Beaulieu. Columbus tied it on a Nick Foligno goal, his second of the year, coming off of Ryan Johansen. The Canadiens took the lead on a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, powered by Dale Weise and P.K. Subban. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Pacioretty, Condon (22 for 23 in saves), and Byron.
Over in Ontario, the Ottawa Senators host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Craig Anderson are the veteran goalies. Philadelphia struck first in the first period on a Shayne Gostisbehere goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Claude Giroux and Brayden Schenn. Ottawa tied it on a Zack Smith goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone helper by Cody Ceci. The Flyers regained the lead with a second period goal by Evgeny Medvedev, passed from Sean Couturier and Michael Del Zotto. The Senators tied it again with a Mike Hoffman goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris. Philadelphia gained the lead again on a Wayne Simmonds goal, his sixth of the year, made possible by Couturier and Brandon Manning. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 in the third period on a Couturier empty net goal, his third of the campaign, set up by Simmonds. The three stars were handed to Couturier, Simmonds, and Medvedev.
Back stateside, the Chicago Blackhawks welcome the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Corey Crawford protect the nets. Minnesota began in the first period on a Jason Pominville goal, his second of the season, guided in by Mikael Granlund and Jared Spurgeon. Chicago tied it on a Patrick Kane power play goal in the second period, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Duncan Keith. The Wild retook the lead in the third period on a Ryan Suter goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Granlund and Zach Parise. The final held at 2-1, with the three stars being Dubnyk (30 for 31 in saves), Granlund, and Crawford (34 for 36 in saves).
Down in St. Louis, the Blues bring in the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Jake Allen guard the cages. Florida dented the scoreboard with a second period goal by Brandon Pirri, his fifth of the season, made possible by Aleksander Barkov and Willie Mitchell. The Panthers added on with a Derek MacKenzie goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. St. Louis got on the board with a David Backes goal, his sixth of the season, via Robby Fabbri and Colton Parayko. Florida replied with another unassisted MacKenzie goal, his second of the season and third of the year. The final held at 3-1, with the three stars awarded to MacKenzie, Luongo (29 for 30 in saves), and Pirri.
East to Nashville, with the Predators hosting the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith is mismatched with Pekka Rinne in goal. Arizona opened in the first period on an Oliver Ekman-Larsson power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Max Domi and Mikkel Boedker. Nashville tied it with a second period Calle Jarnkrok power play goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Shea Weber and Filip Forsberg. The Coyotes retook the lead on a Kyle Chipchura goal, his third of the season, passed from Boyd Gordon and Zbynek Michalek. The Predators tied it again in the third period as Mike Ribeiro scored his third of the year, with the help of Cody Hodgson. Nashville gained the lead on a Forsberg goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Craig Smith and Weber. The Predators added on with a Forsberg goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, assisted by Ribeiro and Weber. Nashville iced it at 5-2 with a James Neal empty net goal, his tenth of the campaign, going in unassisted.
Out in Alberta, the Calgary Flames welcome the Dallas Stars. Antti Niemi and Karri Ramo are the Finnish goalies. Dallas started in the first period on a Jason Spezza goal, his tenth of the season, via Jordie Benn. The Stars added on with a Cody Eakin goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Jyrki Jokipakka and Valeri Nichushkin. Dallas extended the lead as Mattias Janmark scored his fourth of the season in the second period, with the help of Johnny Oduya and Jason Demers. Calgary got on the board with a Mikael Backlund goal in the third period, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The Flames pulled closer with a Johnny Gaudreau goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Sean Monahan and T.J. Brodie. Calgary tied it with a Dougie Hamilton goal, his third of the year, helped along by Monahan and Dennis Wideman. The tie went to a shootout, where Joe Colborne, Gaudreau, and Monahan topped Patrick Sharp to give the Flames a 4-3 win. The three stars went to Monahan, Gaudreau, and Hamilton.
