NHL 2016/17 - Day 63

Just four games for today, beginning with...

The Ottawa Senators hosting the San Jose Sharks. Martin Jones and Mike Condon make the starts in goal. San Jose started in the first period with a Joe Pavelski goal, his tenth of the season, courtesy of Logan Couture and Joe Thornton. Ottawa tied it on a Bobby Ryan goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Ryan Dzingel and Dion Phaneuf. The Sharks took the lead with a Brent Burns goal, his thirteenth of the season, made possible by Brenden Dillon in the second period. The Senators tied it again on a Kyle Turris goal, his twelfth of the year, fueled by Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman. Ottawa took the lead in the third period on a Phaneuf power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Erik Karlsson and Stone. San Jose tied it on a Chris Tierney goal, his third of the year, passed from Burns and David Schlemko. The Sharks won 4-3 in the shootout with a Kevin Labanc tally. The three stars went to Burns, Phaneuf, and Stone.

Down in Pittsburgh, the Penguins welcome the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Matt Murray are in the creases. Boston opened in the first period with a Brad Marchand goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by David Backes and Patrice Bergeron. Pittsburgh tied it on a Justin Schultz goal, his fifth of the year, via Sidney Crosby and Conor Sheary. The Bruins retook the lead in the second period on a David Krejci goal, his fifth of the season, guided in by Tim Schaller and David Pastrnak. The Penguins retied it on a Nick Bonino power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Trevor Daley and goalie Murray. Pittsburgh took the lead in the third period on a Sheary goal, his eighth of the season, made possible by Brian Dumoulin and Schultz on the power play. Boston tied it on a Pastrnak goal, his nineteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime with a Bryan Rust goal, his eighth of the campaign, passed from Evgeni Malkin and Schultz. The three stars were Schultz, Sheary, and Pastrnak.

In Alberta, the Calgary Flames bring Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Chad Johnson are in the blue paint. Calgary led off in the first period with a Troy Brouwer power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Sean Monahan and T.J. Brodie. Tampa Bay tied it on a Brian Boyle power play goal, his fifth of the year, with assists provided by Victor Hedman and Tyler Johnson. The Lightning took the lead with a Boyle goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, courtesy of Valtteri Filppula and Hedman. Tampa Bay added on in the second period with a Braydon Coburn goal, passed from Alex Killorn and Vladislav Namestnikov. The Lightning extended the lead as Andrej Sustr scored, thanks to Filppula and Hedman, who got a sock trick. Brian Elliott replaced Johnson in goal. Tampa Bay padded the lead with a Killorn shorthanded goal in the third period, his ninth of the year, going in unassisted. The Flames got one back with a Brodie power play goal, his second of the season, via Johnny Gaudreau and Brouwer. Calgary got closer with a Micheal Ferland goal, his fifth of the year, fueled by Matt Stajan and Lance Bouma. The Lightning iced it at 6-3 with a Killorn empty net goal, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, set up by Filppula, who got a sock trick. The three stars were Killorn, Hedman, and Filppula, while Boyle, Brouwer, and Brodie.

Finally, the Colorado Avalanche host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Calvin Pickard are between the pipes. Philadelphia began in the second period with a Michael Del Zotto goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Colorado tied it on a Rene Bourque goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Carl Soderberg. The Avalanche took the lead with a Matt Duchene goal, his eleventh of the season, guided in by Nikita Zadorov and Gabriel Landeskog. The Flyers retied it on a Wayne Simmonds goal, his sixteenth of the year, via Radko Gudas and Travis Konecny. Philadelphia took the lead in the third period with a Roman Lyubimov goal, his third of the season, going in unassisted. The Flyers added on with a Brayden Schenn goal, his ninth of the year, coming off of Andrew MacDonald and Taylor Leier. Colorado got one back with a Duchene goal, his twelfth of the campaign, with assists provided by Mikko Rantanen and Mikhail Grigorenko. The final held at 4-3, with the three stars given to Duchene, Schenn, and Lyubimov.

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 62

Ten games on tonight, beginning with...

