NHL February 28th, 2015

Ten games on today, beginning with...

The Florida Panthers hosting the Buffalo Sabres. Michal Neuvirth and Roberto Luongo are set to start in goal. Buffalo opened in the first period on a Cody Hodgson goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Zach Bogosian and Nicolas Deslauriers. The Sabres added on with an Andrej Meszaros goal, his third of the year, guided in by Johan Larsson and Hodgson. Florida got on the board in the second period with a Brandon Pirri power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Brian Campbell and Jussi Jokinen. The Panthers tied it on another Pirri power play goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, via Campbell and Brad Boyes. Florida took the lead with a Nick Bjugstad goal, his twenty-second of the season, coming off of Jokinen and Boyes. Buffalo retied it in the third period on a Torrey Mitchell goal, his sixth of the year, passed from Matt Moulson and Nikita Zadorov. The Panthers retook the lead on a Scottie Upshall goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Derek MacKenzie and Shawn Thornton. Florida finished it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by MacKenzie, his fourth of the year, set up by Boyes and Jokinen, both of whom got sock tricks. The three stars belonged to Pirri, Jokinen, and Boyes, while MacKenzie, Hodgson, and Campbell get the honorable mentions.

Up in Nashville, the Predators welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson is mismatched with Pekka Rinne in goal. Detroit started in the first period on a Brendan Smith goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Joakim Andersson and Drew Miller. The Red Wings added on in the second period on a Miller goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Tomas Jurco. Nashville got on the board with a Matt Cullen goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Craig Smith and Roman Josi. The Predators tied it on a Mike Fisher goal, his fifteenth of the year, assisted by Cody Franson and Cullen. Nashville took the lead as Shea Weber scored his fifteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Mike Ribeiro and Josi. Detroit retied it on a third period goal by Alexey Marchenko, via Justin Abdelkader and Niklas Kronwall. The Red Wings took the lead as Tomas Tatar scored his twenty-fifth of the year, a power play goal helped along by Pavel Datsyuk and Kronwall. This gave them a 4-3 win, with the three stars given to Miller, Kronwall, and Cullen, while Josi gets an honorable mention.

Northeast to Long Island, where the New York Islanders bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Chad Johnson occupy the creases. New York struck first in the first period on a Michael Grabner goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Ryan Strome and Johnny Boychuk. Carolina tied it on a Jay McClement goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Chris Terry and Brad Malone. The Hurricanes took the lead in the second period on a Justin Faulk power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Eric Staal and Victor Rask. Carolina added on with another McClement goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, passed from Andrej Nestrasil and Nathan Gerbe. The Islanders replied with a Nikolay Kulemin goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Cal Clutterbuck and Travis Hamonic. The Hurricanes shot back on a Malone goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Nestrasil and John-Michael Liles. Carolina extended the lead on a Michal Jordan power play goal, his second of the season, with helpers provided by Jordan Staal and Jeff Skinner. New York answered with a John Tavares goal in the third period, his thirtieth of the year, via Anders Lee and Nick Leddy. This made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars going to McClement, Malone, and Nestrasil.

Back west, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider faces a lesser foe in Curtis McElhinney in goal. New Jersey led off in the first period with an Andy Greene goal, his second of the season, made possible by Patrik Elias. The Devils added on in the third period with a Travis Zajac goal, his tenth of the year, an empty net goal set up by Stephen Gionta and Michael Cammalleri. The final stood at 2-0, with the three stars going to Schneider (33 save shutout), Greene, and Zajac.

East again to Boston, as the Bruins welcome the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Tuukka Rask are between the pipes. Boston was first to score in the first period on a Milan Lucic goal, his thirteenth of the season, coming off of David Pastrnak and Ryan Spooner. The Bruins added on with a Brad Marchand goal, his eighteenth of the year, passed from Reilly Smith and Patrice Bergeron. Boston extended the lead in the second period as Bergeron scored his eighteenth of the season, thanks to Marchand and Zdeno Chara. The Bruins padded the lead on a Chara power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Smith and Lucic. Louis Domingue relieved Smith. Arizona got on the board in the third period on a Martin Erat goal, his ninth of the campaign, assisted by Shane Doan and Keith Yandle. The final was 4-1, with the three stars going to Marchand, Bergeron, and Chara, while Lucic and Smith get the honorable mentions.

Up in Montreal, the Canadiens bring in the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Carey Price guard the cages. Montreal began in the first period with a Manny Malhotra goal, via Dale Weise. The Canadiens added on with a Tomas Plekanec goal, his nineteenth of the season, courtesy of Andrei Markov and P.K. Subban. Montreal extended the lead in the third period as David Desharnais scored his tenth of the year, passed from Brendan Gallagher and Max Pacioretty. The Canadiens iced it at 4-0 on a Desharnais empty net goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the campaign, set up by Pacioretty and Gallagher. The three stars went to Price (30 save shutout), Desharnais, and Gallagher, while Pacioretty gets the honorable mention.

