We've been through a full deck of cards after today's twelve games, headed by one matinee in...
New York, where the Rangers host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Antti Raanta are in the blue paint. Philadelphia got going on a Wayne Simmonds goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Matt Read and Michael Del Zotto. The Flyers added on with a Sean Couturier goal, his second of the year coming in the third period from Simmonds and Scott Laughton. Philadelphia capped it at 3-0 with a Simmonds empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the campaign going in unassisted. The three stars were Simmonds, Mason (24 save shutout), and Couturier.
Up in Montreal, the Canadiens welcome the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Mike Condon make the starts. Montreal dented the scoreboard in the second period on an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Nathan Beaulieu and Lars Eller. The Canadiens added on with a Galchenyuk goal in the third period, his second of the game and seventh of the year, coming off of Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec on the power play. New Jersey got on the board with a Patrik Elias goal, guided in by Adam Larsson and Travis Zajac. The Devils tied it on a Kyle Palmieri goal, his eighth of the season, via John Moore and Adam Henrique. New Jersey won 3-2 with a Moore goal in overtime, his second of the year, courtesy of Henrique. The three stars went to Moore, Galchenyuk, and Henrique.
Back stateside, the Pittsburgh Penguins bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Anders Nilsson and Jeff Zatkoff are the backups in goal. Edmonton was first to score on a Leon Draisaitl goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Taylor Hall and Teddy Purcell. The Oilers added on with a Lauri Korpikoski power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Andrej Sekera and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Pittsburgh got on the board with an Evgeni Malkin goal in the second period, his tenth of the season, going in unassisted. The Penguins tied it on another Malkin power play goal, his second of the game and eleventh of the year, assisted by Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby. The tie went to a shootout, where Matt Hendricks and Jordan Eberle scored to give the Oilers a 3-2 win. The three stars were handed to Malkin, Korpikoski, and Draisaitl.
South to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the New York Islanders. Thomas Greiss and Ben Bishop are in the creases. Tampa Bay struck first in the first period on an Alex Killorn goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Steven Stamkos and Anton Stralman. The Lightning added on with Stralman's second of the year in the second period, courtesy of Stamkos and Valtteri Filppula. New York got on the board with a Josh Bailey power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome. The Islanders tied it with an unassisted Cal Clutterbuck goal, his fifth of the year. New York took the lead in the third period on a John Tavares power play goal, his eleventh of the campaign, with helpers from Frans Nielsen and Nick Leddy. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Stralman, Tavares, and Stamkos.
Way to the north, the Toronto Maple Leafs welcome the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Jonathan Bernier protect the nets. Washington led off in the first period with a Jason Chimera goal, his seventh of the season, going in unassisted. Toronto tied it on a Peter Holland goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Dion Phaneuf. The Capitals took the lead on a Tom Wilson goal in the second period, helped along by Matt Niskanen and Michael Latta. The Maple Leafs retied it on a Leo Komarov power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Phaneuf and James van Riemsdyk. Washington retook the lead on a Marcus Johansson power play goal, his fifth of the year, with assists provided by Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson. The Capitals added on with a Justin Williams power play goal, his seventh of the campaign, made possible by Chimera and Nicklas Backstrom. This was it for the scoring, with the final at 4-2 and the three stars handed to Chimera, Phaneuf, and Johansson.
Southwest to St. Louis, where the Blues bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Jake Allen guard the cages. Columbus began in the first period on a Ryan Johansen goal, his sixth of the season, passed from David Savard. St. Louis tied it in the second period as Vladimir Tarasenko scored a power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk and Alexander Steen. The Blues took the lead in the third period on a Scottie Upshall goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by David Backes. St. Louis iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Steen, his ninth of the year, set up by Tarasenko. The three stars were awarded to Tarasenko, Steen, and Allen (23 for 24 in saves).
Over in Nashville, the Predators host the Buffalo Sabres. Chad Johnson faces a lesser foe in Juuse Saros in goal. Nashville opened in the first period on a Mike Fisher power play goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by James Neal. Buffalo tied it in the second period as Jamie McGinn scored his fourth of the year on the power play, thanks to Ryan O'Reilly and Cody Franson. The Sabres took the lead on a Sam Reinhart power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Matt Moulson and David Legwand. Buffalo added on with a Reinhart goal in the third period, his second of the game and sixth of the year, assisted by Jake McCabe and Evander Kane. The Sabres finished it at 4-1 with an O'Reilly empty net goal, his eighth of the campaign, set up by Kane. The three stars went to Reinhart, Johnson (28 for 29 in saves), and O'Reilly, while Kane gets an honorable mention.
North to Minnesota, as the Wild welcome the Dallas Stars. Antti Niemi and Darcy Kuemper are between the pipes. Minnesota started with a Thomas Vanek goal, his tenth of the season, coming off of Jonas Brodin and Charlie Coyle. The Wild added on with a Coyle goal, his sixth of the year, fueled by Vanek and Justin Fontaine. Minnesota extended the lead as Jason Pominville scored, thanks to Mikael Granlund. Dallas got on the board in the third period on an Alex Goligoski goal, his second of the season, passed from Jordie Benn and Valeri Nichushkin. The Stars pulled closer on a Jamie Benn shorthanded goal, his eighteenth of the year, set up by Cody Eakin. Dallas tied it on a John Klingberg goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Eakin and Tyler Seguin. The Stars won 4-3 in overtime with a Seguin goal, his thirteenth of the year, made possible by Jamie Benn and Klingberg. The three stars went to Seguin, Klingberg, and Jamie Benn, while Vanek, Coyle, and Eakin get the honorable mentions.
Out in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Semyon Varlamov are the reliable goalies. Colorado led off in the first period on a Blake Comeau goal, his third of the season, going in unassisted. The Avalanche added on with a Gabriel Landeskog goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Matt Duchene and Francois Beauchemin. Colorado extended the lead as Carl Soderberg scored his fourth of the season, thanks to Duchene and Landeskog in the second period. Winnipeg got on the board with an Andrew Ladd goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Jacob Trouba and Adam Lowry. The Jets got closer with a Blake Wheeler shorthanded goal, his ninth of the season, set up by Alex Burmistrov. The Avalanche answered in the third period on a Chris Wagner goal, his second of the year, helped along by Jack Skille and Andreas Martinsen. Winnipeg pulled back with a Trouba goal, his second of the season, with helpers from Dustin Byfuglien and Mathieu Perreault. Colorado capped it at 5-3 with a Duchene power play empty net goal, his twelfth of the year, passed from Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon. The three stars were Duchene, Landeskog, and Trouba, while
Into California, where the San Jose Sharks host the Calgary Flames. Jonas Hiller and Martin Jones are called on to start. San Jose struck first in the first period on a Tommy Wingels goal, his second of the season, fueled by Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Tomas Hertl. The Sharks added on with a Hertl goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist by Brenden Dillon. San Jose extended the lead in the second period on a Joel Ward power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton. The Sharks padded the lead with a Patrick Marleau power play goal, his ninth of the year, assisted by Pavelski and Brent Burns. Calgary got on the board in the third period on a Markus Granlund goal, via T.J. Brodie and Mark Giordano. San Jose answered with a Vlasic goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Wingels and Matt Nieto. The Flames got closer with a Micheal Ferland goal, coming off of David Jones. This produced the 5-2 final, with the three stars going to Hertl, Wingels, and Vlasic, while Pavelski gets an honorable mention.
Back southeast to Arizona, with the Coyotes welcoming the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Anders Lindback occupy the creases. Arizona began in the first period on a Mikkel Boedker goal, his seventh of the season, via Michael Stone. Ottawa tied it on a Mike Hoffman goal, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris. The Coyotes retook the lead in the second period with a Boedker goal, his second of the game and eighth of the season, coming off of Antoine Vermette and Michael Stone. Arizona added on with a Dustin Jeffrey goal, fueled by Tobias Rieder. The Senators got one back on a Hoffman power play goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, powered by Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone. The Coyotes shot back with Boedker sealing a hat trick on his ninth of the season, guided in by Max Domi and Vermette. Ottawa answered with a Mark Stone goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Karlsson and Marc Methot. This made it a 4-3 final, with the three stars awarded to Boedker, Mark Stone, and Hoffman, while Karlsson, Michael Stone, and Vermette get the honorable mentions.
Finally, the Los Angeles Kings bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Scott Darling and Jonathan Quick are all padded up in goal. Chicago was first to score with a Patrick Kane power play goal, his fourteenth of the season, powered by Duncan Keith. The Blackhawks added on in the second period with a Niklas Hjalmarsson goal, helped along by Keith and Kane. Los Angeles got on the board in the third period with a Jeff Carter goal, his tenth of the year, assisted by Milan Lucic and Christian Ehrhoff. The Kings tied it on a Marian Gaborik goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Anze Kopitar. Los Angeles won 3-2 in overtime on a Gaborik goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, guided in by Kopitar. The three stars were Gaborik, Kane, and Kopitar, while Keith gets an honorable mention.
