Sunday, April 23, 2017

MLS 2017: Week 8

Full slate of games on this weekend, beginning with one on Friday in...

Canada, as Toronto FC hosts the Chicago Fire. Jorge Bava and Alexander Bono are the inexperienced goalies. Chicago's Dax McCarty took a yellow card for his fifteenth minute dissent. Johan Kappelhof of the Fire had a yellow card for a foul in the twenty-fourth minute. Toronto began in the twenty-eighth minute on a Sebastian Giovinco goal, courtesy of Victor Vazquez. Toronto added on with a thirty-second minute goal by Eriq Zavaleta, passed from Justin Morrow. Toronto extended the lead as Giovinco scored again in the eighty-second minute. Jonathan Osorio of Toronto had a yellow card for not retreating in the eighty-fifth minute. Chicago got on the board with an eighty-eighth minute David Accam goal, assisted by Luis Solignac. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the man of the match being Giovinco for his brace.

On Saturday, the first of seven games has the Philadelphia Union welcoming the Montreal Impact. Evan Bush and Andre Blake guard the woodwork. Philadelphia opened in the fifth minute on a Roland Alberg goal, via C.J. Sapong. The Union added on in the twenty-third minute with a Sapong goal, passed from Chris Pontius and Haris Medunjanin. Philadelphia extended the lead in the thirty-ninth minute with an Alberg penalty kick goal. Montreal got on the board in the forty-first minute with an Ignacio Piatti goal, assisted by Marco Donadel. Raymon Gaddis of the Union took a yellow card for his forty-third minute foul. Alberg of Philadelphia received a yellow card for a fifty-sixth minute foul. The Impact's Piatti took a yellow card for his sixty-fifth minute foul. Montreal got closer with an Anthony Jackson-Hamel goal in the sixty-ninth minute, set up by Ambroise Oyongo. The Union's Alejandro Bedoya took a yellow card for a foul in the seventy-first minute. The Impact tied it on another Jackson-Hamel goal in the eighty-seventh minute. The game ended in a 3-3 draw, with the man of the match being Jackson-Hamel for his equalizing brace.

Down in Houston, the Dynamo bring in the San Jose Earthquakes. David Bingham and Joe Willis man the nets. Houston led off in the ninth minute with an Erick Torres penalty kick goal. In the thirty-second minute, Willis took a yellow card for time wasting, and Albert Elis, his Dynamo teammate, took a yellow card for a thirty-fourth minute foul. Florian Jungwirth of San Jose had a yellow card for a thirty-fifth minute foul. Shaun Francis of the Earthquakes took a yellow card for a forty-sixth minute foul. The Dynamo added on with a seventy-second minute goal by Elis, set up by Eric Alexander. Houston's Romell Quioto had a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The game ended at 2-0, with Elis the man of the match.

Northwest to Portland, where the Timbers host the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. David Ousted and Jeff Attinella are the goalies. Portland started in the eighteenth minute with a Darlington Nagbe goal, assisted by David Guzman. The Timbers added on with a fortieth minute goal by Darren Mattocks, coming off of Diego Valeri and Nagbe. Andrew Jacobson of Vancouver had a yellow card for a forty-second minute foul. The Whitecaps got on the board in the fifty-ninth minute with a Fredy Montero goal. Vancouver's Jordan Harvey had a yellow card for a sixty-fourth minute foul. Portland saw a yellow card for Liam Ridgewell in the sixty-eighth minute for his foul. Sheanon Williams of the Whitecaps received a yellow card for an eighty-fifth minute foul. In stoppage time, Jack Barmby of the Timbers took a yellow card for a foul. The game ended 2-1, with Nagbe the man of the match for his role in the scoring.