The Buffalo Sabres hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Peter Budaj and Robin Lehner man the nets. Los Angeles opened in the first period with an Anze Kopitar goal, his third of the season, coming off of Trevor Lewis and Jake Muzzin. The Kings added on in the second period with a Jeff Carter goal, his thirteenth of the year, via Tyler Toffoli and Derek Forbort. Buffalo got on the board with a Ryan O'Reilly goal, his seventh of the campaign, guided in by Rasmus Ristolainen. The Sabres tied it on a Jack Eichel goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Kyle Okposo and Matt Moulson. Buffalo took the lead with a Brian Gionta goal, his seventh of the year, passed from Justin Falk and Johan Larsson. The Sabres extended the lead as Eichel scored his second of the game and fifth of the campaign, with the help of Okposo and Moulson. Los Angeles got one back in the third period with a Carter goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, going in unassisted. Budaj was pulled for Jeff Zatkoff after this. Buffalo countered with an Evander Kane goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Eichel and Okposo, the latter earning a sock trick. The Sabres closed it at 6-3 with an empty net goal by Sam Reinhart, his sixth of the campaign, set up by Ristolainen. The three stars were Eichel, Okposo, and Carter, while Moulson and Ristolainen get the honorable mentions.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and Cam Ward are the overrated goalies. Carolina started in the first period with a Sebastian Aho goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Brett Pesce and Lee Stempniak. Vancouver tied it on a Sven Baertschi goal, his fifth of the year, via Bo Horvat and Alexandre Burrows. The Hurricanes retook the lead with a Jeff Skinner power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Noah Hanifin and Derek Ryan. The Canucks tied it again in the second period with a Burrows goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Baertschi and Nikita Tryamkin. Vancouver took the lead on a Markus Granlund goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Loui Eriksson. Ward was pulled for Michael Leighton at this time. The Canucks added on with a Ben Hutton goal, his fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Brandon Sutter. Vancouver extended the lead as Baertschi scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, thanks to Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Carolina pulled back with a Skinner power play goal in the third period, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, with helpers provided by Ryan and Victor Rask. The Hurricanes got closer with a Ron Hainsey goal, his second of the season, helped along by Justin Faulk and Rask. Carolina tied it as Rask scored his tenth of the year, with the help of Ryan, who got a sock trick, and Skinner. The Hurricanes pulled ahead on a Faulk goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Elias Lindholm and Jordan Staal. Jacob Markstrom relieved Miller at this time. Carolina padded their lead with a Staal goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Lindholm and Joakim Nordstrom. The Canucks answered with a Sutter goal, his seventh of the season, with a lone helper from Erik Gudbranson. The Hurricanes iced it at 8-6 with an empty net goal by Stempniak, his sixth of the year, set up by Faulk. The three stars were Skinner, Rask, and Ryan, while Baertschi, Faulk, Staal, Stempniak, Lindholm, Sutter, and Burrows get the honorable mentions.

In Brooklyn, the New York Islanders bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Jaroslav Halak are in the creases. New York led off in the first period with a Brock Nelson goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Cal Clutterbuck and Dennis Seidenberg. Washington tied it in the second period on a Brett Connolly goal, his third of the year, via Lars Eller and Jakub Vrana. The Capitals took the lead with a Justin Williams power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Vrana and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Islanders retied it on a Nikolay Kulemin goal, his third of the year, passed from Nick Leddy and Casey Cizikas. Washington regained the lead in the third period on a Matt Niskanen goal, guided in by Dmitry Orlov and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals iced it at 4-2 with a Niskanen power play goal, his second of the game, fueled by Kuznetsov and John Carlson. The three stars were Niskanen, Vrana, and Kuznetsov.

Across town, the New York Rangers host the Chicago Blackhawks. Scott Darling and Antti Raanta are the backups in goal. Chicago got going with a Trevor van Riemsdyk goal, passed from Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov. New York tied it on a Jesper Fast goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Oscar Lindberg. The Blackhawks retook the lead with an Anisimov goal, his thirteenth of the year, made possible by Brian Campbell and Panarin. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the three stars belonging to Darling (33 for 34 in saves), Anisimov, and Panarin.