Down to Los Angeles, where the Kings bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Jacob Markstrom and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. Vancouver drew first blood in the first period with a Daniel Sedin power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Henrik Sedin and Yannick Weber. Los Angeles tied it with a third period Drew Doughty power play goal, his third of the year, assisted by Nick Shore and Marian Gaborik. The Kings won 2-1 with an Anze Kopitar goal in overtime, his eighth of the campaign, set up by Jeff Carter. The three stars were Quick (15 for 16 in saves), Kopitar, and Doughty.
Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Martin Jones are the solid goalies. Pittsburgh got started in the first period on a Phil Kessel goal, his eighth of the season, via Evgeni Malkin and David Perron. The Penguins added on with a second period Matt Cullen goal, his second of the year, coming off of Brian Domoulin and Eric Fehr. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Malkin scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Chris Kunitz. San Jose got on the board with a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his tenth of the year, powered by Joe Pavelski and Joel Ward. The Penguins answered with a Perron power play goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Kunitz and Beau Bennett. Pittsburgh iced it at 5-1 with a Kessel empty net goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year, set up by Malkin and Ian Cole. The three stars went to Malkin, Kessel, and Fleury (33 for 34 in saves), while Perron and Kunitz get the honorable mentions.
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2015/16 KHL Season - Day 89
Five games on today, beginning with...
Barys Astana hosting Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Jan Laco guard the cages. Astana got going in the third period on a Mike Lundin power play goal, powered by Nigel Dawes and Kevin Dallman. Moscow tied it on a Juuso Hietanen goal, via Maxim Karpov. The tie went to a shootout, where Roman Starchenko and Dawes overcame a lone tally by Artyom Fyodorov to give Barys the 2-1 win. The three stars went to Dawes, Laco (24 for 25 in saves), and Yeryomenko (26 for 27 in saves).
In Russia, Avangard Omsk welcomes Vityaz Podolsk. Harri Sateri and Dominik Furch protect the nets. Podolsk started in the first period on a Vyacheslav Solodukhin goal, courtesy of Ilya Davydov and Pavel Lukin on the power play. Omsk tied it with a power play goal by Artur Lauta, powered by Michal Kempny and Martin Erat. Avangard took the lead in the third period on a Sergei Shirikov goal, assisted by Ilya Zubov. Omsk iced it at 3-1 on an empty net goal by Denis Parshin, set up by Zubov and Shirokov. The three stars went to Shirokov, Furch (26 for 27 in saves), and Zubov.
Up to Yekaterinburg, where Avtomobilist hosts Slovan Bratislava. Michael Garnett and Jakub Kovar man the creases. Bratislava opened in the first period on a Lubomir Visnovsky goal, passed from Pavol Skalicky and Patrik Lusnak. Yekaterinburg tied it on an Anatoly Golyshev goal, coming off of Alexander Torchenyuk. Slovan retook the lead on a power play goal by Francis Pare, powered by Cam Barker and Milan Bartovic. Avtomobilist tied it again as Torchenyuk scored, thanks to Alexei Simakov. Yekaterinburg took the lead on an Eero Elo power play goal in the second period, helped along by Simakov and Petr Koukal. Avtomobilist added on with an unassisted goal by Alexander Pankov. Barry Brust replaced Garnett for the third period. Bratislava got one back on a Ladislav Nagy power play goal in the third period, with a lone helper by Visnovsky. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars given to Torchenyuk, Visnovsky, and Simakov.
Next up, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk brings in the Medvescak Zagreb. Danny Taylor and Vladislav Fokin draw the starts in goal. Zagreb dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Marek Kvapil power play goal, with a lone assist by Milan Jurcina. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it on a Pavel Medvedev goal, passed from Evgeny Lapenkov and Andrei Taratukhin. Yugra took the lead on a Pavel Varfolomeyev goal, guided in by Stanislav Kalashnikov and Andrei Ivanov. Khanty-Mansiysk added on with an Lapenkov goal in the third period, via Andrei Antonov and Varfolomeyev on the power play. Yugra made it 4-1 with an Igor Bortnikov goal, fueled by Denis Gorbunov and Konstantin Panov. This was the final, with the three stars given to Varfolomeyev, Lapenkov, and Fokin (30 for 31 in saves).