Back east, the New England Revolution welcome DC United. Bill Hamid and Cody Cropper are the keepers. New England struck first in the fifth minute with a Lee Nguyen goal, assisted by Kei Kamara and Scott Caldwell. DC tied it on a Jared Jeffrey goal in the twenty-sixth minute. DC's Sebastien Le Toux had a yellow card for a twenty-seventh minute foul. DC took the lead with a Le Toux goal in the twenty-eighth minute, via Lloyd Sam. Antonio Mlinar Delamea had a yellow card for the Revolution in the thirty-ninth minute for a foul. New England tied it in the forty-eighth minute on a Sean Franklin own goal. Xavier Kouassi of the Revolution had a yellow card for an eighty-ninth minute foul. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, with the man of the match being Le Toux.

In New Jersey, the New York Red Bulls bring in the Columbus Crew SC. Zack Steffen and Luis Robles are in the six-yard boxes. New York was first to score with an Alex Muyl goal in the eleventh minute, via Kemar Lawrence and Sacha Kljestan. The Red Bulls added on with a Daniel Royer penalty kick goal in the thirty-eighth minute. Robles of New York had a yellow card for time wasting in the sixty-third minute. Royer of the Red Bulls took a yellow card for a seventy-second minute foul. Ethan Finlay of Columbus had a yellow card for an eighty-third minute foul. The game ended at 2-0, with the man of the match being Muyl for his early decider.

Down in Texas, FC Dallas hosts Sporting Kansas City. Tim Melia and Jesse Gonzalez protect the nets. Dallas got going in the seventy-seventh minute with a Maynor Figueroa goal, assisted by Michael Barrios and Hernan Grana. This made it 1-0, the final, with the man of the match being Figueroa.

Saturday ends with Real Salt Lake welcoming Atlanta United FC. Alec Kann and Nick Rimando draw the starts in goal. Atlanta opened in the ninth minute with a Hector Villalba goal. Kyle Beckerman of Salt Lake had a twenty-first minute yellow card for a foul. Carlos Carmona of Atlanta took a yellow card for a thirty-eighth minute foul. Atlanta added on with a Yamil Asad goal in the forty-sixth minute, via Miguel Almiron. Real got on the board with an Albert Rusnak goal in the sixty-ninth minute, made possible by Luke Mulholland. Atlanta saw yellow cards for Greg Garza's seventy-seventh minute foul, and time wasting by Almiron in the eighty-fourth minute and Kann in stoppage time. Atlanta iced it at 3-1 with a Brandon Vazquez goal, passed from Julian Gressel. The man of the match was Asad for his winning tally.

On Sunday, New York City FC bring in Orlando City SC. Joe Bendik and Sean Johnson are in the six-yard boxes. New York City had a yellow card for a Maximiliano Moralez foul in the second minute. Orlando City dented the scoreboard in the thirty-first minute with a Cyle Larin goal, via Scott Sutter and Carlos Rivas. Andrea Pirlo of New York City took a yellow card for a forty-fifth minute foul. Orlando City added on with a Larin goal in the fifty-first minute, assisted by Donny Toia. David Villa of New York City had a yellow card for dissent in the fifty-fourth minute. Orlando City's Cristian Higuita received a yellow card for a fifty-seventh minute foul. Ethan White of New York City received a yellow card for a fifty-ninth minute foul. Tommy Redding of Orlando City earned a yellow card for a foul in the seventy-second minute. New York City got on the board with a Villa goal in the seventy-fourth minute, set up by Moralez. Orlando City's Antonio Nocerino took a yellow card for time wasting in the eighty-second minute, as did teammate Larin for a foul in stoppage time. The final was 2-1, with the man of the match being Larin for the brace.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Galaxy host the Seattle Sounders FC. Stefan Frei and Brian Rowe are the gloved men. Cristian Roldan of Seattle took a yellow card for his twenty-eighth minute foul. The Sounders drew first blood with a Clint Dempsey goal in the twenty-ninth minute, made possible by Nicolas Lodeiro and Joevin Jones. Seattle added on with an Ashley Cole own goal in the thirty-fifth minute. Los Angeles' Romain Alessandrini took a yellow card for a forty-first minute foul. The Sounders extended the lead as Jordan Morris scored in the forty-fourth minute, with the help of Dempsey and Jordy Delem. Tony Alfaro of Seattle had a yellow card for time wasting in the eighty-fourth minute. The Sounders won 3-0, and Dempsey was the man of the match for his goal and assist.