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Saturday, November 28, 2015
2015/16 KHL Season - Day 86
Six games on for today, beginning with...
The Sochi Leopards hosting Spartak Moscow. Atte Engren and Konstantin Barulin are the veteran goalies. Sochi struck first in the first period on an Andre Petersson power play goal, powered by Andrei Kostitsyn. Moscow tied it in the second period on an Alexander Mereskin goal, via Charles Genoway and Konstantin Glazachev. The Leopards took the lead back with a Ben Maxwell goal, fueled by Petersson and Sergei Kuznetsov. The score stayed at 2-1, with the three stars going to Barulin (31 for 32 in saves), Petersson, and Maxwell.
Up in Moscow, CSKA welcome Sibir Novosibirsk. Alexander Salak and Ilya Sorokin make the starts. Moscow opened in the first period on an Alexander Radulov goal, made possible by Dmitry Kugryshev. CSKA added on with an Evgeny Korotkov goal, courtesy of Ivan Telegin and Vladimir Zharkov. Novosibirsk got on the board in the second period as Maxim Shalunov scored a power play goal, powered by Konstantin Alexeyev. Moscow iced it at 3-1 with a Bogdan Kiselevich goal in the third period, coming off of Radulov. The three stars were Radulov, Sorokin (22 for 23 in saves), and Korotkov.
Back east, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod brings in Amur Khabarovsk. Juha Metsola and Ilya Proskuryakov draw the starts. Khabarovsk was first to score in the first period on an Oleg Li goal, assisted by Vladislav Ushenin and Vyacheslav Ushenin. Nizhny Novgorod tied it on an Alexander Budkin power play goal in the second period, powered by Vladimir Galuzin and Sergei Kostitsyn. In the shootout, Galuzin's lone tally gave Torpedo the 2-1 win. The three stars were Galuzin, Proskuryakov (22 for 23 in saves), and Metsola (26 for 27 in saves).
Nearby, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hosts SKA St. Petersburg. Mikko Koskinen and Alexei Murygin guard the cages. St. Petersburg started in the first period on a Vadim Shipachyov goal, assisted by Evgeny Dadonov. SKA added on with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, with a lone assist by Anton Burdasov. Yaroslavl got on the board with a Yegor Korshkov goal in the second period, via Staffan Kronwall and Alexander Polunin. Lokomotiv tied it as Jonas Enlund scored, thanks to Ilya Lyubushkin and Denis Mosalyov. St. Petersburg took the lead back with a Kovalchuk power play goal, powered by Vyacheslav Voynov and Shipachyov. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Kovalchuk, Shipachyov, and Koskinen (28 for 30 in saves).
Out in Belarus, Dinamo Minsk welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Ivan Nalimov and Kevin Lalande are the goalies. Vladivostok led off with a shorthanded goal by Dmitry Sayustov, going in unassisted. Minsk tied it on a Ryan Vesce power play goal in the second period, powered by Jonathan Cheechoo and Matt Ellison. Dinamo took the lead with a Nick Bailen goal, via Sergei Drozd and Nikita Komarov. Minsk added on with a Cheechoo power play goal, assisted by Ryan Gunderson and Vesce. Dinamo extended the lead as Ellison scored, thanks to Cheechoo. Admiral got one back on another Sayustov goal in the third period, his second of the game coming off of Alexei Ugarov and David Booth. Minsk shot back with a Bailen power play goal, with helpers from Ellison and Gunderson. Vladivostok pulled back on a Kirill Voronin goal, guided in by Artyom Podshendyalov. The final held at 5-3, with the three stars being Cheechoo, Bailen, and Sayustov, while Vesce, Ellison, and Gunderson get the honorable mentions.
Finally, Severstal Cherepovets brings in Metallurg Nozokuznetsk. Vladislav Podyapolsky is mismatched with Jakub Stepanek in goal. Novokuznetsk began in the first period with an Alexei Razumov goal, going in unassisted. Metallurg added on in the second period on an Alexei Dostoinov goal, fueled by Ignat Zemchenko. Cherepovets got on the board with an Artyom Kryukov goal, passed from Dmitry Kagarlitsky and Evgeny Mons. Novokuznetsk replied with an Alexander Romanov goal in the third period, coming off of Alexander Komaristy. This produced the 3-1 final, with the three stars given to Podyapolsky (31 for 32 in saves), Dostoinov, and Razumov.
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The Sochi Leopards hosting Spartak Moscow. Atte Engren and Konstantin Barulin are the veteran goalies. Sochi struck first in the first period on an Andre Petersson power play goal, powered by Andrei Kostitsyn. Moscow tied it in the second period on an Alexander Mereskin goal, via Charles Genoway and Konstantin Glazachev. The Leopards took the lead back with a Ben Maxwell goal, fueled by Petersson and Sergei Kuznetsov. The score stayed at 2-1, with the three stars going to Barulin (31 for 32 in saves), Petersson, and Maxwell.
Up in Moscow, CSKA welcome Sibir Novosibirsk. Alexander Salak and Ilya Sorokin make the starts. Moscow opened in the first period on an Alexander Radulov goal, made possible by Dmitry Kugryshev. CSKA added on with an Evgeny Korotkov goal, courtesy of Ivan Telegin and Vladimir Zharkov. Novosibirsk got on the board in the second period as Maxim Shalunov scored a power play goal, powered by Konstantin Alexeyev. Moscow iced it at 3-1 with a Bogdan Kiselevich goal in the third period, coming off of Radulov. The three stars were Radulov, Sorokin (22 for 23 in saves), and Korotkov.
Back east, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod brings in Amur Khabarovsk. Juha Metsola and Ilya Proskuryakov draw the starts. Khabarovsk was first to score in the first period on an Oleg Li goal, assisted by Vladislav Ushenin and Vyacheslav Ushenin. Nizhny Novgorod tied it on an Alexander Budkin power play goal in the second period, powered by Vladimir Galuzin and Sergei Kostitsyn. In the shootout, Galuzin's lone tally gave Torpedo the 2-1 win. The three stars were Galuzin, Proskuryakov (22 for 23 in saves), and Metsola (26 for 27 in saves).
Nearby, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hosts SKA St. Petersburg. Mikko Koskinen and Alexei Murygin guard the cages. St. Petersburg started in the first period on a Vadim Shipachyov goal, assisted by Evgeny Dadonov. SKA added on with an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, with a lone assist by Anton Burdasov. Yaroslavl got on the board with a Yegor Korshkov goal in the second period, via Staffan Kronwall and Alexander Polunin. Lokomotiv tied it as Jonas Enlund scored, thanks to Ilya Lyubushkin and Denis Mosalyov. St. Petersburg took the lead back with a Kovalchuk power play goal, powered by Vyacheslav Voynov and Shipachyov. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars going to Kovalchuk, Shipachyov, and Koskinen (28 for 30 in saves).
Out in Belarus, Dinamo Minsk welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Ivan Nalimov and Kevin Lalande are the goalies. Vladivostok led off with a shorthanded goal by Dmitry Sayustov, going in unassisted. Minsk tied it on a Ryan Vesce power play goal in the second period, powered by Jonathan Cheechoo and Matt Ellison. Dinamo took the lead with a Nick Bailen goal, via Sergei Drozd and Nikita Komarov. Minsk added on with a Cheechoo power play goal, assisted by Ryan Gunderson and Vesce. Dinamo extended the lead as Ellison scored, thanks to Cheechoo. Admiral got one back on another Sayustov goal in the third period, his second of the game coming off of Alexei Ugarov and David Booth. Minsk shot back with a Bailen power play goal, with helpers from Ellison and Gunderson. Vladivostok pulled back on a Kirill Voronin goal, guided in by Artyom Podshendyalov. The final held at 5-3, with the three stars being Cheechoo, Bailen, and Sayustov, while Vesce, Ellison, and Gunderson get the honorable mentions.
Finally, Severstal Cherepovets brings in Metallurg Nozokuznetsk. Vladislav Podyapolsky is mismatched with Jakub Stepanek in goal. Novokuznetsk began in the first period with an Alexei Razumov goal, going in unassisted. Metallurg added on in the second period on an Alexei Dostoinov goal, fueled by Ignat Zemchenko. Cherepovets got on the board with an Artyom Kryukov goal, passed from Dmitry Kagarlitsky and Evgeny Mons. Novokuznetsk replied with an Alexander Romanov goal in the third period, coming off of Alexander Komaristy. This produced the 3-1 final, with the three stars given to Podyapolsky (31 for 32 in saves), Dostoinov, and Razumov.
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Friday, November 27, 2015
2015-16 NHL Season - Day 51
Twelve games on to complement your leftovers and turkey hangovers for today. The NHL is back, beginning with...