Back stateside, the Philadelphia Flyers host the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot and Steve Mason get the starting nods. Philadelphia opened in the first period on a Matt Read goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek. New York tied it on a J.T. Miller goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Carl Hagelin. The Rangers took the lead on a John Moore goal in the second period, with assists provided by Tanner Glass and Dominic Moore. The Flyers tied it as Michael Raffl scored his fourteenth of the season, thanks to Braydon Coburn and Vincent Lecavalier. Philadelphia took the lead in the third period on a Michael Del Zotto shorthanded goal, his eighth of the year, set up by Couturier. The Flyers finished it at 4-2 on an empty net goal by Wayne Simmonds, his twenty-fifth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Raffl. The three stars went to Raffl, Couturier, and Del Zotto.

Way west to Edmonton, where the Oilers welcome the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Ben Scrivens draw the starts. St. Louis started in the first period on a Dmitrij Jaskin goal, his tenth of the season, via Paul Stastny and Patrik Berglund. Edmonton tied it in the second period as Justin Schultz scored his fifth of the year, courtesy of Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Blues retook the lead in the third period on a Stastny goal, his twelfth of the campaign, assisted by Ian Cole. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Stastny, Elliott (21 for 22 in saves), and Jaskin.

Down in Colorado, the Avalanche bring in the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Semyon Varlamov are the goalies. Minnesota struck first in the first period on an Erik Haula goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Justin Fontaine and Kyle Brodziak. Colorado tied it on a Max Talbot goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Nick Holden in the second period. The Wild retook the lead as Fontaine scored his eighth of the season, thanks to Haula and Jonas Brodin. Minnesota added on in the third period with a Jason Pominville goal, his thirteenth of the year, passed from Mikael Granlund. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being Dubnyk (33 for 34 in saves), Fontaine, and Haula.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Ottawa Senators. Andrew Hammond and Antti Niemi are in the blue paint. San Jose was first to score in the first period on a Tommy Wingels goal, his thirteenth of the season, courtesy of Matt Irwin and Matthew Nieto. Ottawa tied it in the second period on an Erik Karlsson power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Kyle Turris and Mike Hoffman. The Sharks retook the lead on a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns. The Senators tied it again in the third period as Mark Stone scored his fifteenth of the year, with a lone assist by Turris. Ottawa took the lead on a Hoffman goal, his twenty-second of the season, a power play goal helped along by Mika Zibanejad and Karlsson. The Senators finished it at 4-2 on a Hoffman empty net goal, his second of the game and twenty-third of the year, set up by Stone. The three stars went to Hoffman, Karlsson, and Stone, while Turris gets an honorable mention.

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NHL February 27th, 2015

Six games going today, beginning in...

Raleigh, where the Carolina Hurricanes host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Anton Khudobin are the young goalies. Carolina led off in the first period on a Brett Bellemore goal, passed from Victor Rask and Andrej Nestrasil. The Hurricanes added on with a Jeff Skinner goal in the second period, his sixteenth of the season, coming off of Elias Lindholm and Riley Nash. Carolina extended the lead in the third period on a Nathan Gerbe goal, his seventh of the year, an empty net goal set up by Nestrasil and Justin Faulk. The three stars of the 3-0 game were Khudobin (28 save shutout), Nestrasil, and Bellemore.

North to New Jersey, where the Devils welcome the Boston Bruins. Niklas Svedberg is mismatched with Cory Schneider in goal. Boston began in the first period on a Daniel Paille goal, his third of the season, fueled by Loui Eriksson. The Bruins added on with a David Pastrnak goal in the third period, his seventh of the year, guided in by Chris Kelly and Reilly Smith. New Jersey got on the board with a Travis Zajac power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Adam Henrique and Jacob Josefson. The Devils tied it on a Jordin Tootoo goal, his sixth of the year, via Michael Cammalleri and Adam Larsson. Boston won 3-2 in overtime on a Ryan Spooner goal, made possible by Pastrnak and Torey Krug. The three stars went to Pastrnak, Spooner, and Paille.

Out to Long Island, where the New York Islanders bring in the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Jaroslav Halak are in the blue paint. New York opened in the first period on a Ryan Strome power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by John Tavares and Travis Hamonic. The Islanders added on with an empty net goal by Cal Clutterbuck in the third period, his sixth of the year, set up by Nikolay Kulemin and Thomas Hickey. Calgary got on the board with a Josh Jooris goal, his eleventh of the campaign, fueled by Joe Colborne and Kris Russell. This produced the 2-1 final, with the three stars going to Halak (26 for 27 in saves), Ramo (37 for 38 in saves), and Strome.

Way south to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Chicago Blackhawks. Scott Darling opposes Ben Bishop in goal. Tampa Bay got going in the second period on a Brian Boyle goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Jonathan Drouin. The Lightning added on with a Steven Stamkos goal, his thirty-third of the year, coming off of Jason Garrison and Nikita Nesterov. Tampa Bay extended the lead in the third period on a power play goal by Ryan Callahan, his nineteenth of the season, powered by Valtteri Filppula and Tyler Johnson. The Lightning finished it at 4-0 on a Stamkos power play goal, his second of the game and thirty-fourth of the year, via Garrison and Victor Hedman. The three stars went to Stamkos, Bishop (28 save shutout), and Garrison.