Finally, Minnesota United FC hosts the Colorado Rapids. Zac MacMath and Bobby Shuttleworth are in goal. Dominique Badji of Colorado had a yellow card for an eighteenth minute foul. Kevin Molino of Minnesota took a yellow card for persistent infringement in the thirty-third minute. Minnesota scored first with a Miguel Ibarra goal in the seventy-second minute, assisted by Johan Venegas. Mekeil Williams of the Rapids had a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The game ended 1-0, with Ibarra named man of the match.

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Atlantic Division Playoffs: 2) Ottawa Senators VS. 3) Boston Bruins

It's playoff time in 2017, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup begins. This series features Atlantic Division rivals, the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins.

Game 1: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask of the Bruins and Craig Anderson of the Senators. Ottawa got going in the second period with a Bobby Ryan goal, via Erik Karlsson. Boston tied it on a Frank Vatrano goal in the third period, helped along by Riley Nash and Adam McQuaid. The Bruins took the lead with a Brad Marchand goal, made possible by Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the three stars awarded to Rask (26 for 27 in saves), Marchand, and Vatrano. The Bruins lead the series 1-0.

Game 2: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask of the Bruins and Craig Anderson of the Senators. Boston dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Drew Stafford goal, via David Backes and Zdeno Chara. Ottawa tied it on a Clarke MacArthur power play goal, powered by Bobby Ryan and Derick Brassard. The Bruins retook the lead with a Tim Schaller shorthanded goal, set up by Dominic Moore. Boston added on with a Patrice Bergeron power play goal, with assists provided by David Pastrnak and Ryan Spooner. The Senators got one back with a Chris Wideman goal in the third period, made possible by Dion Phaneuf. Ottawa tied it on a Brassard goal, coming off of Erik Karlsson and Phaneuf. The Senators won 4-3 in overtime with a Phaneuf goal, passed from Mark Stone. The three stars were Phaneuf, Brassard, and Wideman. The series is tied at 1 as it heads stateside.

Game 3: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Craig Anderson for the Senators and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins. Ottawa led off in the first period with a Mike Hoffman goal, via Erik Karlsson and Zack Smith. The Senators added on with a Derick Brassard goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Bobby Ryan and Viktor Stalberg. Ottawa extended the lead as Hoffman scored a power play goal in the second period, his second of the game, powered by Chris Wideman and Brassard. Boston got on the board with a Noel Acciari goal, assisted by John-Michael Liles and Riley Nash. The Bruins got closer with a David Backes goal, fueled by Liles and Tommy Cross. Boston tied it as David Pastrnak scored a power play goal, thanks to Charlie McAvoy and Ryan Spooner. The Senators won 4-3 in overtime with a Ryan power paly goal, his second of the playoffs, with assists provided by Kyle Turris and Karlsson. The three stars went to Hoffman, Ryan, and Karlsson, while Liles gets an honorable mention. The Senators now hold a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Craig Anderson for the Senators and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins. Ottawa drew first blood in the third period on a Bobby Ryan goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Erik Karlsson and Derick Brassard. This proved to stand for 1-0 win for the Senators, with the three stars being Anderson (22 save shutout), Ryan, and Rask (26 for 27 in saves). The Senators head home with a 3-1 series lead in hand.