Finally, Jokerit Helsinki hosts Lada Togliatti. Edgars Masalskis and Riku Helenius are the masked men. Togliatti drew first blood on an Alexander Bumagin goal, fueled by Tobias Viklund and Yefim Gurkin in the first period on a power play. Lada added on with an Alexander Streltsov goal, courtesy of Vasily Streltsov and Vladimir Malenkikh. Togliatti extended the lead as Vasily Streltsov scored an unassisted goal in the second period. Helsinki got on the board in the third period on a Niko Kapanen goal, assisted by Pekka Jormakka. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Vasily Streltsov, Masalskis (36 for 37 in saves), and Alexander Streltsov.
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Barys Astana hosting Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Jan Laco guard the cages. Astana got going in the third period on a Mike Lundin power play goal, powered by Nigel Dawes and Kevin Dallman. Moscow tied it on a Juuso Hietanen goal, via Maxim Karpov. The tie went to a shootout, where Roman Starchenko and Dawes overcame a lone tally by Artyom Fyodorov to give Barys the 2-1 win. The three stars went to Dawes, Laco (24 for 25 in saves), and Yeryomenko (26 for 27 in saves).
In Russia, Avangard Omsk welcomes Vityaz Podolsk. Harri Sateri and Dominik Furch protect the nets. Podolsk started in the first period on a Vyacheslav Solodukhin goal, courtesy of Ilya Davydov and Pavel Lukin on the power play. Omsk tied it with a power play goal by Artur Lauta, powered by Michal Kempny and Martin Erat. Avangard took the lead in the third period on a Sergei Shirikov goal, assisted by Ilya Zubov. Omsk iced it at 3-1 on an empty net goal by Denis Parshin, set up by Zubov and Shirokov. The three stars went to Shirokov, Furch (26 for 27 in saves), and Zubov.
Up to Yekaterinburg, where Avtomobilist hosts Slovan Bratislava. Michael Garnett and Jakub Kovar man the creases. Bratislava opened in the first period on a Lubomir Visnovsky goal, passed from Pavol Skalicky and Patrik Lusnak. Yekaterinburg tied it on an Anatoly Golyshev goal, coming off of Alexander Torchenyuk. Slovan retook the lead on a power play goal by Francis Pare, powered by Cam Barker and Milan Bartovic. Avtomobilist tied it again as Torchenyuk scored, thanks to Alexei Simakov. Yekaterinburg took the lead on an Eero Elo power play goal in the second period, helped along by Simakov and Petr Koukal. Avtomobilist added on with an unassisted goal by Alexander Pankov. Barry Brust replaced Garnett for the third period. Bratislava got one back on a Ladislav Nagy power play goal in the third period, with a lone helper by Visnovsky. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars given to Torchenyuk, Visnovsky, and Simakov.
Next up, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk brings in the Medvescak Zagreb. Danny Taylor and Vladislav Fokin draw the starts in goal. Zagreb dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Marek Kvapil power play goal, with a lone assist by Milan Jurcina. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it on a Pavel Medvedev goal, passed from Evgeny Lapenkov and Andrei Taratukhin. Yugra took the lead on a Pavel Varfolomeyev goal, guided in by Stanislav Kalashnikov and Andrei Ivanov. Khanty-Mansiysk added on with an Lapenkov goal in the third period, via Andrei Antonov and Varfolomeyev on the power play. Yugra made it 4-1 with an Igor Bortnikov goal, fueled by Denis Gorbunov and Konstantin Panov. This was the final, with the three stars given to Varfolomeyev, Lapenkov, and Fokin (30 for 31 in saves).