West to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Kari Lehtonen are the struggling starters. Dallas dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Cody Eakin goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Ryan Garbutt. Colorado tied it on a Tyson Barrie goal, his tenth of the year, via Matt Duchene and Nate Guenin. The Stars retook the lead on a Jason Spezza goal, his fifteenth of the season, courtesy of Erik Cole and Trevor Daley. Dallas added on in the third period with Eakin's second of the game and fourteenth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Avalanche pulled back on a Jarome Iginla goal, his nineteenth of the season, passed from Guenin and Duchene. Colorado tied it on a Guenin goal, his second of the year, made possible by Gabriel Landeskog and Barrie. The Stars took the lead back as Antoine Roussel scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Eakin and the goalie Lehtonen. The Avalanche tied it again on a Landeskog goal, his sixteenth of the year, with assists provided by Barrie and Ryan O'Reilly. The tie lasted to a shootout, where O'Reilly's goal gave Colorado the 5-4 win. The three stars were Eakin, Guenin, and Barrie, while O'Reilly, Landeskog, and Duchene get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks bring in the Los Angeles Kings. Martin Jones and John Gibson are the backups in goal. Los Angeles started in the first period on a Trevor Lewis goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by Robyn Regehr and Matt Greene. The Kings added on in the second period with a Brayden McNabb goal, via Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Anaheim got on the board in the third period with a Ryan Kesler goal, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Andrew Cogliano and Jakob Silfverberg. The Ducks tied it on an Emerson Etem goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Rickard Rakell and Jiri Sekac. Anaheim took the lead with a Corey Perry goal, his twenty-fifth of the year, assisted by Ryan Getzlaf and Josh Manson. The Ducks won 4-2 on a Perry empty net goal, his second of the game and twenty-sixth of the campaign, set up by Kesler. The three stars went to Perry, Kesler, and Etem.

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NHL February 26th, 2015

Nine games on tonight, beginning with...

The Columbus Blue Jackets hosting the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Curtis McElhinney draw the starts. Montreal led off in the first period on a P.K. Subban goal, his twelfth of the season, coming off of Andrei Markov and Manny Malhotra. Columbus tied it on a Brandon Dubinsky goal, his eighth of the year, via David Savard and Cam Atkinson. The Canadiens retook the lead as Markov scored his eighth of the season, thanks to David Desharnais. Montreal added on with a Max Pacioretty goal, his thirtieth of the year, assisted by Brendan Gallagher and Subban. The Canadiens extended the lead in the third period on a Jacob De La Rose goal, passed from Brandon Prust and Subban. The Blue Jackets got one back with a Marko Dano goal, his third of the campaign, courtesy of Artem Anisimov and Savard. Montreal finished it at 5-2 on a De La Rose empty net goal, his second of the game, going in unassisted. The three stars belonged to Subban, Markov, and De La Rose, while Savard gets an honorable mention.

East to Buffalo, where the Sabres welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack and Michal Neuvirth are in the creases. Buffalo struck first in the first period on a Torrey Mitchell goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Matt Moulson and Brian Gionta. Vancouver tied it on a Shawn Matthias goal, his fifteenth of the year, guided in by Nick Bonino and Dan Hamhuis. The Canucks took the lead in the second period with a Jannik Hansen goal, his twelfth of the campaign, via Hamhuis. The Sabres retied it on an unassisted goal by Chris Stewart, his eleventh of the season. Buffalo took the lead in the third period on an Andrej Meszaros goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. Vancouver retied it on a Daniel Sedin goal, his fourteenth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Henrik Sedin. The Sabres claimed the lead again on a Mitchell goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, fueled by Gionta and Moulson. Buffalo added on with a Brian Flynn goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Stewart and Mark Pysyk. The Sabres iced it at 6-3 with a Gionta empty net goal, his seventh of the campaign, going in unassisted. The three stars were handed to Mitchell, Gionta, and Stewart, while Moulson and Hamhuis get the honorable mentions.

In New York City, the Rangers bring in the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Cam Talbot are in the blue paint. Arizona was first to score in the first period on a Mark Arcobello goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by David Moss and Michael Stone. New York tied it on a Chris Kreider power play goal, his fifteenth of the year, powered by Kevin Hayes and Mats Zuccarello. The Coyotes retook the lead with a Sam Gagner power play goal, his eleventh of the season, made possible by Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Arizona added on with Gagner's second of the game and twelfth of the year, another power play goal coming off of Stone and Martin Erat. The Rangers got one back in the second period as Lee Stempniak scored his eighth of the season, with a lone assist by John Moore. New York tied it on an unassisted power play goal by Kreider, his second of the game and sixteenth of the year. The Rangers gained the lead on Stempniak's second of the game and ninth of the campaign in the third period, helped along by Hayes. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars going to Stempniak, Kreider, and Gagner, while Hayes and Stone get the honorable mentions.