Game 5: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask of the Bruins and Craig Anderson of the Senators. Ottawa began in the first period with a Mark Stone goal, passed from Mike Hoffman and Derick Brassard. The Senators added on in the second period with a Jean-Gabriel Pageau goal, via Viktor Stalberg and Alexandre Burrows. Boston got on the board with a David Pastrnak goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins tied it on a Sean Kuraly goal, assisted by David Backes and Joe Morrow. Boston won in double overtime by a 3-2 score on Kuraly's second of the game, helped along by Backes and Charlie McAvoy. The three stars were Kuraly, Rask (41 for 43 in saves), and Backes. The Senators still have a 3-2 series lead, but they are on the road in the next game. 

Game 6: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Craig Anderson for the Senators and Tuukka Rask for the Bruins. Boston struck first in the first period with a Drew Stafford power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy. Ottawa tied it in the second period on a Bobby Ryan power play goal, his fourth of the playoffs, with assists provided by Derick Brassard and Erik Karlsson. The Senators took the lead on a Kyle Turris goal, with a lone assist by Ryan Dzingel. The Bruins tied it in the third period with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Marchand and Colin Miller. Ottawa won 3-2 in overtime with a Clarke MacArthur power play goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Ryan and Brassard. The three stars were Ryan, Brassard, and Marchand. The Senators win the series 4-2, advancing to face the Rangers for the Atlantic Division title. 

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Pacific Division Playoffs: 2) Edmonton Oilers VS. 3) San Jose Sharks

It's playoff time in 2017, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup begins. This series features the Pacific Division's Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks.

Game 1: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta. In goal: Martin Jones of the Sharks and Cam Talbot of the Oilers. Edmonton started in the first period with an Oscar Klefbom goal, assisted by Jordan Eberle and Milan Lucic. The Oilers added on with a Lucic power play goal, powered by Mark Letestu and Connor McDavid. San Jose got on the board in the second period with a Joel Ward power play goal, with assists provided by Joonas Donskoi and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Sharks tied it in the third period with a Paul Martin goal, fueled by Tomas Hertl. San Jose won 3-2 in overtime on a Melker Karlsson goal, via Joe Pavelski and Vlasic. The three stars were Vlasic, Karlsson, and Lucic. San Jose holds a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta. In goal: Martin Jones of the Sharks and Cam Talbot of the Oilers. Edmonton got going in the second period with a Zack Kassian shorthanded goal, set up by Mark Letestu. The Oilers added on in the third period with a shorthanded and unassisted Connor McDavid goal. This stood for a 2-0 win, with the three stars awarded to Kassian, McDavid, and Talbot (16 save shutout). The series is tied at 1 as it heads to California.

Game 3: SAP Center, San Jose, California. In goal: Cam Talbot of the Oilers and Martin Jones of the Sharks. Edmonton dented the scoreboard in the third period with a Zack Kassian goal, his second of the postseason, going in unassisted. This stood for a 1-0 win, with the three stars being Kassian, Talbot (23 save shutout), and Jones (21 for 22 in saves). The Oilers take a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: SAP Center, San Jose, California. In goal: Cam Talbot of the Oilers and Martin Jones of the Sharks. San Jose opened in the first period with a Joe Pavelski goal, assisted by Justin Braun and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks added on with a Logan Couture power play goal, powered by Pavelski and Brent Burns. San Jose extended the lead in the second period as Marleau scored a power play goal, thanks to Burns. The Sharks padded the lead with a Marcus Sorensen goal, made possible by David Schlemko and Joel Ward. San Jose kept going with a Couture goal, his second of the game, guided in by Jannik Hansen and Ward. The Sharks continued with a Pavelski goal, with assists provided by Burns, who earned a sock trick, and Joe Thornton. San Jose struck again in the third period with a Schlemko power play goal, with helpers from Tomas Hertl and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. This made it 7-0, the final, with the three stars being Pavelski, Couture, and Burns, while Marleau, Schlemko, and Ward get the honorable mentions. The series heads back to Canada tied at 2.