The Boston Bruins hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Tuukka Rask tend the twines. Boston opened with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his eighth of the season, with a lone assist from Torey Krug. New York tied it in the second period on an Oscar Lindberg goal, his eighth of the year, via J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast. The Rangers took the lead on a Rick Nash goal in his eighth of the season, coming off of Ryan McDonagh. The Bruins retied it on a Brett Connolly power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Colin Miller and Jimmy Hayes. New York took the lead back on a third period Miller goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Keith Yandle and Kevin Klein. Boston tied it again with a Ryan Spooner power play goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Loui Eriksson and Krug. The Bruins gained the lead on a David Krejci goal, his ninth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The final stood at 4-3, with the three stars going to Miller, Krejci, and Krug.
Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Michal Neuvirth make the starts in goal. Nashville led off in the first period on a Filip Forsberg goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Mike Ribeiro and James Neal. Philadelphia tied it on a Michael Del Zotto goal, fueled by Brayden Schenn and Claude Giroux. The Flyers took the lead back on a Colin McDonald goal in the third period, via Evgeny Medvedev and Scott Laughton. The Predators retied it with a Mike Fisher goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Philadelphia won 3-2 in overtime on a Shayne Gostisbehere goal, his third of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The three stars went to Giroux, Gostisbehere, and McDonald.
Northwest to Minnesota, where the Wild bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Connor Hellebuyck and Devan Dubnyk are in the blue paint. Winnipeg got going in the second period on a Mathieu Perreault power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Dustin Byfuglien and Blake Wheeler. The Jets added on in the third period on a Byfuglien goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Adam Lowry and Alex Burmistrov. Minnesota got on the board with a Ryan Carter goal, his third of the season, guided in by Chris Porter and Jonas Brodin. Winnipeg answered on a Nikolaj Ehlers goal, his fifth of the year, via Chris Thorburn. This held for a 3-1 win, with the three stars going to Byfuglien, Hellebuyck (14 for 15 in saves), and Ehlers.
Back east, the Washington Capitals host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Braden Holtby man the nets. Washington started in the first period on an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Jason Chimera and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Capitals added on with a Chimera goal, his sixth of the year, coming on the power play in the second period from Kuznetsov and Matt Niskanen. Washington extended the lead as Marcus Johansson scored his fourth of the season, with the help of John Carlson and Nate Schmidt. The Capitals padded the lead in the third period on a T.J. Oshie goal, his sixth of the year, a power play goal helped along by Nicklas Backstrom and Carlson. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Brian Boyle goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Ryan Callahan and J.T. Brown. The Lightning got closer with a Victor Hedman goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist by Vladislav Namestnikov. This made it 4-2, with the three stars being Chimera, Kuznetsov, and Carlson.
Out west, the Anaheim Ducks welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and John Gibson are in goal. Anaheim began in the first period on an Andrew Cogliano goal, his third of the season, via Carl Hagelin and Cam Fowler. The Ducks added on in the second period with a Chris Stewart goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Hampus Lindholm and Ryan Kesler. Chicago got on the board in the third period with a Marian Hossa goal, his fourth of the season, coming on the power play from Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks tied it on a Keith goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Seabrook and Patrick Kane. Chicago won 3-2 in overtime on an Artem Anisimov goal, his tenth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Seabrook, who got a sock trick. The three stars belonged to Seabrook, Keith, and Anisimov.
Back east at the normal times, the Buffalo Sabres bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Chad Johnson are the mediocre goalies. Buffalo struck first in the first period on a Josh Gorges goal, fueled by Rasmus Ristolainen and Jamie McGinn. Carolina tied it on a Victor Rask goal in the second period, his seventh of the season, coming off of Eric Staal and Elias Lindholm. The Sabres took the lead back with a Jack Eichel goal, his eighth of the year, going in unassisted. Buffalo added on as Brian Gionta scored his second of the season, thanks to Matt Moulson. Eddie Lack replaced Ward for the third period. The Sabres extended the lead in the third period with a David Legwand goal, his second of the year, assisted by McGinn and Tim Schaller. The final held at 4-1, with the three stars being McGinn, Johnson (27 for 28 in saves), and Eichel.
Down in New Jersey, the Devils host the Montreal Canadiens. Mike Condon is mismatched with Cory Schneider in goal. New Jersey dented the scoreboard in the second period on an Adam Henrique goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of John Moore and Lee Stempniak. The Devils added on with a Stempniak power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Mike Cammalleri and Patrik Elias. Montreal got on the board with a Sven Andrigehtto goal, his second of the season, coming off of Lars Eller. The Canadiens tied it in the third period as Alex Galchenyuk scored his fifth of the year, with the help of Max Pacioretty and Andrei Markov. The tie went to a shootout, where Galchenyuk was matched by Jacob Josefson but no one answered Andrighetto, giving the Canadiens a 3-2 win. The three stars were handed to Andrighetto, Galchenyuk, and Stempniak.
Westward to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets welcoming the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky protect the nets. Pittsburgh got going in the third period on an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Sidney Crosby. Columbus tied it on a Ryan Johansen goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Brandon Saad and Kevin Connauton. The Blue Jackets won 2-1 in overtime with a Cam Atkinson goal, his sixth of the campaign, made possible by Brandon Dubinsky and Jack Johnson. The three stars were given to Atkinson, Bobrovsky (24 for 25 in saves), and Fleury (41 for 43 in saves).
Up to Detroit, with the Red Wings bringing in the Edmonton Oilers. Jimmy Howard and Cam Talbot are the underrated goalies. Detroit dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Gustav Nyquist goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Mike Green and Tomas Tatar. The Red Wings added on with a Tatar goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Nyquist and Jonathan Ericsson. Edmonton got on the board with an Iiro Pakarinen goal, his second of the season, via Anton Lander and Teddy Purcell. The Oilers tied it on a power play goal by Andrej Sekera, his second of the year, powered by Mark Letestu and Benoit Pouliot. Detroit retook the lead with a Dylan Larkin goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg. Edmonton tied it in the third period on a Pakarinen goal, his second of the game and third of the year, going in unassisted. The Red Wings won 4-3 with a Niklas Kronwall goal in overtime, guided in by Larkin and Zetterberg. The three stars were Larkin, Pakarinen, and Zetterberg, while Tatar and Nyquist get the honorable mentions.
Way to the south, the Florida Panthers host the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Roberto Luongo guard the cages. Florida was first to score in the first period on a Brandon Pirri goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Jaromir Jagr and Erik Gudbranson. The Panthers added on in the second period with a Jussi Jokinen goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Vincent Trocheck. New York got on the board in the third period on a Ryan Strome goal, his second of the season, fueled by Mikhail Grabovski and Marek Zidlicky. The Islanders tied it on a Josh Bailey goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Frans Nielsen and Zidlicky. In the shootout, there were nine tallies, with the majority from the Panthers' Pirri, Trocheck, Nick Bjgustad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Aleksander Barkov, while the minority were from the Islanders' Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, John Tavares, and Bailey. The three stars went to Pirri, Trocheck, and Zidlicky, while Nielsen and Bailey get the honorable mentions.
Heading west, the Dallas Stars welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and Antti Niemi occupy the creases. Dallas opened in the first period with a Jamie Benn power play goal, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Patrick Sharp and Tyler Seguin. Vancouver tied it on a Daniel Sedin goal in the second period, his eleventh of the year, helped along by Jannik Hansen. The Stars retook the lead on a Jason Spezza power play goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of John Klingberg and Sharp. The Canucks tied it in the third period on a Henrik Sedin power play goal, his eighth of the year, passed from Daniel Sedin and Radim Vrbata. In the shootout, the Stars won 3-2 on a lone tally from Seguin. The three stars went to Seguin, Daniel Sedin, and Sharp.
Finally, the Arizona Coyotes bring in the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Mike Smith are the inconsistent goalies. Arizona drew first blood in the second period on a Martin Hanzal goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Tobias Rieder. Calgary tied it on a Mark Giordano goal, his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Johnny Gaudreau and Jiri Hudler. The Coyotes won 2-1 in overtime with an Oliver Ekman-Larsson goal, his fifth of the campaign, assisted by Brad Richardson and Max Domi. The three stars went to Ekman-Larsson, Smith (25 for 26 in saves), and Hanzal.
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The Boston Bruins hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Tuukka Rask tend the twines. Boston opened with a Patrice Bergeron goal, his eighth of the season, with a lone assist from Torey Krug. New York tied it in the second period on an Oscar Lindberg goal, his eighth of the year, via J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast. The Rangers took the lead on a Rick Nash goal in his eighth of the season, coming off of Ryan McDonagh. The Bruins retied it on a Brett Connolly power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Colin Miller and Jimmy Hayes. New York took the lead back on a third period Miller goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Keith Yandle and Kevin Klein. Boston tied it again with a Ryan Spooner power play goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Loui Eriksson and Krug. The Bruins gained the lead on a David Krejci goal, his ninth of the campaign, going in unassisted. The final stood at 4-3, with the three stars going to Miller, Krejci, and Krug.
Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Michal Neuvirth make the starts in goal. Nashville led off in the first period on a Filip Forsberg goal, his third of the season, courtesy of Mike Ribeiro and James Neal. Philadelphia tied it on a Michael Del Zotto goal, fueled by Brayden Schenn and Claude Giroux. The Flyers took the lead back on a Colin McDonald goal in the third period, via Evgeny Medvedev and Scott Laughton. The Predators retied it with a Mike Fisher goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Philadelphia won 3-2 in overtime on a Shayne Gostisbehere goal, his third of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The three stars went to Giroux, Gostisbehere, and McDonald.
Northwest to Minnesota, where the Wild bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Connor Hellebuyck and Devan Dubnyk are in the blue paint. Winnipeg got going in the second period on a Mathieu Perreault power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Dustin Byfuglien and Blake Wheeler. The Jets added on in the third period on a Byfuglien goal, his seventh of the year, made possible by Adam Lowry and Alex Burmistrov. Minnesota got on the board with a Ryan Carter goal, his third of the season, guided in by Chris Porter and Jonas Brodin. Winnipeg answered on a Nikolaj Ehlers goal, his fifth of the year, via Chris Thorburn. This held for a 3-1 win, with the three stars going to Byfuglien, Hellebuyck (14 for 15 in saves), and Ehlers.
Back east, the Washington Capitals host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Braden Holtby man the nets. Washington started in the first period on an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Jason Chimera and Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Capitals added on with a Chimera goal, his sixth of the year, coming on the power play in the second period from Kuznetsov and Matt Niskanen. Washington extended the lead as Marcus Johansson scored his fourth of the season, with the help of John Carlson and Nate Schmidt. The Capitals padded the lead in the third period on a T.J. Oshie goal, his sixth of the year, a power play goal helped along by Nicklas Backstrom and Carlson. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Brian Boyle goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Ryan Callahan and J.T. Brown. The Lightning got closer with a Victor Hedman goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist by Vladislav Namestnikov. This made it 4-2, with the three stars being Chimera, Kuznetsov, and Carlson.
Out west, the Anaheim Ducks welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and John Gibson are in goal. Anaheim began in the first period on an Andrew Cogliano goal, his third of the season, via Carl Hagelin and Cam Fowler. The Ducks added on in the second period with a Chris Stewart goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Hampus Lindholm and Ryan Kesler. Chicago got on the board in the third period with a Marian Hossa goal, his fourth of the season, coming on the power play from Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks tied it on a Keith goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Seabrook and Patrick Kane. Chicago won 3-2 in overtime on an Artem Anisimov goal, his tenth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Seabrook, who got a sock trick. The three stars belonged to Seabrook, Keith, and Anisimov.
Back east at the normal times, the Buffalo Sabres bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Chad Johnson are the mediocre goalies. Buffalo struck first in the first period on a Josh Gorges goal, fueled by Rasmus Ristolainen and Jamie McGinn. Carolina tied it on a Victor Rask goal in the second period, his seventh of the season, coming off of Eric Staal and Elias Lindholm. The Sabres took the lead back with a Jack Eichel goal, his eighth of the year, going in unassisted. Buffalo added on as Brian Gionta scored his second of the season, thanks to Matt Moulson. Eddie Lack replaced Ward for the third period. The Sabres extended the lead in the third period with a David Legwand goal, his second of the year, assisted by McGinn and Tim Schaller. The final held at 4-1, with the three stars being McGinn, Johnson (27 for 28 in saves), and Eichel.
Down in New Jersey, the Devils host the Montreal Canadiens. Mike Condon is mismatched with Cory Schneider in goal. New Jersey dented the scoreboard in the second period on an Adam Henrique goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of John Moore and Lee Stempniak. The Devils added on with a Stempniak power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Mike Cammalleri and Patrik Elias. Montreal got on the board with a Sven Andrigehtto goal, his second of the season, coming off of Lars Eller. The Canadiens tied it in the third period as Alex Galchenyuk scored his fifth of the year, with the help of Max Pacioretty and Andrei Markov. The tie went to a shootout, where Galchenyuk was matched by Jacob Josefson but no one answered Andrighetto, giving the Canadiens a 3-2 win. The three stars were handed to Andrighetto, Galchenyuk, and Stempniak.
Westward to Columbus, with the Blue Jackets welcoming the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Sergei Bobrovsky protect the nets. Pittsburgh got going in the third period on an Evgeni Malkin power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Sidney Crosby. Columbus tied it on a Ryan Johansen goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Brandon Saad and Kevin Connauton. The Blue Jackets won 2-1 in overtime with a Cam Atkinson goal, his sixth of the campaign, made possible by Brandon Dubinsky and Jack Johnson. The three stars were given to Atkinson, Bobrovsky (24 for 25 in saves), and Fleury (41 for 43 in saves).
Up to Detroit, with the Red Wings bringing in the Edmonton Oilers. Jimmy Howard and Cam Talbot are the underrated goalies. Detroit dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Gustav Nyquist goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Mike Green and Tomas Tatar. The Red Wings added on with a Tatar goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Nyquist and Jonathan Ericsson. Edmonton got on the board with an Iiro Pakarinen goal, his second of the season, via Anton Lander and Teddy Purcell. The Oilers tied it on a power play goal by Andrej Sekera, his second of the year, powered by Mark Letestu and Benoit Pouliot. Detroit retook the lead with a Dylan Larkin goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Henrik Zetterberg. Edmonton tied it in the third period on a Pakarinen goal, his second of the game and third of the year, going in unassisted. The Red Wings won 4-3 with a Niklas Kronwall goal in overtime, guided in by Larkin and Zetterberg. The three stars were Larkin, Pakarinen, and Zetterberg, while Tatar and Nyquist get the honorable mentions.
Way to the south, the Florida Panthers host the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Roberto Luongo guard the cages. Florida was first to score in the first period on a Brandon Pirri goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Jaromir Jagr and Erik Gudbranson. The Panthers added on in the second period with a Jussi Jokinen goal, his sixth of the year, assisted by Vincent Trocheck. New York got on the board in the third period on a Ryan Strome goal, his second of the season, fueled by Mikhail Grabovski and Marek Zidlicky. The Islanders tied it on a Josh Bailey goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Frans Nielsen and Zidlicky. In the shootout, there were nine tallies, with the majority from the Panthers' Pirri, Trocheck, Nick Bjgustad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Aleksander Barkov, while the minority were from the Islanders' Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, John Tavares, and Bailey. The three stars went to Pirri, Trocheck, and Zidlicky, while Nielsen and Bailey get the honorable mentions.
Heading west, the Dallas Stars welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and Antti Niemi occupy the creases. Dallas opened in the first period with a Jamie Benn power play goal, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Patrick Sharp and Tyler Seguin. Vancouver tied it on a Daniel Sedin goal in the second period, his eleventh of the year, helped along by Jannik Hansen. The Stars retook the lead on a Jason Spezza power play goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of John Klingberg and Sharp. The Canucks tied it in the third period on a Henrik Sedin power play goal, his eighth of the year, passed from Daniel Sedin and Radim Vrbata. In the shootout, the Stars won 3-2 on a lone tally from Seguin. The three stars went to Seguin, Daniel Sedin, and Sharp.
Finally, the Arizona Coyotes bring in the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Mike Smith are the inconsistent goalies. Arizona drew first blood in the second period on a Martin Hanzal goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Tobias Rieder. Calgary tied it on a Mark Giordano goal, his fifth of the year, a power play goal powered by Johnny Gaudreau and Jiri Hudler. The Coyotes won 2-1 in overtime with an Oliver Ekman-Larsson goal, his fifth of the campaign, assisted by Brad Richardson and Max Domi. The three stars went to Ekman-Larsson, Smith (25 for 26 in saves), and Hanzal.
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2015/16 KHL Season - Day 85
Four games on for the KHL today, beginning with...
Barys Astana hosting Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Niklas Svedberg and Jan Laco are in goal. Ufa began with an unassisted Nikolai Prokhorkin goal. Salavat Yulaev added on with another Prokhorkin goal, helped along by Ivan Vishnevsky and Maxim Mayorov. Ufa extended the lead in the third period as Denis Bodrov scored, thanks to Linus Omark and Zakhar Arzamastsev. Astana got on the board with a Roman Starchenko goal, via Maxim Semyonov and Keaton Ellerby. Salavat Yulaev replied on a Sami Lepisto power play goal, powered by Alexander Loginov and Omark. The final stood at 4-1, with the three stars being Prokhorkin, Svedberg (24 for 25 in saves), and Omark.
Up in Yekaterinburg, Avtomobilist welcomes Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Jakub Kovar tend the twines. Moscow struck first in the first period on a Maxim Pestushko goal, assisted by Alexei Tsvetkov. Dynamo added on with another Pestushko goal in the second period, fueled by Tsvetkov and Martins Karsums. Yekaterinburg got on the board with an Eero Elo goal in the third period, passed from Alexei Mikhnov and Petr Koukal. Moscow shot back on a Konstantin Gorovikov goal, coming off of Denis Kokarev and Maxim Solovyov. Dynamo iced it at 4-1 with a Kokarev goal, with a lone assist by Daniil Tarasov. The three stars went to Pestushko, Kokarev, and Tsvetkov.