Up in Toronto, the Maple Leafs host the Philadelphia Flyers. Rob Zepp is mismatched with Jonathan Bernier in goal. Toronto began in the first period with a Phil Kessel goal, his twenty-third of the season, with a lone assist by Tyler Bozak. The Maple Leafs added on in the second period as Bozak scored his seventeenth of the year, thanks to James van Riemsdyk and Morgan Rielly. Toronto extended the lead with a Dion Phaneuf goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Kessel and Jake Gardiner on the power play. Philadelphia got on the board with a Claude Giroux power play goal, his eighteenth of the year, powered by Michael Del Zotto and Mark Streit. The Flyers pulled closer on a Brayden Schenn power play goal, his twelfth of the campaign, via Streit and Giroux. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars given to Bernier (47 for 49 in saves), Bozak, and Kessel, while Giroux and Streit get the honorable mentions.

Way south to Florida, where the Panthers welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Roberto Luongo tend the twines. Chicago started in the first period on a Teuvo Teravainen goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Andrew Shaw and David Rundblad. The Blackhawks added on in the second period with a Brandon Saad goal, his nineteenth of the year, passed from Duncan Keith and Marian Hossa. Chicago extended the lead in the third period with a Jonathan Toews empty net goal, his nineteenth of the season, set up by Hossa and Saad. The final was 3-0, with the three stars being Crawford (20 save shutout), Saad, and Hossa.

Back northwest, the Winnipeg Jets bring in the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Michael Hutchinson are the masked men. St. Louis dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Patrik Berglund goal, his eighth of the season, helped along by Paul Stastny and Ryan Reaves. Winnipeg tied it in the third period as Mark Scheifele scored his tenth of the year, thanks to Andrew Ladd and Michael Frolik. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Steen topped Ladd to give the Blues a 2-1 win. The three stars were Elliott (30 for 31 in saves), Hutchinson (28 for 29 in saves), and Ladd.

Stateside again, with the Nashville Predators hosting the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Pekka Rinne are between the pipes. Minnesota opened in the first period with an Erik Haula goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Justin Fontaine and Kyle Brodziak. Nashville tied it in the second period on a Mike Fisher goal, his fourteenth of the year, guided in by Matt Cullen and Mattias Ekholm. The Wild retook the lead on a Brodziak goal, his eighth of the season, with a lone assist by Haula. The Predators tied it again with a Craig Smith goal, his twentieth of the year, passed from Fisher and Cullen. Minnesota gained the lead as Nino Niederreiter scored his twentieth of the season, with the help of Charlie Coyle and Jordan Schroeder. The Wild iced it at 4-2 on a Niederreiter empty net goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Haula, Brodziak, and Niederreiter, while Cullen and Fisher get the honorable mentions.

Out west, the Los Angeles Kings welcome the Ottawa Senators. Andrew Hammond and Jonathan Quick are the goalies. Ottawa got going in the third period with a Mike Hoffman goal, his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Mika Zibanejad and Bobby Ryan. This was all they needed for a 1-0 win. The three stars were awarded to Hammond (35 save shutout), Hoffman, and Quick (27 for 28 in saves).

Finally, the San Jose Sharks bring in the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Antti Niemi guard the cages. San Jose struck first in the first period on a Matt Irwin goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Joe Thornton and Scott Hannan. Detroit tied it on a Teemu Pulkkinen power play goal in the second period, his second of the year, powered by Riley Sheahan and Stephen Weiss. The Sharks took the lead back on a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture. The Red Wings retied it on a Pavel Datsyuk goal in the third period, his twenty-second of the year, made possible by Tomas Tatar and Danny DeKeyser. Detroit took the lead on a Luke Glendening goal, his eighth of the campaign, helped along by Gustav Nyquist and DeKeyser. This produced the 3-2 final, with the three stars going to Glendening, Datsyuk, and DeKeyser.

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NHL February 25th, 2015

Three games tonight, beginning in...

New Jersey, as the Devils host the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Cory Schneider are given the starting nods. New Jersey began in the first period with a Michael Cammalleri goal, his twenty-third of the season, guided in by Jordin Tootoo. Calgary tied it in the second period on a Curtis Glencross goal, his ninth of the year, via Joe Colborne and Josh Jooris. The Flames took the lead in the third period as Sean Monahan scored his twenty-first of the season, a power play goal powered by Mark Giordano and Dennis Wideman. Calgary iced it at 3-1 with a T.J. Brodie shorthanded empty net goal, his tenth of the year, set up by Monahan. The three stars went to Monahan, Ramo (26 for 27 in saves), and Glencross.

Down in DC, the Washington Capitals welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Braden Holtby tend the twines. Pittsburgh led off in the first period on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his nineteenth of the season, coming off of Evgeni Malkin and David Perron. The Penguins added on with a shorthanded goal by Brandon Sutter, his thirteenth of the year, going in unassisted. Washington got on the board with a John Carlson goal, his tenth of the season, passed from Jason Chimera and Eric Fehr. Pittsburgh shot back in the second period on a Sidney Crosby power play goal, his twentieth of the year, powered by Malkin and Chris Kunitz. The Capitals got one back in the third period as Troy Brouwer scored his eighteenth of the season, via Chimera and Alzner. The Penguins answered on a Kunitz goal, his sixteenth of the year, courtesy of Blake Comeau and Malkin, the latter earning a sock trick. Washington chipped back on an Alex Ovechkin goal, his thirty-ninth of the campaign, a power play goal made possible by Carlson and Brouwer. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars being Malkin, Kunitz, and Carlson, while Brouwer and Chimera get the honorable mentions.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks bring in the Ottawa Senators. Andrew Hammond and John Gibson are the young goalies. Ottawa started in the first period on an Erik Condra goal, his seventh of the season, via Eric Gryba and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The Senators added on in the second period with a Mika Zibanejad goal, his fifteenth of the year, coming off of Mike Hoffman and Bobby Ryan. Ottawa finished it at 3-0 in the third period on a Kyle Turris empty net goal, his fifteenth of the campaign, set up by Milan Michalek. The three stars belonged to Hammond (25 save shutout), Condra, and Zibanejad.