Game 5: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta. In goal: Martin Jones of the Sharks and Cam Talbot of the Oilers. Edmonton led off in the first period with a Patrick Maroon goal, via Matt Benning. San Jose tied it on a Mikkel Boedker goal, assisted by Chris Tierney and Marcus Sorensen. The Sharks took the lead with a Patrick Marleau goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Joe Thornton and Brenden Dillon. San Jose added on with a David Schlemko goal, his second period, his second of the playoffs, passed from Boedker and Joel Ward. The Oilers pulled back with a Mark Letestu power play goal, powered by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Edmonton tied it on a third period Oscar Klefbom goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by David Desharnais and Benning. The Oilers won 4-3 in overtime on a Desharnais goal, courtesy of Draisaitl and Andrej Sekera. The three stars were Desharnais, Benning, and Draisaitl, while Boedker gets an honorable mention. The ilers have a 3-2 series lead as they leave home this time. 

Game 6: SAP Center, San Jose, California. In goal: Cam Talbot of the Oilers and Martin Jones of the Sharks. Edmonton began in the second period with a Leon Draisaitl goal, via Adam Larsson and Oscar Klefbom. The Oilers added on with an unassisted Anton Slepyshev goal. San Jose got on the board in the third period with a Patrick Marleau goal, his third of the postseason, helped along by Logan Couture and Joonas Donskoi. Edmonton iced it at 3-1 with a Connor McDavid empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, set up by Andrej Sekera. The three stars were Talbot (27 for 28 in saves), Slepyshev, and Draisaitl. The Oilers win the series 4-2, and will face the Anaheim Ducks for the Pacific Division title. 

Atlantic Division Playoffs: 1) Montreal Canadiens VS. 4) New York Rangers

It's playoff time in 2017, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup begins. This series features the Atlantic Division Champion Montreal Canadiens and the wild card New York Rangers.

Game 1: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers and Carey Price for the Canadiens. New York opened in the first period with an unassisted Tanner Glass goal. The Rangers iced it at 2-0 in the third period with a Michael Grabner empty net goal, set up by Jesper Fast. The three stars were Lundqvist (31 save shutout), Glass, and Price (29 for 30 in saves). The Rangers have a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers and Carey Price for the Canadiens. Montreal started in the first period with a Jeff Petry goal, guided in by Phillip Danault and Alexander Radulov. New York tied it on a Michael Grabner goal, his second of the postseason, going in unassisted. The Canadiens took the lead back with a Paul Byron goal, helped along by Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Plekanec. The Rangers tied it on a Rick Nash goal in the second period, passed from Jimmy Vesey and Nick Holden. New York took the lead with a Mats Zuccarello goal, fueled by Brendan Smith and Derek Stepan. Montreal tied it again in the third period with a Plekanec goal, with helpers provided by Radulov and Alex Galchenyuk. The Canadiens won 4-3 in overtime with a Radulov goal, made possible by Max Pacioretty and Shea Weber. The three stars were Radulov, Plekanec, and Lundqvist (54 for 58 in saves). The series is tied at 1 as it goes stateside.

Game 3: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Carey Price for the Canadiens and Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. Montreal got going in the second period with an Artturi Lehkonen power play goal, powered by Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Plekanec. The Canadiens added on in the third period with a Shea Weber power play goal, with assists provided by Alex Galchenyuk and Alexander Radulov. Montreal extended the lead as Radulov scored his second of the postseason, thanks to Phillip Danault. New York got on the board with a Brady Skjei goal, made possible by Kevin Klein and Mika Zibanejad. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars given to Radulov, Weber, and Price (20 for 21 in saves). The Canadiens now have the series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Carey Price for the Canadiens and Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. New York led off in the first period with a Jesper Fast goal, going in unassisted. Montreal tied it on a Torrey Mitchell, goal, via Shea Weber and Alexander Radulov. The Rangers took the lead with a Rick Nash goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Ryan McDonagh in the second period. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Nash, Lundqvist (23 for 24 in saves), and Fast. The series heads north again tied at 2.