Into Chelyabinsk, where Traktor brings in Vityaz Podolsk. Harri Sateri and Pavel Francouz are between the pipes. Podolsk was first to score in the first period on a Mario Kempe goal, guided in by Roman Horak and Dmitry Kostromitin. Chelyabinsk tied it on an Alexander Rybakov goal, passed from Danil Gubarev and Konstantin Klimontov. Traktor took the lead as Semyon Kokuyov scored a power play goal, powered by Alexander Shinin and Klimontov. Chelyabinsk added on in the second period on an Andrei Pervyshin goal, courtesy of Dmitry Pestunov and Stanislav Chistov. Traktor extended the lead in the third period with a Deron Quint power play goal, with a lone helper by Pestunov. The final stood at 4-1, with Francouz (22 for 23 in saves), Klimontov, and Pestunov getting the three stars.
Finally, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Ilya Samsonov and Ivan Lisutin are in the creases. Magnitogorsk led off in the first period on a Wojtek Wolski goal, fueled by Sergei Mozyakin. Nizhnekamsk tied it on a second period power play goal by Pavel Zdunov, powered by Nikita Shchitov and Yegor Milovzorov. Metallurg took the lead back with a Jan Kovar goal, guided in by Mozyakin and Danis Zaripov on the power play. Neftekhimik tied it again with an Alexander Kitarov goal, via Pavel Poryadin. Magnitogorsk won 3-2 in overtime on a Chris Lee goal, set up by Wolski. The three stars went to Wolski, Lee, and Mozyakin.
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Barys Astana hosting Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Niklas Svedberg and Jan Laco are in goal. Ufa began with an unassisted Nikolai Prokhorkin goal. Salavat Yulaev added on with another Prokhorkin goal, helped along by Ivan Vishnevsky and Maxim Mayorov. Ufa extended the lead in the third period as Denis Bodrov scored, thanks to Linus Omark and Zakhar Arzamastsev. Astana got on the board with a Roman Starchenko goal, via Maxim Semyonov and Keaton Ellerby. Salavat Yulaev replied on a Sami Lepisto power play goal, powered by Alexander Loginov and Omark. The final stood at 4-1, with the three stars being Prokhorkin, Svedberg (24 for 25 in saves), and Omark.
Up in Yekaterinburg, Avtomobilist welcomes Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko and Jakub Kovar tend the twines. Moscow struck first in the first period on a Maxim Pestushko goal, assisted by Alexei Tsvetkov. Dynamo added on with another Pestushko goal in the second period, fueled by Tsvetkov and Martins Karsums. Yekaterinburg got on the board with an Eero Elo goal in the third period, passed from Alexei Mikhnov and Petr Koukal. Moscow shot back on a Konstantin Gorovikov goal, coming off of Denis Kokarev and Maxim Solovyov. Dynamo iced it at 4-1 with a Kokarev goal, with a lone assist by Daniil Tarasov. The three stars went to Pestushko, Kokarev, and Tsvetkov.
Into Chelyabinsk, where Traktor brings in Vityaz Podolsk. Harri Sateri and Pavel Francouz are between the pipes. Podolsk was first to score in the first period on a Mario Kempe goal, guided in by Roman Horak and Dmitry Kostromitin. Chelyabinsk tied it on an Alexander Rybakov goal, passed from Danil Gubarev and Konstantin Klimontov. Traktor took the lead as Semyon Kokuyov scored a power play goal, powered by Alexander Shinin and Klimontov. Chelyabinsk added on in the second period on an Andrei Pervyshin goal, courtesy of Dmitry Pestunov and Stanislav Chistov. Traktor extended the lead in the third period with a Deron Quint power play goal, with a lone helper by Pestunov. The final stood at 4-1, with Francouz (22 for 23 in saves), Klimontov, and Pestunov getting the three stars.
Finally, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Ilya Samsonov and Ivan Lisutin are in the creases. Magnitogorsk led off in the first period on a Wojtek Wolski goal, fueled by Sergei Mozyakin. Nizhnekamsk tied it on a second period power play goal by Pavel Zdunov, powered by Nikita Shchitov and Yegor Milovzorov. Metallurg took the lead back with a Jan Kovar goal, guided in by Mozyakin and Danis Zaripov on the power play. Neftekhimik tied it again with an Alexander Kitarov goal, via Pavel Poryadin. Magnitogorsk won 3-2 in overtime on a Chris Lee goal, set up by Wolski. The three stars went to Wolski, Lee, and Mozyakin.
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Thursday, November 26, 2015
NHL Playoffs Prediction at Thanksgiving
Ken Holland, Detroit Red Wings GM, is known for saying that teams in playoff positions at Thanksgiving will likely be in playoff spots at the end of the season. Statistics show that this holds up about 75 percent of the time. With that, let's take a look at the four teams that will fall out by April, and the four lucky teams that will replace them.
Detroit Red Wings (11-8-3, 25 points): We'll start by looking at Holland's own team, the Red Wings, who are very familiar with being in good spots at Thanksgiving, since they've made the playoffs every year in my life and then some. They currently hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but also in a three-way tie for third in the Atlantic Division with the Bruins (more on them later) and Lightning, but also with the Islanders for the wild card. There's a lot to like about the Red Wings, who have a group of veterans with Cup experience, and two solid goalies in Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek. However, the core is only producing 2.28 goals per game, in the mid-20s league-wide, and as the season wears on, the veterans will not hold up as well. When injuries start piling up, no amount of Dylan Larkin is going to extend the Red Wings' historical playoff streak.
New York Islanders (11-8-3, 25 points): The tiebreaker is currently betraying the Islanders, but they should be able to cash in on the expected misfortunes of the Red Wings. The Islanders are tied with the Red Wings on Thanksgiving, but the Islanders have much better goal scoring led by star center John Tavares and slightly better goaltending in Jaroslav Halak. The key to the Islanders grabbing a playoff spot is the health of those two players, who have missed a handful of games each this season. The Islanders will also need to pay attention to health as a whole, as their very physical bottom-six and defense may wear down a bit more than more skill-oriented teams.
Boston Bruins (12-8-1, 25 points): The Bruins are in third in the Atlantic Division, but how they've gotten there is a bit unusual. Offseason moves sent Milan Lucic to the Kings and Dougie Hamilton to the Flames, leaving the forwards and defense groups depleted for the upcoming season. Injuries to top defenders Dennis Seidenberg and Zdeno Chara got the Bruins off to a rocky start, but they have remained competitive with production from players like Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, which lead them to the third-best offense in the league. If the Bruins want to hold on, Finnish goalie Tuukka Rask will have to return to career averages, a trajectory he's been aiming toward in recent games. The defense will remain suspect, with graybeards leading the way and inexperienced players at the bottom making sure Rask faces a lot of rubber every game.
Florida Panthers (8-9-4, 20 points): The Panthers are currently five points out of the playoffs, which is practically a death sentence at this point in the season. Still, the chemistry between Jaromir Jagr, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Aleksander Barkov can't be denied, and a young team should be able to grow this season. At the back, Roberto Luongo is still a world-class goalie despite his advanced age. With Aaron Ekblad developing into a team leader on defense, and the Panthers holding reasonable averages in most offense and defense categories, their current level of production may be able to luck them into the playoffs should teams in front of them falter.
Minnesota Wild (11-6-3, 25 points): The Wild are an interesting team, currently in the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Wild have a top offense, ranked seventh in the league, but they're shooting nearly 11 percent, which has to be unsustainable, especially with Zach Parise still not back in the lineup yet. Devan Dubnyk hasn't played as well as he did at the end of last season either, playing closer to his career averages, and any drop-off in offense will almost assuredly leave the Wild out of a playoff spot in a Central Division that will probably send five teams to the playoffs easily.
Winnipeg Jets (10-11-2, 22 points): The Winnipeg Jets should benefit from the Wild falling off a bit. The Jets have not faced many major injuries to offensive contributors, and trading Evander Kane last season was a bit of addition by subtraction. The Jets also have one of the best first lines in the game with Bryan Little, Andrew Ladd, and Blake Wheeler. The defense is also serviceable on all three pairings, though no defenseman on the team is truly great. Their shooting percentage is in the middle of the league at 9.3 percent, and they've scored outscored the Wild so far this season. Additionally, the injury to Ondrej Pavelec could be a blessing in disguise. Michael Hutchinson and Connor Hellebuyck will man the net in Pavelec's absence, and if they can bring up the mediocre save percentage, there's no reason to think the Jets won't make the playoffs for a second straight year.