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NHL February 24th, 2015

Eleven games on today, beginning in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack and Tuukka Rask are set to start in goal. Boston began with a Daniel Paille goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Loui Eriksson and Carl Soderberg. Vancouver tied it on a Ryan Stanton goal, his third of the year, coming off of Jannik Hansen. The Canucks took the lead in the third period on a Zack Kassian goal, his ninth of the campaign, assisted by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. This gave them a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Lack (40 for 41 in saves), Kassian, and Stanton.

Down in Carolina, the Hurricanes welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Rob Zepp is mismatched with Cam Ward in goal. Carolina struck first in the first period on a Justin Faulk goal, his eleventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Eric Staal and Elias Lindholm. Philadelphia tied it on a Nicklas Grossmann goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Jakub Voracek and Matt Read. The Hurricanes took the lead on a second period goal by Jeff Skinner, his fifteenth of the season, via Alexander Semin and Brett Bellemore. Carolina added on with a Jordan Staal goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Semin and Faulk. The Hurricanes extended the lead in the third period on a Jay McClement goal, his fourth of the campaign, helped along by Brad Malone. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars being Faulk, Ward (23 for 24 in saves), and Semin.

Back north, the New York Islanders bring in the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Chad Johnson draw the starts. New York dented the scoreboard in the second period as Anders Lee scored his twentieth of the season, thanks to Travis Hamonic and Brock Nelson. Arizona tied it on a Mark Arcobello goal, his twelfth of the year, via Martin Erat and David Moss. The Islanders took the lead in the third period on a Matt Martin goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Nikolay Kulemin and Kael Mouillierat. New York added on with a Johnny Boychuk goal, his seventh of the year, passed from John Tavares and Ryan Strome. The Islanders extended the lead on a Mouillierat goal, guided in by Colin McDonald and Kulemin. New York padded the lead with a Neslon goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, fueled by Josh Bailey and McDonald. This produced the 5-1 final, with the three stars going to Mouillierat, Nelson, and Kulemin, while McDonald gets an honorable mention.

Into Manhattan, where the New York Rangers host the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Cam Talbot are the little-known goalies. New York got going in the third period as Kevin Hayes scored his twelfth of the season, thanks to Derick Brassard. This was all they needed for a 1-0 win, with the three stars going to Talbot (21 save shutout), Hayes, and Ramo (28 for 29 in saves).

West to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Michal Neuvirth and Anton Forsberg are the unknown goalies. Buffalo was first to score in the first period on a Cody Hodgson goal, his third of the season, coming off of Andrej Meszaros and Zach Bogosian. The Sabres added on with a Zemgus Girgensons goal, his fifteenth of the year, coming shorthanded and unassisted. Columbus got on the board in the second period with a Matt Calvert goal, his tenth of the season, made possible by Brandon Dubinsky and Jack Johnson. Buffalo shot back on a Mark Pysyk goal, his second of the year, guided in by Brian Flynn and Marcus Foligno. The Sabres extended the lead with a Chris Stewart power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Girgensons. The Blue Jackets got one back on a Kevin Connauton goal, his eighth of the year, with assists provided by James Wisniewski and Ryan Johansen. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 4-2, and the three stars were Girgensons, Pysyk, and Neuvirth (45 for 47 in saves).

Into St. Louis, where the Blues bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Jake Allen are in the blue paint. Montreal opened in the first period on an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his seventeenth of the season, assisted by P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov. The Canadiens added on in the second period with a Galchenyuk goal, his second of the game and eighteenth of the year, via Tomas Plekanec. St. Louis got on the board with a David Backes goal, his twentieth of the season, helped along by Vladimir Tarasenko and T.J. Oshie. Montreal shot back with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his sixteenth of the year, going in unassisted. The Canadiens extended the lead as Michael Bournival scored his third of the season, thanks to Galchenyuk and Lars Eller. The Blues got one back on an Oshie goal, his seventeenth of the year, coming off of Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester. Montreal finished it at 5-2 in the third period with a Gallagher power play goal, his second of the game and seventeenth of the campaign, powered by Markov and Subban. The three stars were awarded to Galchenyuk, Gallagher, and Oshie, while Markov and Subban get the honorable mentions.