Finally, Jokerit Helsinki hosts Lada Togliatti. Edgars Masalskis and Riku Helenius are the masked men. Togliatti drew first blood on an Alexander Bumagin goal, fueled by Tobias Viklund and Yefim Gurkin in the first period on a power play. Lada added on with an Alexander Streltsov goal, courtesy of Vasily Streltsov and Vladimir Malenkikh. Togliatti extended the lead as Vasily Streltsov scored an unassisted goal in the second period. Helsinki got on the board in the third period on a Niko Kapanen goal, assisted by Pekka Jormakka. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Vasily Streltsov, Masalskis (36 for 37 in saves), and Alexander Streltsov.
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Monday, November 30, 2015
2015-16 NHL Season - Day 54
Four games on tonight, beginning with...
The New York Islanders hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov faces a lesser foe in Thomas Greiss in goal. Colorado led off in the first period on a Blake Comeau goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Carl Soderberg. New York tied it on a Kyle Okposo power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Frans Nielsen. The Islanders took the lead with a Mikhail Grabovski goal in the second period, his fourth of the season, helped along by Ryan Strome and Nikolay Kulemin. The Avalanche retied it on an unassisted goal by Jarome Iginla, his eighth of the year. New York regained the lead in the third period on a Cal Clutterbuck goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Thomas Hickey and Marek Zidlicky. The Islanders added on with a Casey Cizikas goal, his fourth of the year, going in unassisted. Colorado got one back with a Nick Holden goal, with a lone helper by Soderberg. New York finished it at 5-3 with a Strome empty net goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Strome, Soderberg, and Cizikas.
Staying in New York, the Rangers welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Henrik Lundqvist are the veteran goalies. New York struck first in the first period on a Mats Zuccarello power play goal, his eleventh of the season, made possible by Derick Brassard. The Rangers added on with an Oscar Lindberg power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Dan Boyle and Keith Yandle. Carolina got on the board with a Jordan Staal goal, his fifth of the season, coming in the second period via Andrej Nestrasil and Joakim Nordstrom. New York answered on a Chris Kreider goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Jesper Fast. The Rangers extended the lead as Brassard scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Kevin Hayes. The Hurricanes got one back on a Victor Rask goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Elias Lindholm and Jaccob Slavin. Carolina pulled closer in the third period with a Chris Terry goal, his third of the campaign, guided in by Jeff Skinner and Ron Hainsey. The final held at 4-3, with the three stars going to Brassard, Lundqvist (33 for 36 in saves), and Kreider.
Up in Toronto, the Maple Leafs bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Anders Nilsson and Garret Sparks are the unknown goalies. Toronto began in the first period on a Leo Komarov power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by James van Riemsdyk and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs added on in the third period with a Nazem Kadri goal, his third of the year, via Jake Gardiner and van Riemsdyk. Toronto iced it at 3-0 with a Komarov empty net goal, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, set up by van Riemsdyk, who got a sock trick. The three stars were awarded to Sparks (24 save shutout), Komarov, and van Riemsdyk.
Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and John Gibson are the American goalies. Anaheim was first to score in the first period on a Shawn Horcoff goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Andrew Cogliano and Carl Hagelin. The Ducks added on with a Rickard Rakell power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Sami Vatanen. Anaheim extended the lead in the third period as Jakob Silfverberg scored his second of the season, thanks to Nick Ritchie and Ryan Kesler. The Ducks padded the lead on an unassisted Corey Perry goal, his eighth of the year. The final was 4-0, with the three stars being Gibson (25 save shutout), Horcoff, and Rakell.