Vancouver Canucks (9-8-6, 24 points): The first thing that should give Canucks fans pause is the 6 at the end of their record. Six regulation losses in 23 games is a worrisome trend for Vancouver. The defense isn't much to brag about either, and Ryan Miller isn't getting any younger. Miller has looked vulnerable in previous seasons, especially late, and Jacob Markstrom is unproven as a backup at the NHL level. The Canucks do have an advantage in their offense, including a resurgent Sedin twins working with Radim Vrbata. Their center depth, with Bo Horvat and Jared McCann is also concerning, and it makes the Canucks look vulnerable despite occupying the third spot in the Pacific, especially considering the team creeping up behind them that should take their spot.
Anaheim Ducks (8-11-4, 20 points): The Ducks' problems this season are well documented, with their very light offense to start the season and inconsistency in goal with Frederik Andersen and Anton Khudobin. Still, these are the Ducks, a team many people believed to be Cup-competitive this season. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are beginning to click, Ryan Kesler's slump is coming to an end, and the defense is laden with many very solid players. As soon as Jakob Silfverberg gets going in the top-six, and maybe a trade occurs to inject some new life into the roster, the Ducks will be just fine, and the Canucks are all but certain to pay for it by falling out of the last playoff spot for the Pacific Division. Their offense cannot be this bad for an entire 82-game schedule.
If I had to take a guess, the Ducks and Islanders are the best bets for making the playoffs if less than four teams can make the jump. The Bruins and Canucks are most likely to fall out, but only time will tell, with three-quarters of a season left for anyone to get on a big run or slump and shake everything up.
Detroit Red Wings (11-8-3, 25 points): We'll start by looking at Holland's own team, the Red Wings, who are very familiar with being in good spots at Thanksgiving, since they've made the playoffs every year in my life and then some. They currently hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but also in a three-way tie for third in the Atlantic Division with the Bruins (more on them later) and Lightning, but also with the Islanders for the wild card. There's a lot to like about the Red Wings, who have a group of veterans with Cup experience, and two solid goalies in Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek. However, the core is only producing 2.28 goals per game, in the mid-20s league-wide, and as the season wears on, the veterans will not hold up as well. When injuries start piling up, no amount of Dylan Larkin is going to extend the Red Wings' historical playoff streak.
New York Islanders (11-8-3, 25 points): The tiebreaker is currently betraying the Islanders, but they should be able to cash in on the expected misfortunes of the Red Wings. The Islanders are tied with the Red Wings on Thanksgiving, but the Islanders have much better goal scoring led by star center John Tavares and slightly better goaltending in Jaroslav Halak. The key to the Islanders grabbing a playoff spot is the health of those two players, who have missed a handful of games each this season. The Islanders will also need to pay attention to health as a whole, as their very physical bottom-six and defense may wear down a bit more than more skill-oriented teams.
Boston Bruins (12-8-1, 25 points): The Bruins are in third in the Atlantic Division, but how they've gotten there is a bit unusual. Offseason moves sent Milan Lucic to the Kings and Dougie Hamilton to the Flames, leaving the forwards and defense groups depleted for the upcoming season. Injuries to top defenders Dennis Seidenberg and Zdeno Chara got the Bruins off to a rocky start, but they have remained competitive with production from players like Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, which lead them to the third-best offense in the league. If the Bruins want to hold on, Finnish goalie Tuukka Rask will have to return to career averages, a trajectory he's been aiming toward in recent games. The defense will remain suspect, with graybeards leading the way and inexperienced players at the bottom making sure Rask faces a lot of rubber every game.
Florida Panthers (8-9-4, 20 points): The Panthers are currently five points out of the playoffs, which is practically a death sentence at this point in the season. Still, the chemistry between Jaromir Jagr, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Aleksander Barkov can't be denied, and a young team should be able to grow this season. At the back, Roberto Luongo is still a world-class goalie despite his advanced age. With Aaron Ekblad developing into a team leader on defense, and the Panthers holding reasonable averages in most offense and defense categories, their current level of production may be able to luck them into the playoffs should teams in front of them falter.
Minnesota Wild (11-6-3, 25 points): The Wild are an interesting team, currently in the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Wild have a top offense, ranked seventh in the league, but they're shooting nearly 11 percent, which has to be unsustainable, especially with Zach Parise still not back in the lineup yet. Devan Dubnyk hasn't played as well as he did at the end of last season either, playing closer to his career averages, and any drop-off in offense will almost assuredly leave the Wild out of a playoff spot in a Central Division that will probably send five teams to the playoffs easily.
Winnipeg Jets (10-11-2, 22 points): The Winnipeg Jets should benefit from the Wild falling off a bit. The Jets have not faced many major injuries to offensive contributors, and trading Evander Kane last season was a bit of addition by subtraction. The Jets also have one of the best first lines in the game with Bryan Little, Andrew Ladd, and Blake Wheeler. The defense is also serviceable on all three pairings, though no defenseman on the team is truly great. Their shooting percentage is in the middle of the league at 9.3 percent, and they've scored outscored the Wild so far this season. Additionally, the injury to Ondrej Pavelec could be a blessing in disguise. Michael Hutchinson and Connor Hellebuyck will man the net in Pavelec's absence, and if they can bring up the mediocre save percentage, there's no reason to think the Jets won't make the playoffs for a second straight year.
Vancouver Canucks (9-8-6, 24 points): The first thing that should give Canucks fans pause is the 6 at the end of their record. Six regulation losses in 23 games is a worrisome trend for Vancouver. The defense isn't much to brag about either, and Ryan Miller isn't getting any younger. Miller has looked vulnerable in previous seasons, especially late, and Jacob Markstrom is unproven as a backup at the NHL level. The Canucks do have an advantage in their offense, including a resurgent Sedin twins working with Radim Vrbata. Their center depth, with Bo Horvat and Jared McCann is also concerning, and it makes the Canucks look vulnerable despite occupying the third spot in the Pacific, especially considering the team creeping up behind them that should take their spot.
Anaheim Ducks (8-11-4, 20 points): The Ducks' problems this season are well documented, with their very light offense to start the season and inconsistency in goal with Frederik Andersen and Anton Khudobin. Still, these are the Ducks, a team many people believed to be Cup-competitive this season. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are beginning to click, Ryan Kesler's slump is coming to an end, and the defense is laden with many very solid players. As soon as Jakob Silfverberg gets going in the top-six, and maybe a trade occurs to inject some new life into the roster, the Ducks will be just fine, and the Canucks are all but certain to pay for it by falling out of the last playoff spot for the Pacific Division. Their offense cannot be this bad for an entire 82-game schedule.
If I had to take a guess, the Ducks and Islanders are the best bets for making the playoffs if less than four teams can make the jump. The Bruins and Canucks are most likely to fall out, but only time will tell, with three-quarters of a season left for anyone to get on a big run or slump and shake everything up.
2015/16 KHL Season - Day 84
With no NHL hockey today, these six games from the KHL will have to quench the thirst for hockey. We begin with...
Lada Togliatti hosting SKA St. Petersburg. Mikko Koskinen and Edgars Masalskis are in goal. St. Petersburg struck first in the first period on an Alexander Kadeikin goal, coming off of Ilya Kovalchuk and Maxim Chudinov. Togliatti tied it on a power play goal by Dmitry Vorobyov, powered by Georgy Belousov. Lada took the lead on a shorthanded and unassisted Vasily Streltsov goal in the second period. SKA tied it again in the third period with a Joakim Lindstrom goal, courtesy of Anton Burdasov on the power play. St. Petersburg won 3-2 in overtime with a Dmitry Kalinin goal, assisted by Kovalchuk and Chudinov. The three stars were Kovalchuk, Chudinov, and Kalinin.
Along to Kazan, where Ak Bars welcomes Spartak Moscow. Atte Engren and Emil Garipov are the goalies. Moscow started in the first period on a Lukas Radil goal, via Grigory Shafigulin. Kazan tied it in the second period with a Dmitry Obukhov goal, made possible by Oscar Moller. Ak Bars took the lead on a Justin Azevedo goal, helped along by Mikhail Varnakov and Mikhail Glukhov. Kazan added on with a Vladimir Tkachyov goal, guided in by Andrei Chibisov and Artyom Lukoyanov. Ak Bars extended the lead in the third period as Varnakov scored, thanks to Azevedo and Albert Yarullin. Kazan padded the lead with a Tkachyov goal, assisted by Chibisov. Ak Bars finished it at 6-1 with another Tkachyov goal, securing his hat trick on a goal passed from Varnakov and Yakov Rylov. The three stars went to Tkachyov, Chibisov, and Varnakov, while Azevedo gets an honorable mention.
Speaking of Moscow, CSKA brings in Amur Khabarovsk. Juha Metsola and Ilya Sorokin draw the starts in goal. Moscow got going in the third period on a Nikita Zaitsev power play goal, powered by Dmitry Kugryshev and Bogdan Kiselevich. CSKA iced it at 2-0 with an Alexander Radulov empty net goal, set up by Artyom Sergeyev. The three stars went to Sorokin (19 save shutout), Zaitsev, and Metsola (35 for 36 in saves).