Back to Nashville, where the Predators host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Pekka Rinne guard the cages. Colorado led off in the first period on a Nathan MacKinnon goal, his thirteenth of the season, guided in by Ryan O'Reilly and Brad Stuart. Nashville tied it on the sixth of the year by Calle Jarnkrok, going in unassisted. The Predators took the lead in the second period on a Craig Smith goal, his nineteenth of the season, via Mike Fisher. Nashville added on with a Roman Josi goal, his eleventh of the year, made possible by Matt Cullen. The Predators extended the lead in the third period on a Filip Forsberg goal, his twenty-first of the season, coming off of Mike Ribeiro. Nashville padded the lead with a shorthanded empty net goal by Eric Nystrom, his seventh of the year, set up by Josi. The Avalanche got one back on a John Mitchell power play goal, his seventh of the campaign, powered by Matt Duchene and Alex Tanguay. This only got them to 5-2, with the three stars going to Josi, Forsberg, and Jarnkrok.

North to Winnipeg, where the Jets welcome the Dallas Stars. Jhonas Enroth and Michael Hutchinson are the young goalies. Winnipeg started in the first period on a Bryan Little goal, his twenty-fourth of the season, assisted by Mark Scheifele and Andrew Ladd on the power play. Dallas tied it in the second period on an Erik Cole goal, his eighteenth of the year, with a lone assist by Jason Spezza. The Jets took the lead as Adam Lowry scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Adam Pardy. Winnipeg added on in the third period with a Dustin Byfuglien goal, his fifteenth of the year, made possible by Jacob Trouba. The Jets extended the lead on a Michael Frolik empty net goal, his thirteenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Stars got one back on a Jason Demers goal, his third of the year, helped along by Jamie Benn and Jordie Benn. This produced a 4-2 final, with the three stars given to Hutchinson (26 for 28 in saves), Byfuglien, and Lowry.

Back stateside, the Minnesota Wild bring in Edmonton Oilers. Ben Scrivens and Devan Dubnyk are the overrated goalies. Edmonton struck first in the first period on a Benoit Pouliot goal, his twelfth of the season, coming off of Jordan Eberle and Oscar Klefbom. Minnesota tied it on a Thomas Vanek goal, his thirteenth of the year, via Jordan Schroeder and Charlie Coyle. The Oilers took the lead back on another Pouliot goal, his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, assisted by Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. This was it for the scoring, with the final standing at 2-1. The three stars went to Pouliot, Scrivens (33 for 34 in saves), and Eberle.

South to Chicago, where the Blackhawks host the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo faces a lesser foe in Scott Darling in goal. Chicago was first to score in the first period on a Jonathan Toews power play goal, his eighteenth of the season, powered by Marian Hossa and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks added on in the second period as Kris Versteeg scored his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Patrick Sharp and Brad Richards. Florida got on the board in the third period on a Jussi Jokinen goal, his sixth of the season, via Brad Boyes and Aleksander Barkov. The Panthers tied it on a Vincent Trocheck goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Tomas Fleischmann and Steven Kampfer. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Toews and Sharp gave the Blackhawks a 3-2 win. The three stars were Toews, Darling (34 for 36 in saves), and Luongo (36 for 38 in saves).

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings host the Detroit Red Wings. Jonas Gustavsson and Jonathan Quick are given the green light to start in goal. Los Angeles got going in the first period on a Justin Williams power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Anze Kopitar and Jake Muzzin. This was the only goal in the game, with the final being 1-0. The three stars went to Quick (20 save shutout), Williams, and Gustavsson (26 for 27 in saves).

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL February 24th, 2015

Here's the last day of the regular season for the KHL. For the future, I will be covering the Gagarin Cup Playoffs. I do not know if I will return to the KHL next season, or if the KHL will return itself. The Russian financial crisis has put the league in a precarious position, and as I edge closer to a professional writing career, I need to focus on successful endeavors to build up a strong history of good reporting. With that said, I will take the summer to think about it, and you will all know in August. With that, enjoy the last day of the regular season, with the first game in...

Vladivostok, as Admiral hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Alexander Pechursky and Ilya Proskuryakov draw the starts in goal. Vladivostok opened in the first period on a Niclas Bergfors goal, assisted by Richard Gynge and Shaun Heshka. Admiral added on in the second period with an unassisted goal by Jan Kolar. Vladivostok extended the lead in the third period on an Oleg Li goal, courtesy of Heshka and Alexander Goroshansky. Admiral padded the lead as Andrei Sigaryov scored, thanks to Li and Goroshansky. Vladivostok struck again on a Tom Wandell penalty shot goal, coming after he was hooked by Alexander Ryazantsev. Admiral finished it at 6-0 with a Vladislav Ushenin goal, passed from Artyom Zemchyonok and Alexander Gorshkov. The three stars went to Li, Heshka, and Goroshansky.

Southwest to Astana, where Barys welcomes Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. Ivan Kasutin and Jan Laco are the goalies. Astana struck first in the first period on a Nigel Dawes power play goal, powered by Mike Lundin. Barys added on with a Talgat Zhailauov goal, made possible by Dustin Boyd and the goalie Laco. Nizhny Novgorod got on the board with a Nikita Dvurechensky goal in the second period, guided in by Veli-Matti Savinainen and Kirill Knyazev. Torpedo tied it on a Dvurechensky third period goal, fueled by Savinainen and Ildar Valeyev. Astana retook the lead with a Nikolai Antropov goal, coming off of Zhailauov and Konstantin Rudenko. Barys iced it at 4-2 on a Konstantin Pushkaryov empty net goal, set up by Konstantin Romanov. The three stars were Dvurechensky, Zhailauov, and Savinainen.