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The New York Islanders hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov faces a lesser foe in Thomas Greiss in goal. Colorado led off in the first period on a Blake Comeau goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Carl Soderberg. New York tied it on a Kyle Okposo power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Frans Nielsen. The Islanders took the lead with a Mikhail Grabovski goal in the second period, his fourth of the season, helped along by Ryan Strome and Nikolay Kulemin. The Avalanche retied it on an unassisted goal by Jarome Iginla, his eighth of the year. New York regained the lead in the third period on a Cal Clutterbuck goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Thomas Hickey and Marek Zidlicky. The Islanders added on with a Casey Cizikas goal, his fourth of the year, going in unassisted. Colorado got one back with a Nick Holden goal, with a lone helper by Soderberg. New York finished it at 5-3 with a Strome empty net goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Strome, Soderberg, and Cizikas.
Staying in New York, the Rangers welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Henrik Lundqvist are the veteran goalies. New York struck first in the first period on a Mats Zuccarello power play goal, his eleventh of the season, made possible by Derick Brassard. The Rangers added on with an Oscar Lindberg power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Dan Boyle and Keith Yandle. Carolina got on the board with a Jordan Staal goal, his fifth of the season, coming in the second period via Andrej Nestrasil and Joakim Nordstrom. New York answered on a Chris Kreider goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Jesper Fast. The Rangers extended the lead as Brassard scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Kevin Hayes. The Hurricanes got one back on a Victor Rask goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Elias Lindholm and Jaccob Slavin. Carolina pulled closer in the third period with a Chris Terry goal, his third of the campaign, guided in by Jeff Skinner and Ron Hainsey. The final held at 4-3, with the three stars going to Brassard, Lundqvist (33 for 36 in saves), and Kreider.
Up in Toronto, the Maple Leafs bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Anders Nilsson and Garret Sparks are the unknown goalies. Toronto began in the first period on a Leo Komarov power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by James van Riemsdyk and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs added on in the third period with a Nazem Kadri goal, his third of the year, via Jake Gardiner and van Riemsdyk. Toronto iced it at 3-0 with a Komarov empty net goal, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, set up by van Riemsdyk, who got a sock trick. The three stars were awarded to Sparks (24 save shutout), Komarov, and van Riemsdyk.
Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and John Gibson are the American goalies. Anaheim was first to score in the first period on a Shawn Horcoff goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Andrew Cogliano and Carl Hagelin. The Ducks added on with a Rickard Rakell power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Sami Vatanen. Anaheim extended the lead in the third period as Jakob Silfverberg scored his second of the season, thanks to Nick Ritchie and Ryan Kesler. The Ducks padded the lead on an unassisted Corey Perry goal, his eighth of the year. The final was 4-0, with the three stars being Gibson (25 save shutout), Horcoff, and Rakell.
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2015/16 KHL Season - Day 88
Seven more games for the KHL today, beginning with...
Metallurg Magnitogorsk hosting Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Ilya Samsonov draw the starts. Magnitogorsk got going in the second period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, fueled by Wojtek Wolski and Jan Kovar. Metallurg added on with an Alexei Bereglazov goal, via Kovar and Oskar Osala. Magnitogorsk extended the lead in the third period as Kovar scored, with a lone assist by Mozyakin. Metallurg padded the lead on another Mozyakin goal, guided in by Wolski. Magnitogorsk iced it at 5-0 with a Danis Zaripov power play goal, powered by Wolski, who got a sock trick. The three stars went to Mozyakin, Wolski, and Kovar.
Over in Nizhny Novgorod, Torpedo welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Igor Bobkov and Ilya Proskuryakov are in the creases. Nizhny Novgorod started with an Artyom Alyayev goal in the first period, made possible by Carter Ashton and Sergei Kostitsyn. Torpedo added on with a Vadim Khomitsky goal, courtesy of Alexander Frolov and Vyacheslav Kulyomin in the second period. Vladivostok got on the board with an Alexander Gorshkov goal in the third period, coming off of Artyom Zemchyonok. Admiral tied it with a Kirill Voronin goal, assisted by Samvel Mnatsyan and Maxim Mamin. The tie went to a shootout, where Gorshkov, Viktor Alexandrov, and David Booth scored for Admiral, lifting them 3-2 over a lone tally by Kostitsyn of Torpedo. The three stars went to Gorshkov, Kostitsyn, and Booth.