Up in Finland, Jokerit Helsinki hosts the Sochi Leopards. Konstantin Barulin and Henrik Karlsson are the reliable goalies. Helsinki opened in the first period on a Peter Regin power play goal, powered by Brandon Kozun and Niko Kapanen. Jokerit added on in the second period with a Jere Sallinen goal, fueled by Eetu Poysti and Philip Larsen. Sochi got on the board with an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, made possible by Renat Mamashev and Ilya Krikunov. Riku Helenius took over for an injured Karlsson late in the second period. The Leopards tied it on a Denis Kazionov goal, helped along by Vadim Shchegolkov. Sochi took the lead with a Mamashev goal, via Ben Maxwell and Krikunov. The Leopards extended the lead as Kostitsyn scored a power play goal, with a lone assist by Ziyat Paigin. Sochi padded the lead on an Andre Petersson goal, helped along by Pyotr Schastlivy. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars handed to Kostitsyn, Mamashev, and Krikunov.
Back in Russia, Severstal Cherepovets welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Igor Bobkov and Jakub Stepanek are set to start in goal. Vladivostok was first to score in the first period on an Oskars Bartulis goal, coming off of Jonathon Blum. Cherepovets tied it on a Dmitry Kagarlitsky goal, courtesy of Evgeny Mons. Admiral retook the lead on a Yegor Dugin goal in the second period, helped along by Alexei Ugarov and David Booth. Severstal retied it with a Pavel Buchnevich goal, assisted by Kagarlitsky. Vladivostok took the lead again as Dugin scored his second of the game, with the help of Booth and Bartulis. Admiral added on with Dugin's hat trick-sealing goal, a power play marker with a lone assist by Booth, who gets a sock trick. Cherepovets pulled back with a Buchnevich power play goal, his second of the game, guided in by Yury Trubachyov. Severstal tied it in the third period on an Ondrej Nemec goal, with helpers from Trubachyov and Buchnevich. The tie went to a shootout, where Booth had the only tally to give Admiral the 5-4 win. The three stars went to Dugin, Booth, and Buchnevich, while Kagarlitsky, Bartulis, and Trubachyov get the honorable mentions.
Finally, Dinamo Riga brings in Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Alexei Murygin and Jakub Sedlacek are the masked men. Yaroslavl drew first blood with a Denis Mosalyov goal in the first period, assisted by Staffan Kronwall and Daniil Apalkov. Lokomotiv added on in the second period with an Alexander Polunin goal, via Pavel Kraskovsky. Yaroslavl extended the lead in the third period as Sergei Konkov scored, thanks to Vladislav Kartayev and Emil Galimov. This held up for a 3-0 final, with the three stars going to Murygin (18 save shutout), Mosalyov, and Polunin.
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Lada Togliatti hosting SKA St. Petersburg. Mikko Koskinen and Edgars Masalskis are in goal. St. Petersburg struck first in the first period on an Alexander Kadeikin goal, coming off of Ilya Kovalchuk and Maxim Chudinov. Togliatti tied it on a power play goal by Dmitry Vorobyov, powered by Georgy Belousov. Lada took the lead on a shorthanded and unassisted Vasily Streltsov goal in the second period. SKA tied it again in the third period with a Joakim Lindstrom goal, courtesy of Anton Burdasov on the power play. St. Petersburg won 3-2 in overtime with a Dmitry Kalinin goal, assisted by Kovalchuk and Chudinov. The three stars were Kovalchuk, Chudinov, and Kalinin.
Along to Kazan, where Ak Bars welcomes Spartak Moscow. Atte Engren and Emil Garipov are the goalies. Moscow started in the first period on a Lukas Radil goal, via Grigory Shafigulin. Kazan tied it in the second period with a Dmitry Obukhov goal, made possible by Oscar Moller. Ak Bars took the lead on a Justin Azevedo goal, helped along by Mikhail Varnakov and Mikhail Glukhov. Kazan added on with a Vladimir Tkachyov goal, guided in by Andrei Chibisov and Artyom Lukoyanov. Ak Bars extended the lead in the third period as Varnakov scored, thanks to Azevedo and Albert Yarullin. Kazan padded the lead with a Tkachyov goal, assisted by Chibisov. Ak Bars finished it at 6-1 with another Tkachyov goal, securing his hat trick on a goal passed from Varnakov and Yakov Rylov. The three stars went to Tkachyov, Chibisov, and Varnakov, while Azevedo gets an honorable mention.
Speaking of Moscow, CSKA brings in Amur Khabarovsk. Juha Metsola and Ilya Sorokin draw the starts in goal. Moscow got going in the third period on a Nikita Zaitsev power play goal, powered by Dmitry Kugryshev and Bogdan Kiselevich. CSKA iced it at 2-0 with an Alexander Radulov empty net goal, set up by Artyom Sergeyev. The three stars went to Sorokin (19 save shutout), Zaitsev, and Metsola (35 for 36 in saves).
Up in Finland, Jokerit Helsinki hosts the Sochi Leopards. Konstantin Barulin and Henrik Karlsson are the reliable goalies. Helsinki opened in the first period on a Peter Regin power play goal, powered by Brandon Kozun and Niko Kapanen. Jokerit added on in the second period with a Jere Sallinen goal, fueled by Eetu Poysti and Philip Larsen. Sochi got on the board with an Andrei Kostitsyn goal, made possible by Renat Mamashev and Ilya Krikunov. Riku Helenius took over for an injured Karlsson late in the second period. The Leopards tied it on a Denis Kazionov goal, helped along by Vadim Shchegolkov. Sochi took the lead with a Mamashev goal, via Ben Maxwell and Krikunov. The Leopards extended the lead as Kostitsyn scored a power play goal, with a lone assist by Ziyat Paigin. Sochi padded the lead on an Andre Petersson goal, helped along by Pyotr Schastlivy. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars handed to Kostitsyn, Mamashev, and Krikunov.
Back in Russia, Severstal Cherepovets welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Igor Bobkov and Jakub Stepanek are set to start in goal. Vladivostok was first to score in the first period on an Oskars Bartulis goal, coming off of Jonathon Blum. Cherepovets tied it on a Dmitry Kagarlitsky goal, courtesy of Evgeny Mons. Admiral retook the lead on a Yegor Dugin goal in the second period, helped along by Alexei Ugarov and David Booth. Severstal retied it with a Pavel Buchnevich goal, assisted by Kagarlitsky. Vladivostok took the lead again as Dugin scored his second of the game, with the help of Booth and Bartulis. Admiral added on with Dugin's hat trick-sealing goal, a power play marker with a lone assist by Booth, who gets a sock trick. Cherepovets pulled back with a Buchnevich power play goal, his second of the game, guided in by Yury Trubachyov. Severstal tied it in the third period on an Ondrej Nemec goal, with helpers from Trubachyov and Buchnevich. The tie went to a shootout, where Booth had the only tally to give Admiral the 5-4 win. The three stars went to Dugin, Booth, and Buchnevich, while Kagarlitsky, Bartulis, and Trubachyov get the honorable mentions.
Finally, Dinamo Riga brings in Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Alexei Murygin and Jakub Sedlacek are the masked men. Yaroslavl drew first blood with a Denis Mosalyov goal in the first period, assisted by Staffan Kronwall and Daniil Apalkov. Lokomotiv added on in the second period with an Alexander Polunin goal, via Pavel Kraskovsky. Yaroslavl extended the lead in the third period as Sergei Konkov scored, thanks to Vladislav Kartayev and Emil Galimov. This held up for a 3-0 final, with the three stars going to Murygin (18 save shutout), Mosalyov, and Polunin.
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
2015-16 NHL Season - Day 50
A big 13 games on tonight, due to no games tomorrow for Thanksgiving. We begin with...
The Buffalo Sabres hosting the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Linus Ullmark are the unknown goalies. Nashville struck first in the first period with a Mike Fisher goal, his third of the season, coming off of Colin Wilson and Ryan Ellis. The Predators added on in the second period with a Craig Smith goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Mattias Ekholm. Nashville extended the lead as Cody Hodgson scored his second of the season, with the help of Gabriel Bourque and Calle Jarnkrok. Chad Johnson replaced Ullmark in goal. Buffalo got on the board with an Evander Kane goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Rasmus Ristolainen and Josh Gorges. The Sabres pulled closer in the third period on a Jack Eichel goal, his seventh of the campaign, assisted by Ryan O'Reilly and Zach Bogosian. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Hodgson, Smith, and Fisher.
Down in Carolina, the Hurricanes welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Anders Nilsson and Cam Ward are the middling goalies. Edmonton led off in the first period on a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Nail Yakupov. Carolina tied it on a Jordan Staal goal, his fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Andrej Nestrasil. The Hurricanes took the lead with a second period goal by Elias Lindholm, his third of the season, passed from Eric Staal and John-Michael Liles. Carolina added on with a Jeff Skinner goal, his fifth of the year, via Justin Faulk and Kris Versteeg. The Hurricanes iced it at 4-1 with a Nestrasil empty net goal, his second of the campaign, set up by Faulk and Jordan Staal. The three stars were Jordan Staal, Nestrasil, and Ward (30 for 31 in saves), while Faulk gets an honorable mention.