Game 5: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers and Carey Price for the Canadiens. Montreal began in the first period with an Artturi Lehkonen goal, his second of the postseason, via Nathan Beaulieu and Alex Galchenyuk. New York tied it on a Jesper Fast shorthanded goal, his second of the playoffs, set up by Mika Zibanejad. The Canadiens took the lead back with a Brendan Gallagher power play goal, powered by Andrei Markov and Lehkonen. The Rangers tied it in the second period with a Brady Skjei goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Rick Nash and Jimmy Vesey. New York won 3-2 in overtime with a Zibanejad goal, with a lone assist by Chris Kreider. The three stars went to Zibanejad, Lehkonen, and Skjei. The Rangers head home with a 3-2 series lead. 

Game 6: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Carey Price for the Canadiens and Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. Montreal struck first in the first period with an Alexei Emelin goal, via Alexander Radulov and Artturi Lehkonen. New York tied it on a Mats Zuccarello power play goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Mika Zibanejad and Ryan McDonagh in the second period. The Rangers took the lead on Zuccarello's second of the game and third of the playoffs, with helpers from Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller. New York iced it at 3-1 with a Derek Stepan empty net goal in the third period, set up by Girardi. The three stars were Zuccarello, Lundqvist (27 for 28 in saves), and Stepan. The Rangers take the series 4-2, advancing to the Atlantic Division Finals. 

Central Division Playoffs: 2) Minnesota Wild VS. 3) St. Louis Blues

It's playoff time in 2017, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup begins. This series features Central Division rivals, the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues.

Game 1: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Jake Allen for the Blues and Devan Dubnyk for the Wild. St. Louis got going in the second period with a Vladimir Sobotka goal, passed from Alexander Steen. Minnesota tied it on a Zach Parise goal in the third period, guided in by Mikko Koivu and Mikael Granlund. The Blues won 2-1 in overtime with an unassisted Joel Edmundson goal. The three stars belonged to Allen (51 for 52 in saves), Edmundson, and Sobotka. The Blues take a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Jake Allen for the Blues and Devan Dubnyk for the Wild. St. Louis dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Joel Edmundson goal, his second of the postseason, via Patrik Berglund and Magnus Paajarvi. Minnesota tied it on a power play goal by Zach Parise, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Eric Staal and Ryan Suter. The Blues took the lead in the third period with a Jaden Schwartz goal, assisted by Alex Pietrangelo and Kyle Brodziak. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Allen (23 for 24 in saves), Schwartz, and Edmundson. The Blues head home with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Devan Dubnyk for the Wild and Jake Allen for the Blues. St. Louis opened in the first period with a Colton Parayko goal, via Patrik Berglund and David Perron. Minnesota tied it in the second period with a Charlie Coyle goal, coming off of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The Blues took the lead back with a Jaden Schwartz power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Alexander Steen and Vladimir Tarasenko. St. Louis iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Steen in the third period, set up by Berglund and Vladimir Sobotka. The three stars were Allen (40 for 41 in saves), Steen, and Berglund. The Blues have a 3-0 series lead.

Game 4: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Devan Dubnyk for the Wild and Jake Allen for the Blues. Minnesota started in the first period with a Charlie Coyle goal, his second of the postseason, going in unassisted. The Wild added on with a Martin Hanzal goal, passed from Jason Pominville and Nate Prosser in the second period. The game ended at 2-0, with the three stars handed to Dubnyk (28 save shutout), Coyle, and Hanzal. The Wild have staved off elimination for now, standing at a 3-1 deficit as they head home. 

Game 5: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Jake Allen for the Blues and Devan Dubnyk for the Wild. St. Louis struck first in the first period with a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, via Jaden Schwartz. The Blues added on with an Alexander Steen goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Colton Parayko. Minnesota got on the board with a Ryan Suter power play goal, powered by Jared Spurgeon. St. Louis replied with a Paul Stastny goal, assisted by Schwartz and Jori Lehtera in the third period. The Wild got one back with a Mikko Koivu power play goal, with assists provided by Nino Niederreiter and Mikael Granlund. Minnesota tied it on a Jason Zucker goal, coming off of Erik Haula and Jonas Brodin. The Blues won 4-3 in overtime on a Magnus Paajarvi goal, helped along by Vladimir Sobotka and Lehtera. The three stars were Schwartz, Paajarvi, and Lehtera. The Blues won the series 4-1.