In Moscow, CSKA brings in Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Vladislav Podyapolsky and Stanislav Galimov are the goalies. Moscow opened with a power play goal by Sergei Andronov, powered by Alexander Radulov and Alexander Kutuzov. CSKA added on with a Radulov power play goal, assisted by Igor Ozhiganov and Jan Mursak. Moscow extended the lead as Radulov scored again in the third period, thanks to Kutuzov. This made it a 3-0 win, with the three stars given to Radulov, Galimov (19 save shutout), and Kutuzov.
Down in Sochi, the Leopards host SKA St. Petersburg. Igor Shestyorkin is mismatched with Konstantin Barulin. Sochi led off in the first period on a Mikhail Anisin goal, passed from Ben Maxwell and Evgeny Skachkov. Dmitry Shikin took over for Barulin to start the second period. St. Petersburg tied it on a Maxim Chudinov goal in the second period, made possible by Dmitry Kalinin. The Leopards retook the lead on a Denis Kazionov goal, via Renat Mamashev. SKA tied it again in the third period with an Ilya Kovalchuk power play goal, powered by Chudinov and Evgeny Dadonov. St. Petersburg won 3-2 in overtime on a Nikita Gusev goal, coming off of Ilya Kablukov and Andrei Zubarev. The three stars went to Chudinov, Gusev, and Kovalchuk.
Back north, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl brings in Spartak Moscow. Atte Engren and Vitaly Kolesnik are the reliable goalies. Moscow struck first in the first period on an Alexander Vasilyev goal, via Matthew Gilroy. Yaroslavl tied it on a Staffan Kronwall power play goal, powered by Yegor Averin and Daniil Apalkov. Lokomotiv took the lead with an Ilya Lyubushkin goal, courtesy of Emil Galimov and Vladislav Kartayev. Spartak tied it in the second period as Vsevolod Sorokin scored, thanks to Maxim Potapov and Igot Levitsky. Moscow took the lead on a Potapov goal in the third period, helped along by Evgeny Bodrov. Yaroslavl retied it with a Kartayev goal, assisted by Pavel Koledov and Galimov. In the shootout, Averin's lone tally gave Lokomotiv the 4-3 win. The three stars went to Kartayev, Averin, and Potapov, while Galimov gets an honorable mention.
Across the lake, Severstal Cherepovets welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Alexander Salak and Jakub Stepanek protect the nets. Cherepovets dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Vadim Berdnikov goal, assisted by Pavel Buchnevich. Novosibirsk tied it on a Vladimir Butuzov goal, passed from Artyom Voroshilo. Sibir took the lead in the third period on an Andrej Meszaros power play goal, powered by David Ullstrom and Vitaly Menshikov. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Salak (26 for 27 in saves), Meszaros, and Butuzov.
Finally, Dinamo Minsk hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Juha Metsola and Dmitry Milchakov are between the pipes. Khabarovsk began in the first period on a Tomas Zohorna goal, assisted by Vyacheslav Litovchenko and Pavel Dedunov. Minsk tied it in the second period on an unassisted goal by Sergei Drozd. Dinamo took the lead with a Ryan Vesce power play goal in the third period, powered by Matt Ellison. Minsk added on with another Vesce goal, helped along by Ryan Gunderson and Jonathan Cheechoo on the power play. The final held at 3-1, with the three stars given to Vesce, Milchakov (16 for 17 in saves), and Drozd.