Next up, the Detroit Red Wings welcome the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jimmy Howard are the veterans in goal. Arizona began in the first period with a power play goal by Anthony DeAngelo, his third of the season, powered by Tobias Rieder and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Detroit tied it on an Andreas Athanasiou goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Gustav Nyquist and Thomas Vanek. The Coyotes retook the lead on a Lawson Crouse goal, his second of the season, via Radim Vrbata. Arizona added on in the second period with a Jamie McGinn goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Peter Holland and Jakob Chychrun. The Coyotes extended the lead in the second period as McGinn scored his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, with the help of Anthony Duclair and Holland. The final remained at 4-1, with the three stars being McGinn, Holland, and Smith (37 for 38 in saves).

Into Ontario, where the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the San Jose Sharks. Martin Jones and Frederik Andersen draw the starts in goal. Toronto struck first in the first period with a Zach Hyman goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Auston Matthews and William Nylander. The Maple Leafs added on in the second period with a Matthews power play goal, his thirteenth of the year, powered by Nylander and Jake Gardiner. San Jose got on the board in the third period with a Justin Braun goal, via Chris Tierney and Melker Karlsson. The Sharks tied it with a Joe Pavelski goal, his ninth of the campaign, helped along by Brent Burns and Patrick Marleau on the power play. The tie went to a shootout, where Logan Couture's lone tally gave the Sharks a 3-2 win. The three stars went to Andersen (40 for 42 in saves), Matthews, and Nylander.

Down in Nashville, the Predators host the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Pekka Rinne guard the cages. St. Louis opened in the first period with a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, his seventh of the season, via Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues added on with a Ryan Reaves goal, his second of the year, coming off of Kyle Brodziak and Joel Edmundson. St. Louis extended the lead as Brad Hunt scored a power play goal in the second period, powered by Tarasenko and Shattenkirk. Nashville got on the board with a James Neal goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Ryan Johansen. The Predators got closer with a Filip Forsberg goal, his third of the year, fueled by Viktor Arvidsson and Mattias Ekholm. Nashville tied it with a Johansen goal in the third period, his sixth of the season, passed from Colin Wilson. The Predators took the lead on a Mike Fisher goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Wilson and Arvidsson. Nashville padded the lead with a Mike Ribeiro goal, his fourth of the season, helped along by Craig Smith and Kevin Fiala. Carter Hutton replaced Allen in goal. The Predators capped it at 6-3 with a Fisher empty net goal, his second of the game and seventh of the year, set up by Austin Watson. The three stars went to Johansen, Fisher, and Shattenkirk, while Tarasenko, Arvidsson, and Wilson receive the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Minnesota, where the Wild welcome the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Devan Dubnyk protect the nets. Minnesota started in the first period with a Zach Parise goal, his fifth of the season, via Jason Pominville and Jonas Brodin. The Wild added on in the second period with an Erik Haula goal, his fifth of the year, fueled by Nino Niederreiter and Charlie Coyle. Minnesota extended the lead as Eric Staal scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Pominville and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild padded the lead with a Mikko Koivu goal in the third period, his seventh of the year, helped along by Jason Zucker and Mikael Granlund. Minnesota kept going with a Zucker goal, his sixth of the season, passed from Matt Dumba and Brodin. James Reimer replaced Luongo in goal. Florida got on the board with a Dylan McIlrath goal, made possible by Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith. This made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars going to Zucker, Pominville, and Brodin.

South to Texas, where the Dallas Stars bring in the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Antti Niemi are in the blue paint. Dallas dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Stephen Johns goal, his third of the season, assisted by Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. Anaheim tied it with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his third of the year, fueled by Rickard Rakell. The Ducks took the lead in the third period on a Corey Perry goal, his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Getzlaf. The Stars retied it on a Dan Hamhuis power play goal, coming off of Jamie Benn and Jason Spezza. Dallas took the lead with an Adam Cracknell goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist from Johnny Oduya. The Stars added on with a Patrick Eaves goal, his eleventh of the season, made possible by Jiri Hudler. Dallas extended the lead as Jamie Benn scored his ninth of the year, thanks to Jordie Benn and Seguin. Jonathan Bernier replaced Gibson in goal. The Stars iced it at 6-2 with an empty net goal by Radek Faksa, his third of the campaign, set up by Jordie Benn. The three stars went to Jamie Benn, Seguin, and Getzlaf, while Jordie Benn gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the Edmonton Oilers host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Cam Talbot are the masked men. Edmonton was first to score in the first period with a Tyler Pitlick goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Mark Letestu and Zack Kassian. Columbus tied it on a Sam Gagner power play goal, his twelfth of the year, powered by Alexander Wennberg and Zach Werenski in the second period. The Blue Jackets took the lead with a third period Cam Atkinson power play goal, his eleventh of the season, helped along by Gagner and Wennberg. Columbus added on with a Matt Calvert goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist by Josh Anderson. The final held at 3-1, with the three stars being Bobrovsky (33 for 34 in saves), Gagner, and Wennberg.