Up in Omsk, Avangard brings in Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Nikita Lozhkin and Konstantin Barulin are in the blue paint. Omsk got going in the second period on a power play goal by Sergei Shirokov, powered by Nikolai Glukhov and Erik Gustafsson. Avangard added on with a Shirokov goal, coming off of Sergei Kalinin and Denis Parshin on the power play. Novokuznetsk got on the board in the third period on an Alexander Romanov goal, via Cade Fairchild. Metallurg tied it with an Alexander Komaristy goal, helped along by Romanov and Fairchild. Novokuznetsk won 3-2 in overtime on a Dmitry Maltsev goal, with a lone assist by Nikita Popov. The three stars belonged to Shirokov, Romanov, and Fairchild.

Continuing to Khanty-Mansiysk, where Yugra hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Alexei Murygin and Georgy Gelashvili are the backups in goal. Khanty-Mansiysk was first to score in the first period on a Nikita Gusev goal, assisted by Alexander Korolyuk. Magnitogorsk tied it on a Tim Brent goal, via Oskar Osala and Chris Lee. Yugra took the lead in the second period as Pavel Medvedev scored, with the help of Philip Larsen and Sergei Lesnukhin. Khanty-Mansiysk added on in the third period with an Artyom Bulyansky goal, fueled by Mikhail Mamkin. Metallurg pulled back with a Brent goal, coming off of Alexei Bereglazov and Maxim Yakutsenya. Magnitogorsk tied it on a Mikhail Yunkov goal, with helpers from Lee and Yaroslav Kosov. Yugra won 4-3 in overtime on Koroyuk goal, with a lone assist from Larsen. The three stars went to Korolyuk, Brent, and Larsen, while Lee gets an honorable mention.

West a little to Chelyabinsk, where Traktor welcomes Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Michael Garnett protect the nets. Yekaterinburg started in the first period on an Andrei Antonov power play goal, powered by Alexander Nesterov. Chelyabinsk tied it on a Deron Quint goal, assisted by Yegor Martynov and Jan Bulis. Igor Ustinsky took over for Kovar in the second period. Traktor took the lead in the second period on a Martin Ruzicka goal, coming off of Artyom Penkovsky. Avtomobilist tied it again with an unassisted goal by Sergei Yemelin. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Stansialv Chistov and Francis Pare topped Viktor Kozlov for a 3-2 Traktor win. The three stars went to Ruzicka, Quint, and Garnett (34 for 36 in saves).

Back to Ufa, where Salavat Yulaev brings in Sibir Novosibirsk. Alexander Salak and Vladimir Sokhatsky are the talented goalies. Ufa dented the scoreboard in the second period on an Alexander Mereskin goal, guided in by Yegor Dubrovsky and Alexander Stepanov. Novosibirsk tied it on a Sergei Shumakov goal, via Stepan Sannikov. Salavat Yulaev took the lead back on a Teemu Hartikainen goal, with a lone assist by Alexei Glukhov. Sibir tied it again on a Viktor Bobrov power play goal, powered by Alexei Kopeikin and Igor Ozhiganov. Ufa took the lead in the third period on an Anton Slepyshev goal, fueled by Glukhov. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Slepyshev, Glukhov, and Hartikainen.

West a little again, as Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk hosts Ak Bars Kazan. Anders Nilsson and Ville Kolppanen are in the creases. Kazan led off in the first period with a Sergei Kostitsyn goal, going in unassisted. Ak Bars chased Kolppanen with an Ilya Nikulin goal, passed from Konstantin Korneyev and Justin Azevedo. Alexander Sudnitsin came on in relief. Kazan added on with an Artyom Lukoyanov goal, assisted by Stepan Zakharchuk and Alexander Svitov. Ak Bars extended the lead with a Nikulin goal, his second of the game, via Svitov and Kirill Petrov. Kazan padded the lead in the second period with an Igor Mirnov power play goal, powered by Zakharchuk and Petr Vrana. Ak Bars wrapped it up at 6-0 with a Zakharchuk power play goal, with assists provided by Yakov Rylov and Vrana. The three stars went to Nikulin, Zakharchuk, and Svitov, while Vrana and Nilsson (28 save shutout) get the honorable mentions.

Further west, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl welcomes Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Vitaly Kolesnik are set to start in goal. Cherepovets began in the first period on a power play goal by Evgeny Mons, powered by Alexander Shinin. Yaroslavl tied it on a third period goal by Ilya Gorokhov, via Geoff Platt and Evgeny Grachyov. Lokomotiv won 2-1 in overtime as Emil Galimov scored, thanks to Sergei Konkov. The three stars went to Galimov, Kolesnik (30 for 31 in saves), and Gorokhov.