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Metallurg Magnitogorsk hosting Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Ilya Samsonov draw the starts. Magnitogorsk got going in the second period on a Sergei Mozyakin goal, fueled by Wojtek Wolski and Jan Kovar. Metallurg added on with an Alexei Bereglazov goal, via Kovar and Oskar Osala. Magnitogorsk extended the lead in the third period as Kovar scored, with a lone assist by Mozyakin. Metallurg padded the lead on another Mozyakin goal, guided in by Wolski. Magnitogorsk iced it at 5-0 with a Danis Zaripov power play goal, powered by Wolski, who got a sock trick. The three stars went to Mozyakin, Wolski, and Kovar.
Over in Nizhny Novgorod, Torpedo welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Igor Bobkov and Ilya Proskuryakov are in the creases. Nizhny Novgorod started with an Artyom Alyayev goal in the first period, made possible by Carter Ashton and Sergei Kostitsyn. Torpedo added on with a Vadim Khomitsky goal, courtesy of Alexander Frolov and Vyacheslav Kulyomin in the second period. Vladivostok got on the board with an Alexander Gorshkov goal in the third period, coming off of Artyom Zemchyonok. Admiral tied it with a Kirill Voronin goal, assisted by Samvel Mnatsyan and Maxim Mamin. The tie went to a shootout, where Gorshkov, Viktor Alexandrov, and David Booth scored for Admiral, lifting them 3-2 over a lone tally by Kostitsyn of Torpedo. The three stars went to Gorshkov, Kostitsyn, and Booth.
In Moscow, CSKA brings in Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Vladislav Podyapolsky and Stanislav Galimov are the goalies. Moscow opened with a power play goal by Sergei Andronov, powered by Alexander Radulov and Alexander Kutuzov. CSKA added on with a Radulov power play goal, assisted by Igor Ozhiganov and Jan Mursak. Moscow extended the lead as Radulov scored again in the third period, thanks to Kutuzov. This made it a 3-0 win, with the three stars given to Radulov, Galimov (19 save shutout), and Kutuzov.
Down in Sochi, the Leopards host SKA St. Petersburg. Igor Shestyorkin is mismatched with Konstantin Barulin. Sochi led off in the first period on a Mikhail Anisin goal, passed from Ben Maxwell and Evgeny Skachkov. Dmitry Shikin took over for Barulin to start the second period. St. Petersburg tied it on a Maxim Chudinov goal in the second period, made possible by Dmitry Kalinin. The Leopards retook the lead on a Denis Kazionov goal, via Renat Mamashev. SKA tied it again in the third period with an Ilya Kovalchuk power play goal, powered by Chudinov and Evgeny Dadonov. St. Petersburg won 3-2 in overtime on a Nikita Gusev goal, coming off of Ilya Kablukov and Andrei Zubarev. The three stars went to Chudinov, Gusev, and Kovalchuk.
Back north, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl brings in Spartak Moscow. Atte Engren and Vitaly Kolesnik are the reliable goalies. Moscow struck first in the first period on an Alexander Vasilyev goal, via Matthew Gilroy. Yaroslavl tied it on a Staffan Kronwall power play goal, powered by Yegor Averin and Daniil Apalkov. Lokomotiv took the lead with an Ilya Lyubushkin goal, courtesy of Emil Galimov and Vladislav Kartayev. Spartak tied it in the second period as Vsevolod Sorokin scored, thanks to Maxim Potapov and Igot Levitsky. Moscow took the lead on a Potapov goal in the third period, helped along by Evgeny Bodrov. Yaroslavl retied it with a Kartayev goal, assisted by Pavel Koledov and Galimov. In the shootout, Averin's lone tally gave Lokomotiv the 4-3 win. The three stars went to Kartayev, Averin, and Potapov, while Galimov gets an honorable mention.
Across the lake, Severstal Cherepovets welcomes Sibir Novosibirsk. Alexander Salak and Jakub Stepanek protect the nets. Cherepovets dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Vadim Berdnikov goal, assisted by Pavel Buchnevich. Novosibirsk tied it on a Vladimir Butuzov goal, passed from Artyom Voroshilo. Sibir took the lead in the third period on an Andrej Meszaros power play goal, powered by David Ullstrom and Vitaly Menshikov. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Salak (26 for 27 in saves), Meszaros, and Butuzov.