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2016/17 Hockey - KHL Day 107/NHL Day 61

It's another lazy Monday for hockey around the world. We begin with a single KHL game before two NHL games tonight. Let's start in...

China, where Kunlun Red Star Beijing returns to their primary home to host Barys Astana. Henrik Karlsson and Tomi Karhunen are in the creases. Beijing struck first in the first period with a Joonas Jarvinen goal, assisted by Tommi Taimi and Oleg Yashin. Kunlun Red Star added on in the second period with a Tomas Marcinko goal, going in unassisted. Beijing extended the lead as Sean Collins scored, thanks to Linus Videll and Taimi. Kunlun Red Star padded the lead with a shorthanded goal from Marcinko, set up by Alexei Ponikarovsky and Brett Bellemore. Astana got on the board with a Nigel Dawes power play goal, powered by Brandon Bochenski and Kevin Dallman. Beijing iced it at 5-1 with an unassisted Videll empty net goal. The three stars went to Marcinko, Videll, and Taimi.

In the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Matt Murray make the starts in goal. Pittsburgh opened in the first period with a Scott Wilson goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist from Matt Cullen. The Penguins added on with a Nick Bonino goal in the second period, his fourth of the year, going in unassisted. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Trevor Daley scored an unassisted goal, his third of the season. The Penguins padded the lead with a Bryan Rust goal, his seventh of the year, helped along by Olli Maatta. Louis Domingue relieved Smith at this time. Pittsburgh kept going with a Sidney Crosby power play goal, his twenty-first of the season, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The Penguins continued in the third period on a Phil Kessel goal, his tenth of the year, via Malkin and Carl Hagelin. Pittsburgh struck again with a Justin Schultz goal, his fourth of the campaign, coming on the power play from Bonino and Conor Sheary. This made it 7-0, the final, with the three stars going to Bonino, Malkin, and Murray (32 save shutout).

Finally, the Montreal Canadiens bring in the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Carey Price tend the twines. Boston got going in the second period with an Austin Czarnik goal, his third of the season, made possible by Adam McQuaid and Ryan Spooner. Montreal tied it in the third period on a Paul Byron goal, his tenth of the year, via Torrey Mitchell and Andrei Markov. The Bruins won 2-1 in overtime with a Spooner goal, his fourth of the campaign, assisted by Torey Krug and Czarnik. The three stars went to Spooner, Czarnik, and Rask (30 for 31 in saves).

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 60

The season's about two months old now, and today's eight games begin in...

Anaheim, with the Ducks hosting the Ottawa Senators in the first of four matinees. Mike Condon is mismatched with John Gibson in goal. Anaheim led off in the first period with a Joseph Cramarossa goal, his second of the season, coming off of Josh Manson and Shea Theodore. Ottawa tied it on a Ryan Dzingel power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Bobby Ryan and Derick Brassard. The Ducks took the lead with a Corey Perry power play goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Cam Fowler and Ryan Getzlaf. Anaheim added on with an Antoine Vermette power play goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg. Andrew Hammond replaced Condon at the start of the second period. The Ducks extended the lead as Nick Ritchie scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Vermette and Ondrej Kase. Anaheim padded the lead in the third period on a Sami Vatanen power play goal, his second of the year, helped along by Ryan Kesler and Perry. This made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars going to Vermette, Perry, and Gibson (21 for 22 in saves).