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Thursday, April 20, 2017

Central Division Playoffs: 1) Chicago Blackhawks VS. 4) Nashville Predators

It's playoff time in 2017, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup begins. This series features Central Division rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators.

Game 1: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Corey Crawford for the Blackhawks. Nashville opened in the first period with a Viktor Arvidsson goal, passed from Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen. This held up all game for a 1-0 win, with the three stars belonging to Rinne (29 save shutout), Arvidsson, and Crawford (19 for 20 in saves). The Predators take a 1-0 series lead early on.

Game 2: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Corey Crawford for the Blackhawks. Nashville started in the first period with a Ryan Ellis goal, made possible by Ryan Johansen and Roman Josi. The Predators added on in the second period with a Harry Zolnierczyk goal, coming off of Mattias Ekholm and the goalie Rinne. Nashville extended the lead as Colton Sissons scored, thanks to Pontus Aberg and Craig Smith. The Predators padded the lead in the third period on a Johansen goal, via Filip Forsberg and the goalie Rinne. Nashville iced it at 5-0 with a Kevin Fiala power play goal, powered by Johansen and P.K. Subban. The three stars were Rinne (30 save shutout), Johansen, and Ellis. The Predators head home with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Corey Crawford for the Blackhawks and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Chicago got going in the second period with a Dennis Rasmussen goal, assisted by Marcus Kruger and Richard Panik. The Blackhawks added on with a Patrick Kane power play goal, powered by Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Filip Forsberg goal, made possible by Viktor Arvidsson. The Predators tied it on another Forsberg goal, helped along by Ryan Ellis and Ryan Johansen. Nashville won 3-2 in overtime with a Kevin Fiala goal, his second of the playoffs, via James Neal and Calle Jarnkrok. The three stars were Forsberg, Fiala, and Rinne (34 for 36 in saves). The Predators have a 3-0 series lead, pushing the Blackhawks to the brink of elimination.

Game 4: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Corey Crawford for the Blackhawks and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Nashville dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Roman Josi goal, passed from Ryan Ellis and Ryan Johansen. The Predators added on with a Colton Sissons goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Viktor Arvidsson and Ellis in the third period. Nashville extended the lead as Josi scored again, thanks to Sissons and Austin Watson. Chicago got on the board with a Jonathan Toews power play goal, powered by Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane. The Predators iced it at 4-1 with an Arvidsson empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, set up by Filip Forsberg and P.K. Subban. The three stars were awarded to Josi, Sissons, and Rinne (30 for 31 in saves), while Ellis and Arvidsson get the honorable mentions. The Predators won the series in a 4-0 sweep, advancing to the Central Division Finals.

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Metropolitan Division Playoffs: 2) Pittsburgh Penguins VS. 3) Columbus Blue Jackets

It's playoff time in 2017, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup begins. This series features Metropolitan Division rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Game 1: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky of the Blue Jackets and Marc-Andre Fleury of the Penguins. Pittsburgh dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Bryan Rust goal, coming off of Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins added on with a Kessel power play goal, powered by Justin Schultz and Malkin. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Nick Bonino scored, thanks to Patric Hornqvist and Olli Maatta. Columbus got on the board in the third period with a Matt Calvert goal, with a lone assist from Josh Anderson. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being Kessel, Malkin, and Fleury (31 for 32 in saves). The Penguins hold a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky of the Blue Jackets and Marc-Andre Fleury of the Penguins. Pittsburgh led off in the first period with a Sidney Crosby goal, via Jake Guentzel and Conor Sheary. Columbus tied it in the second period on a Brandon Saad goal, assisted by Alexander Wennberg and Seth Jones. The Penguins retook the lead with a Guentzel goal, coming off of Crosby and Ian Cole. Pittsburgh added on in the third period with an Evgeni Malkin goal, passed from Crosby and Cole. The Penguins iced it at 4-1 with a Patric Hornqvist empty net goal, set up by Matt Cullen and Tom Kuhnhackl. The three stars were Crosby, Fleury (39 for 40 in saves), and Guentzel, while Cole gets an honorable mention. The Penguins take a 2-0 series lead west with them.