Finally, Dinamo Minsk hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Juha Metsola and Dmitry Milchakov are between the pipes. Khabarovsk began in the first period on a Tomas Zohorna goal, assisted by Vyacheslav Litovchenko and Pavel Dedunov. Minsk tied it in the second period on an unassisted goal by Sergei Drozd. Dinamo took the lead with a Ryan Vesce power play goal in the third period, powered by Matt Ellison. Minsk added on with another Vesce goal, helped along by Ryan Gunderson and Jonathan Cheechoo on the power play. The final held at 3-1, with the three stars given to Vesce, Milchakov (16 for 17 in saves), and Drozd.
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Sunday, November 29, 2015
MLS Conference Finals, Second Legs
The games are back to determine who will play in the final game for all the bragging rights. We begin with...
FC Dallas welcoming the Portland Timbers. Adam Larsen Kwarasey and Jesse Gonzalez are the strong keepers. Portland opened in the fifty-fourth minute with a Fanendo Adi goal, courtesy of Diego Valeri and Dairon Asprilla. Dallas tied it on a sixty-eighth minute goal from Ryan Hollingshead, passed from Mauro Diaz. In the seventy-second minute, Diego Chara was given a yellow card for a foul for the Timbers. Dallas took the lead on a Blas Perez goal in the seventy-third minute, set up by Diaz. Kellyn Acosta of Dallas took a yellow card for an eightieth minute foul. In stoppage time, Lucas Melano scored for Portland with the help of Valeri. The final was 2-2, but the Timbers advance to the MLS Cup on a 5-3 aggregate victory, with this game's man of the match being Valeri.
In the east, the New York Red Bulls bring in the Columbus Crew SC. Steve Clark and Luis Robles are the gloved men. New York had a yellow card for Felipe in the twenty-eighth minute for a foul. Columbus' Gaston Sauro took a yellow card for a foul in the sixty-seventh minute. The Red Bulls saw a yellow card given to Sal Zizzo in the eighty-fifth minute for his foul. New York got going with a stoppage time goal from Anatole Bertrand Abang, set up by Lloyd Sam. This gave them a 1-0 win, and Robles' five-save clean sheet made him the man of the match. The Crew, however, moved on with a 2-1 aggregate victory, to face Portland in the MLS Cup.
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FC Dallas welcoming the Portland Timbers. Adam Larsen Kwarasey and Jesse Gonzalez are the strong keepers. Portland opened in the fifty-fourth minute with a Fanendo Adi goal, courtesy of Diego Valeri and Dairon Asprilla. Dallas tied it on a sixty-eighth minute goal from Ryan Hollingshead, passed from Mauro Diaz. In the seventy-second minute, Diego Chara was given a yellow card for a foul for the Timbers. Dallas took the lead on a Blas Perez goal in the seventy-third minute, set up by Diaz. Kellyn Acosta of Dallas took a yellow card for an eightieth minute foul. In stoppage time, Lucas Melano scored for Portland with the help of Valeri. The final was 2-2, but the Timbers advance to the MLS Cup on a 5-3 aggregate victory, with this game's man of the match being Valeri.
In the east, the New York Red Bulls bring in the Columbus Crew SC. Steve Clark and Luis Robles are the gloved men. New York had a yellow card for Felipe in the twenty-eighth minute for a foul. Columbus' Gaston Sauro took a yellow card for a foul in the sixty-seventh minute. The Red Bulls saw a yellow card given to Sal Zizzo in the eighty-fifth minute for his foul. New York got going with a stoppage time goal from Anatole Bertrand Abang, set up by Lloyd Sam. This gave them a 1-0 win, and Robles' five-save clean sheet made him the man of the match. The Crew, however, moved on with a 2-1 aggregate victory, to face Portland in the MLS Cup.
Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.
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