Back east, the Detroit Red Wings welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Anthony Stolarz and Jimmy Howard are set to start in goal. Philadelphia won 1-0 in overtime on a Brayden Schenn goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Ivan Provorov and Wayne Simmonds. The three stars were given to Stolarz (28 save shutout), Schenn, and Howard (35 for 36 in saves).

In DC, the Washington Capitals host the Vancouver Canucks. Jacob Markstrom and Braden Holtby draw the starts in goal. Washington began in the first period with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by John Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom on the power play. The Capitals added on in the second period with a Justin Williams goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ovechkin. Washington iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Tom Wilson, his second of the campaign, set up by Daniel Winnik and Matt Niskanen. The three stars went to Ovechkin, Holtby (20 save shutout), and Williams.

Northwest to Minnesota, where the Wild bring in the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Devan Dubnyk are in the blue paint. Minnesota got going in the second period on a Matt Dumba goal, his fourth of the season, via Zach Parise. The Wild added on with a Nino Niederreiter goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Ryan Suter and Erik Haula. St. Louis got on the board with a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his fourteenth of the season, made possible by Robby Fabbri and Brad Hunt. Minnesota capped it at 3-1 with a Mikael Granlund goal, his sixth of the year, an empty net goal set up by Nate Prosser and Eric Staal. The three stars were handed to Niederreiter, Dubnyk (22 for 23 in saves), and Dumba.

In Chicago, the Blackhawks host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Scott Darling are between the pipes. Dallas dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Devin Shore goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of John Klingberg and Curtis McKenzie. Chicago tied it with a Marian Hossa goal, his fifteenth of the year, passed from Ryan Hartman and Vinnie Hinostroza. The Blackhawks took the lead with an unassisted Artem Anisimov goal, his twelfth of the season. Chicago added on in the third period with an Artemi Panarin power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane. The final held at 3-1, with the three stars given to Anisimov, Panarin, and Darling (23 for 24 in saves).

Back east, the New York Rangers welcome the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Antti Raanta are given the starting nods in goal. New York struck first in the first period with a Chris Kreider goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Klein. The Rangers added on in the second period with a J.T. Miller shorthanded goal, his ninth of the year, set up by Kevin Hayes. New York extended the lead as Brady Skjei scored, thanks to Derek Stepan and Oscar Lindberg. The Rangers padded the lead in the third period on a Brandon Pirri power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Kreider and Ryan McDonagh. New York finished at 5-0 with a Jimmy Vesey power play goal, his tenth of the year, passed from Pirri and Nick Holden. The three stars were awarded to Kreider, Pirri, and Raanta (19 save shutout).

In Toronto, the Maple Leafs host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Antoine Bibeau are set to start in goal. Colorado was first to score in the first period with a Mikko Rantanen power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Matt Duchene and Jarome Iginla. The Avalanche added on in the second period with a Nathan MacKinnon power play goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Tyson Barrie and Varlamov. Toronto got on the board with a Jake Gardiner power play goal, his fifth of the season, helped along by Nikita Zaitsev and Mitchell Marner. Colorado iced it at 3-1 with a shorthanded empty net goal by Blake Comeau, his fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars were Varlamov (51 for 52 in saves), Mackinnon, and Rantanen.

Finally, the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Connor Hellebuyck and Cam Talbot protect the nets. Winnipeg drew first blood in the first period with a Mathieu Perreault goal, his second of the season, via Bryan Little and Jacob Trouba. Edmonton tied it in the second period with an Oscar Klefbom goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Tyler Pitlick and Patrick Maroon. The Jets took the lead on a Chris Thorburn goal, his third of the season, made possible by Marko Dano. The Oilers retied it on a Mark Letestu power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Connor McDavid and Milan Lucic in the third period. Edmonton took the lead on another Letestu goal, his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The final held at 3-2, with the three stars given to Letestu, Klefbom, and Talbot (29 for 31 in saves).

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KHL 2016/17 - Day 106

Just two games on for the KHL today, beginning with...

Ugra Khanty-Mansiysk welcoming Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Vladimir Sokhatsky and Alexander Sharychenkov are in the blue paint. Yekaterinburg started in the first period with a power play goal by Alexei Vasilevsky, powered by Alexander Romanov and Anatoly Golyshev. The game ended at 1-0, with the three stars going to Sokhatsky (22 save shutout), Vasilevsky, and Sharychenkov (24 for 25 in saves).