Into Moscow, where Dynamo brings in Dinamo Minsk. Dmitry Milchakov and Alexander Lazushin are the masked men. Moscow got going in the second period on a Konstantin Volkov goal, fueled by Alexei Tsvetkov and Martins Karsums. Minsk tied it on a Charles Linglet goal, via Jonathan Cheechoo and Ryan Vesce. Dynamo took the lead back in the third period as Dmitry Vishnevsky scored, thanks to Maxim Solovyov and Alexei Tereshchenko. Moscow added on with a power play goal by Karsums, powered by Tsvetkov and Alexander Osipov. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars given to Karsums, Lazushin (17 for 18 in saves), and Tsvetkov.

Up in Mytishchi, Atlant hosts Dinamo Riga. Jeff Deslaurier and Atte Engren man the creases. Riga opened in the first period with a power play goal by Miks Indrasis, powered by Milan Jurcina and Kyle Wilson. Dinamo added on with a Ginta Meija power play goal, via Rodrigo Abols and Charles Genoway. Mytishchi got on the board with an Anton Babchuk power play goal, guided in by Evgeny Bodrov and Igor Levitsky. Atlant tied it in the second period as Levitsky scored, with the help of Bodrov. Mytishchi took the lead on an Artyom Chernov power play goal, assisted by Sergei Shmelyov and Matthew Gilroy. Atlant extended the lead with an Andrei Taratukhin goal, fueled by Gilroy and Chernov. Mytishchi padded the lead in the third period as Vitaly Novopashin scored, thanks to Nikita Soshnikov. Atlant struck again on a Taratukhin goal, coming off of Vyacheslav Kozlov and Soshnikov on the power play. Mytishchi ended it at 7-2 with a Soshnikov penalty shot goal, after he was slashed by Andris Dzerins. The three stars were given to Taratukhin, Levitsky, and Chernov, while Bodrov, Gilroy, and Soshnikov get the honorable mentions.

Down to Podolsk, where Vityaz welcomes CSKA Moscow. Kevin Lalande and Harri Sateri guard the cages. Moscow dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Damir Zhafyarov goal, fueled by Nikolai Prokhorkin. Podolsk tied it on a Maxim Mamin goal, courtesy of Nikita Vyglazov and Yury Koksharov. CSKA won 2-1 in overtime on an Igor Makarov goal, passed from Mikhail Naumenkov and Andreas Engqvist. The three stars went to Makarov, Lalande (16 for 17 in saves), and Zhafyarov.

Further to the south, the Sochi Leopards bring in Lada Togliatti. Alexei Semyonov and Tomas Popperle receive the starting nods. Sochi started on a Max Warn goal, coming off of Pyotr Schastlivy and Mikhail Anisin. The Leopards added on in the second period with an Andrei Kostitsyn power play goal, powered by Nikita Shchitov and Ilya Krikunov. Sochi extended the lead in the third period on a Schastlivy goal, courtesy of Shchitov. Togliatti got on the board with a Martin Zatovic shorthanded and unassisted goal. This produced the 3-1 final, with the three stars given to Schastlivy, Popperle (14 for 15 in saves), and Shchitov.

The last game of the season featured Slovan Bratislava hosting Jokerit Helsinki. Riku Helenius and Johan Backlund are between the pipes. Helsinki led off in the first period on a Jere Sallinen goal, coming off of Niko Peltola. Jokerit added on in the second period as Ryan Gunderson scored, thanks to Sallinen and Juhamatti Aaltonen. Bratislava got on the board in the third period on a Ladislav Nagy goal, assisted by Jan Brejcak. Slovan tied it as Matt Murley scored a power play goal, helped along by Libor Hudacek and Ivan Baranka. Helsinki won 3-2 in overtime on a Oskari Korpikari goal, via Daine Todd and Linus Omark. The three stars were handed to Korpikari, Sallinen, and Gunderson.

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NHL February 23rd, 2015

Two games tonight, with the first in...

New Jersey, where the Devils host the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Cory Schneider are the experienced goalies. New Jersey led off in the first period on a Scott Gomez goal, his fifth of the season, going in unassisted. The Devils added on in the third period on a Michael Cammalleri goal, his twenty-first of the year, via Jordin Tootoo and Jon Merrill. New Jersey iced it at 3-0 with a Cammalleri empty net goal, his second of the game and twenty-second of the year, set up by Stephen Gionta and Adam Larsson. The three stars went to Schneider (38 save shutout), Cammalleri, and Gomez.

The other game is the Anaheim Ducks hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and John Gibson are in the creases. Detroit began in the second period on a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his twentieth of the season, going in unassisted. The Red Wings added on with a Datsyuk power play goal, his second of the game and twenty-first of the year, powered by Justin Abdelkader and Niklas Kronwall. Anaheim got on the board in the third period as Andrew Cogliano scored, his tenth of the season, courtesy of Hampus Lindholm and Jakob Silfverberg. The Ducks tied it on a Emerson Etem goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist by Clayton Stoner. Anaheim gained the lead on a Francois Beauchemin goal, his seventh of the season, guided in by Ryan Getzlaf and Kyle Palmieri. Detroit tied it on a Riley Sheahan goal, his tenth of the year, coming off of Gustav Nyquist and Kronwall. The Ducks won 4-3 on shootout goals from Corey Perry and Silfverberg, topping Nyquist to secure the game. The three stars were Datsyuk, Silfverberg, and Kronwall.

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