Game 3: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets. Columbus began in the first period with a Cam Atkinson goal, assisted by Brandon Dubinsky and Nick Foligno. Pittsburgh tied it on a Jake Guentzel goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Ron Hainsey and Sidney Crosby. The Blue Jackets retook the lead with another Atkinson goal, his second of the game, going in unassisted. Columbus added on with a Zach Werenski power play goal, powered by Sam Gagner and Foligno. The Penguins pulled back with a Bryan Rust goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Brian Dumoulin and Evgeni Malkin in the second period. Pittsburgh tied it on an unassisted Malkin goal, his second of the postseason. The Penguins took the lead with Guentzel's second of the game and third of the playoffs in the third period, helped along by Malkin and Phil Kessel on the power play. The Blue Jackets retied it on a Dubinsky goal, guided in by Jack Johnson and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Pittsburgh won 5-4 in overtime with a Guentzel goal, completing his hat trick with his fourth of the postseason, fueled by Crosby. The three stars were Guentzel, Malkin, and Crosby, while Atkinson, Dubinsky, and Foligno get the honorable mentions. The Penguins have a stranglehold on the series at 3-0.

Game 4: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Blue Jackets. Columbus started in the first period with a Jack Johnson goal, with a lone assist by David Savard. The Blue Jackets added on with a Josh Anderson goal, via William Karlsson and Kyle Quincey. Columbus extended the lead as Markus Nutivaara scored in the second period, thanks to Boone Jenner and Brandon Saad. Pittsburgh got on the board with a Patric Hornqvist power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Justin Schultz and Phil Kessel. The Penguins replied with a Ron Hainsey goal, assisted by Kessel and Evgeni Malkin. The Blue Jackets shot back with a Karlsson goal in the third period, coming off of Matt Calvert. Pittsburgh chipped back with a Tom Kuhnhackl goal, passed from Matt Cullen and Ian Cole. Columbus answered on a Jenner goal, made possible by Saad and Nutivaara. The Penguins shot back with a Jake Guentzel shorthanded goal, his fifth of the playoffs, set up by Kessel, who got a sock trick, and Malkin. The final stayed at 5-4, with the three stars going to Jenner, Nutivaara, and Karlsson, while Saad, Kessel, and Malkin get the honorable mentions. The Blue Jackets stayed alive, but the Penguins still have a 3-1 series lead. 

Game 5: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Sergei Bobrovsky of the Blue Jackets and Marc-Andre Fleury of the Penguins. Pittsburgh opened in the first period with a Phil Kessel power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Justin Schultz and Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins added on with a Bryan Rust goal, his third of the playoffs, via Kessel and Malkin. Pittsburgh extended the lead as Rust scored his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, with a lone assist by Ron Hainsey. Columbus got on the board with a William Karlsson goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Sam Gagner. The Blue Jackets got closer with a Boone Jenner power play goal, his second of the postseason, with assists provided by Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson. The Penguins replied with a Sidney Crosby power play goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Malkin, who got a sock trick, and Kessel. Pittsburgh iced it at 5-2 with a Scott Wilson goal, passed from Trevor Daley and Conor Sheary. The three stars were Rust, Malkin, and Fleury (49 for 51 in saves), while Kessel gets an honorable mention. The Penguins advance with a 4-1 series win, heading to the Metropolitan Division Finals.