The other game features Dinamo Minsk bringing in Medvescak Zagreb. Drew MacIntyre and Kevin Lalande draw the starts in goal. Zagreb opened in the first period with a Jakub Krejcik power play goal, powered by Terry Galiardi. Minsk tied it on a Nikita Komarov power play goal, helped along by Andrei Stepanov and Marc-Andre Gragnani. Dinamo took the lead in the second period with an Alexander Materukhin power play goal, assisted by Matt Ellison. Medvescak retied it on an unassisted Galiardi goal. Minsk regained the lead with a Stepanov goal, via Evgeny Lisovets and Gragnani. Dinamo added on with a Dmitry Ambrozheichik goal, coming off of Ellison and Nick Bailen. Michael Garnett replaced MacIntyre in goal. Minsk extended the lead as Ambrozheichik scored again, with the help of Ellison, who got a sock trick, and Rob Klinkhammer. Dinamo padded the lead with a Materukhin power play goal, his second of the game, guided in by Evgeny Kovyrshin and Gragnani, the latter earning a sock trick. The final held at 6-2, with the three stars given to Ambrozheichik, Materukhin, and Stepanov, while Ellison, Gragnani, and Galiardi get the honorable mentions.

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NHL 2016/17 - Day 59

The schedule sees ten games to be played today, beginning with two matinees. The first is in...

Philadelphia, where the Flyers host the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Steve Mason are the veteran goalies. Dallas opened in the first period with a Devin Shore goal, his third of the season, coming off of Curtis McKenzie and Adam Cracknell. Philadelphia tied it on a Brayden Schenn goal, his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jakub Voracek and Shayne Gostisbehere. The Stars retook the lead in the third period on another Shore goal, his second of the game and fourth of the campaign, helped along by Antoine Roussel and Dan Hamhuis. The Flyers tied it again with another Schenn power play goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, assisted by Voracek and Mark Streit. Philadelphia pulled ahead as Schenn completed his hat trick on his seventh of the year, another power play goal made possible by Wayne Simmonds and Voracek, the latter earning a sock trick. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 with a Voracek empty net goal, his eleventh of the campaign, set up by Claude Giroux. The three stars belonged to Schenn, Voracek, and Shore.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Kings welcome the Ottawa Senators. Mike Condon and Peter Budaj are the backups in goal. Los Angeles started in the first period with a Jeff Carter power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Drew Doughty and Budaj. The Kings added on with an Alec Martinez power play goal, his sixth of the year, with helpers provided by Tanner Pearson and Kevin Gravel. Ottawa got on the board in the second period with a Jean-Gabriel Pageau goal, his fifth of the season, via Tom Pyatt and Kyle Turris. Los Angeles replied with a Trevor Lewis goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Derek Forbort and Dustin Brown. The Kings iced it at 4-1 with a Marian Gaborik power play goal in the third period, with a lone assist from Lewis. The three stars went to Lewis, Martinez, and Budaj (19 for 20 in saves).

Back east, the Boston Bruins bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. Frederik Andersen and Tuukka Rask man the nets. Toronto got going in the second period with an Auston Matthews goal, his twelfth of the season, via William Nylander. The Maple Leafs added on with a Zach Hyman goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Jake Gardiner and Matt Hunwick. Boston got on the board with a Brad Marchand goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of David Backes. Toronto replied in the third period with a James van Riemsdyk goal, his twelfth of the year, coming off of Tyler Bozak and Hunwick. The Maple Leafs iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Connor Brown, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Morgan Rielly. The three stars were Hyman, Hunwick, and Andersen (32 for 33 in saves).

In Canada, the Montreal Canadiens host the Colorado Avalanche. Calvin Pickard is mismatched with Carey Price in goal. Montreal led off in the first period with a Brian Flynn goal, courtesy of Daniel Carr and Sven Andrighetto. The Canadiens added on with a Max Pacioretty goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Tomas Plekanec. Montreal extended the lead as Artturi Lehkonen scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Phillip Danault and Andrew Shaw. Semyon Varlamov replaced Pickard in goal. The Canadiens padded the lead with another Pacioretty goal, his second of the game and tenth of the season, via Andrei Markov and Plekanec. Montreal kept going with a Paul Byron goal, his ninth of the year, passed from Brendan Gallagher and Jeff Petry. The Canadiens continued on a Flynn goal, his second of the game, made possible by Andrighetto and Zach Redmond. Colorado got on the board with a Blake Comeau goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Nikita Zadorov and Nathan MacKinnon. Montreal struck again in the second period on an Alexander Radulov, his sixth of the year, fueled by Pacioretty and Plekanec, the latter earning a sock trick. The Canadiens got another one with a Pacioretty goal to complete his hat trick on his tenth of the season, helped along by Radulov and Plekanec. Montreal continued with a Petry power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Markov and Shaw. The Canadiens finished it at 10-1 in the third period with a Pacioretty goal, his fourth of the game and twelfth of the campaign, dished from Torrey Mitchell and Redmond. The three stars were awarded to Pacioretty, Plekanec, and Flynn, while Radulov, Petry, Shaw, Redmond, Markov, and Andrighetto get the honorable mentions.

Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matt Murray and Andrei Vasilevskiy are the young goalies. Pittsburgh was first to score in the first period with a Sidney Crosby goal, his nineteenth of the season, via Brian Dumoulin and Kris Letang. Tampa Bay tied it on a Jonathan Drouin goal, his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Anton Stralman and Nikita Kucherov. The Lightning took the lead on a Valtteri Filppula goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Nikita Nesterov in the second period. Tampa Bay added on with another Drouin goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, helped along by Jason Garrison and Vladislav Namestnikov. The Penguins got one back with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his eleventh of the season, assisted by Phil Kessel and Letang. Pittsburgh tied it with another Crosby goal, his second of the game and twentieth of the year, with assists from Kessel and Letang, the latter earning a sock trick, in the third period. The Penguins took the lead on a Malkin power play goal, his second of the game and twelfth of the campaign, with helpers from Trevor Daley and Kessel, the latter earning a sock trick. This made it a 4-3 win for them, with the three stars going to Malkin, Crosby, and Kessel, while Letang gets an honorable mention.

Staying in the state, the Florida Panthers bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Jacob Markstrom faces his former team, as does his counterpart, Roberto Luongo. Florida began in the first period with an Aleksander Barkov goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Seth Griffith. The Panthers added on with a Derek MacKenzie goal, his third of the year, via Paul Thompson and Colton Sceviour in the second period. Florida extended the lead in the third period as Aaron Ekblad scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Jaromir Jagr and Barkov. Vancouver got on the board with a Jack Skille goal, his third of the year, assisted by Michael Chaput. The Canucks got closer with a Daniel Sedin power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Troy Stecher and Henrik Sedin. The Panthers iced it at 4-2 with a Vincent Trocheck empty net goal, his seventh of the year, set up by MacKenzie and Mark Pysyk. The three stars went to MacKenzie, Barkov, and Luongo (37 for 39 in saves).

Back north, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Sergei Bobrovsky protect the nets. New York struck first in the first period with a Josh Bailey goal, his fifth of the season, going in unassisted. Columbus tied it with a Jack Johnson power play goal, powered by Cam Atkinson and Brandon Dubinsky. The Blue Jackets took the lead with an Atkinson goal in the second period his tenth of the year, via Johnson and David Savard. The Islanders retied it with a John Tavares goal, his ninth of the season, helped along by Anders Lee and Travis Hamonic. Columbus retook the lead with an unassisted Josh Anderson goal in the third period, his eighth of the year. The Blue Jackets added on with a Brandon Saad goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Markus Nutivaara. Columbus extended the lead as Lukas Sedlak scored his second of the year, thanks to Seth Jones and Matt Calvert. The Blue Jackets finished it at 6-2 with a Jones goal, his fourth of the campaign, fueled by William Karlsson and Scott Hartnell. The three stars belonged to Atkinson, Johnson, and Jones.

Southwest to Arizona, where the Coyotes welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Mike Smith are the experienced goalies. Arizona cracked the scoresheet in the first period with an Alex Goligoski goal, via Lawson Crouse and Jordan Martinook. The Coyotes added on with a Laurent Dauphin goal, his second of the season, made possible by Tyler Gaudet and Ryan White. Nashville got one back with a Roman Josi goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Johansen. Arizona replied with a Brendan Perlini goal, assisted by Shane Doan and Jakub Chychrun in the second period. Arizona extended the lead in the third period as Martin Hanzal scored his sixth of the campaign, thanks to Radim Vrbata and Goligoski. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars going to Smith (44 for 45 in saves), Goligoski, and Perlini.

Up in Alberta, the Calgary Flames bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Chad Johnson are in the blue paint. Calgary dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Dougie Hamilton goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Matthew Tkachuk and Mikael Backlund. The Flames added on in the second period with a Sam Bennett goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Johnny Gaudreau and Dennis Wideman. Calgary extended the lead as Hamilton scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, fueled by Tkachuk and Backlund. The Flames padded the lead on a Backlund power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Tkachuk, who earned a sock trick, and Hamilton. Connor Hellebuyck replaced Hutchinson for the third period. Calgary continued in the third period as Lance Bouma scored, with the help of Garnet Hathaway and Matt Stajan. Winnipeg got on the board with a Nikolaj Ehlers power play goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Bryan Little. The Flames replied with a Sean Monahan power play goal, his ninth of the year, made possible by Gaudreau and Mark Giordano. The Jets countered with a Jacob Trouba goal, helped along by Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele. The game ended at 6-2, with the three stars awarded to Hamilton, Backlund, and Tkachuk, while Gaudreau gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Aaron Dell receive the starting nods in goal. San Jose drew first blood in the first period with a Patrick Marleau goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Joe Thornton and Justin Braun. Carolina tied it on a Lee Stempniak power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Teuvo Teravainen and Jaccob Slavin. The Sharks took the lead back with a Paul Martin goal, via Mikkel Boedker and Melker Karlsson. The Hurricanes retied it in the second period on a shorthanded goal by Andrej Nestrasil, his second of the season, set up by Victor Rask. San Jose regained the lead on a Logan Couture goal, his eleventh of the year, helped along by Brent Burns and Joel Ward. The Sharks extended the lead as Kevin Labanc scored his fourth of the season, thanks to Dylan DeMelo and Thornton. Carolina got one back in the third period with a Derek Ryan power play goal, his fourth of the year, with helpers provided by Jeff Skinner and Rask. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Thornton, Rask, and Labanc.

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MLS Cup 2016 - Toronto FC VS. Seattle Sounders FC

It's the championship game for MLS action, with the winner taking all tonight. In goal are Clint Irwin for Toronto and Stefan Frei for Seattle. Seattle's Chad Marshall had a yellow card for a foul in first half stoppage time. The Sounders' Joevin Jones took a yellow card for his seventy-second minute foul. In second half stoppage time, Michael Bradley of Toronto received a yellow card for his foul. The game went through extra time with no score, leading to a penalty shootout. Here, the Sounders prevailed as Roman Torres provided the difference-maker, with other Sounders tallies coming from Brad Evans, Andreas Ivanschitz, Joevin Jones, and Nicolas Lodeiro, which topped the four goals by Jozy Altidore, Benoit Cheyrou, Will Johnson, and Drew Moor. The MVP was Frei, who had a seven-save clean sheet on the night as the Sounders took the championship in a 1-0 win.

As I like to do at the end of each season I cover, I'll provide a status update on where my career is going. I have nearly completed my degree in sports journalism at this time, and as such, 2017 is likely to be a year of changes for myself and my blogging output. I hope to get a job working in some sort of sports journalism or for a particular team in one of the sports I'm familiar with. Should this happen, I will drop whichever league I'm coming from this blog with the purpose of maintaining a situation where there is no conflict of interest. That being said, I have no intentions of shuttering this site as a whole no matter where I end up working. This will be where I got started in my career, and I will keep it going as long as I possibly can, until I'm working in a full-time, year-round position that will demand the attention I usually pay to this. However, I do not see this being the case next year. As always, I hope you enjoyed my MLS coverage this season, and I'll be back for next year's games when they begin in March. Follow me on Twitter @OutsiderSports0.