Back north, the New Jersey Devils bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Cory Schneider are the masked men. Columbus began in the first period on a William Karlsson goal, his third of the season, assisted by Nick Foligno and Jack Johnson. New Jersey tied it on an Adam Henrique goal, his tenth of the year, made possible by Mike Cammalleri in the second period. The Blue Jackets retook the lead on a Matt Calvert goal, his third of the campaign, guided in by Cam Atkinson and David Savard. The scoring ended here, with the final at 2-1, and the three stars were Bobrovsky (27 for 28 in saves), Calvert, and Karlsson.
Nearby, the New York Rangers host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. Montreal was first to score in the first period on a Sven Andrighetto goal, via Lars Eller and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens added on in the second period with a Devante Smith-Pelly goal, his second of the campaign, assisted by Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec. New York got on the board with a Rick Nash goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Ryan McDonagh and Derick Brassard on the power play. Mike Condon replaced an injured Price in the third period. Montreal answered in the third period on a Smith-Pelly goal, his second of the game and third of the year, passed from Plekanec. The Canadiens extended the lead as Alex Galchenyuk scored his fourth of the season, an unassisted goal. Montreal finished it at 5-1 with a Pacioretty power play goal, his twelfth of the year, powered by Galchenyuk and Plekanec, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars went to Smith-Pelly, Pacioretty, and Plekanec, while Galchenyuk gets an honorable mention.
West to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Marc-Andre Fleury guard the cages. St. Louis started in the first period on a Paul Stastny power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Alexander Steen and Kevin Shattenkirk. Pittsburgh tied it on a Sidney Crosby goal, his fourth of the year, helped along by Pascal Dupuis. The Penguins took the lead on a Crosby power play goal in the second period, his second of the game and fifth of the season, assisted by Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The Blues retied it on a Robby Fabbri goal, his fourth of the year, coming in the third period from Alex Pietrangelo. Pittsburgh retook the lead on a Ben Lovejoy goal, his second of the season, via David Perron and Letang. St. Louis equalized with a Pietrangelo goal, his second of the year, fueled by Stastny and Steen. The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime with a Malkin goal, his eighth of the campaign, set up by Phil Kessel and Lovejoy. The three stars went to Malkin, Crosby, and Lovejoy, while Stastny, Steen, Pietrangelo, and Letang get the honorable mentions.
Back in DC, the Washington Capitals bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Braden Holtby are in the creases. Washington opened in the first period on a Justin Williams goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of John Carlson and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Winnipeg tied it on a Tyler Myers goal, his second of the year, via Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little. The Jets took the lead as Ladd scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Blake Wheeler and Toby Enstrom. The Capitals retied it on an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom. Washington took the lead with a Backstrom goal, his eighth of the season, coming in the second period with the help of Nate Schmidt and Dmitry Orlov. Winnipeg retied it on a Mathieu Perreault power play goal, his second of the year, helped along by Dustin Byfuglien and Little. The Capitals took the lead again on an Orlov goal, his third of the season, passed from Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson. Washington added on with a Kuznetsov goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone helper by Johansson. The final held at 5-3, with the three stars going to Kuznetsov, Orlov, and Backstrom, while Ladd, Little, Carlson, and Johansson get the honorable mentions.
Out west, the Minnesota Wild host the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and Devan Dubnyk are set to start in goal. Minnesota struck first in the first period on a Thomas Vanek power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Mikko Koivu and Mikael Granlund. Vancouver tied it on a Radim Vrbata goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Jared McCann and Alexander Edler. The Canucks took the lead on a Vrbata power play goal in the second period, his second of the game and sixth of the season, assisted by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Vancouver added on with a third period goal by Jannik Hansen, his seventh of the year, with a lone assist by Daniel Sedin. The Wild got one back on a Charlie Coyle goal, his fifth of the campaign, helped along by Ryan Suter and Koivu. This only made it 3-2, with the three stars going to Vrbata, Daniel Sedin, and Koivu.
Back to Detroit, where the Red Wings welcome the Boston Bruins. Jonas Gustavsson and Petr Mrazek receive the starting nods. Boston began in the first period on a Frank Vatrano goal, his second of the season, fueled by Joonas Kemppainen and Landon Ferraro. Detroit tied it on a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his second of the year in the second period, via Alexey Marchenko and Teemu Pulkkinen. The Red Wings took the lead on a Tomas Tatar goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Riley Sheahan and Darren Helm. The Bruins tied it in the third period as Colin Miller scored his second of the year, thanks to Loui Eriksson and David Krejci. Boston won 3-2 in overtime on a Vatrano goal, his second of the game and third of the campaign, guided in by Miller and Matt Beleskey. The three stars went to Vatrano, Miller, and Gustavsson (32 for 34 in saves).
Into Brooklyn, where the New York Islanders bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Jaroslav Halak are the veteran goalies. Philadelphia was first to score in the first period on a Claude Giroux power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Shayne Gostisbehere and Jakub Voracek. New York tied it on a shorthanded goal by Casey Cizikas, his third of the year, set up by Cal Clutterbuck. The Islanders took the lead in the second period on a Kyle Okposo goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of John Tavares. New York iced it at 3-1 in the third period with an empty net goal by Frans Nielsen, his ninth of the year, made possible by Anders Lee and Travis Hamonic. The three stars belonged to Okposo, Cizikas, and Halak (17 for 18 in saves).
Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Ben Bishop protect the nets. Tampa Bay got going in the third period on a Tyler Johnson goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist by Jonathan Marchessault. Los Angeles tied it on a Milan Lucic goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Tyler Toffoli and Jeff Carter. The tie went to a shootout, where Anze Kopitar was topped by Marchessault and Valtteri Filppula as the Lightning won 2-1. The three stars were Marchessault, Bishop (37 for 38 in saves), and Quick (29 for 30 in saves).
Westward to Arizona, with the Coyotes welcoming the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Mike Smith are the goalies. Arizona started in the first period on a Michael Stone goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Kyle Chipchura. The Coyotes added on in the second period with an Antoine Vermette power play goal, powered by Mikkel Boedker and Max Domi. Anaheim got on the board in the third period on a Ryan Kesler power play goal, his third of the year, passed from Sami Vatanen and Corey Perry. Arizona shot back on an Anthony Duclair goal, his eighth of the season, with a lone helper by Domi. The Ducks chipped back with a Vatanen power play goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Cam Fowler and Ryan Getzlaf. The Coyotes finished it at 4-2 with a Vermette empty net goal, his second of the game, set up by Brad Richardson. The three stars belonged to Vermette, Vatanen, and Domi.
Up in Colorado, the Avalanche bring in the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Semyon Varlamov are the experienced goalies. Ottawa led off in the first period with a Shane Prince goal, via Erik Karlsson and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators added on with another Prince goal, his second of the game, coming off of Zack Smith. Colorado got on the board with an unassisted Chris Wagner goal. Ottawa answered in the second period with a Kyle Turris goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Mike Hoffman and Cody Ceci. Reto Berra replaced Varlamov. The Senators extended the lead as Smith scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Marc Methot and Prince. The Avalanche pulled back in the third period on a Gabriel Landeskog power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Nathan MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie. Colorado got closer on a MacKinnon goal, his tenth of the year, with a lone helper by Landeskog. Ottawa capped it at 5-3 with a Zibanejad shorthanded empty net goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Turris. The three stars went to Prince, Smith, and Zibanejad, while MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Turris get the honorable mentions.
Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Martin Jones are between the pipes. Chicago opened in the first period on a Brent Seabrook goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin. San Jose tied it on a Brent Burns power play goal, his ninth of the year, powered by Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau. The Blackhawks retook the lead on a Jonathan Toews goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Ryan Garbutt and Andrew Shaw. Chicago added on in the second period with a Duncan Keith goal, his third of the year, guided in by Panarin and Kane. The Sharks got one back in the third period on a Marleau goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Burns and Joel Ward. The Blackhawks responded on an Andrew Desjardins goal, made possible by Tanner Kero and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Chicago iced it at 5-2 with a Shaw empty net goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Kane, Panarin, and Burns, while Marleau and Shaw get the honorable mentions.
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The Buffalo Sabres hosting the Nashville Predators. Carter Hutton and Linus Ullmark are the unknown goalies. Nashville struck first in the first period with a Mike Fisher goal, his third of the season, coming off of Colin Wilson and Ryan Ellis. The Predators added on in the second period with a Craig Smith goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Mattias Ekholm. Nashville extended the lead as Cody Hodgson scored his second of the season, with the help of Gabriel Bourque and Calle Jarnkrok. Chad Johnson replaced Ullmark in goal. Buffalo got on the board with an Evander Kane goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Rasmus Ristolainen and Josh Gorges. The Sabres pulled closer in the third period on a Jack Eichel goal, his seventh of the campaign, assisted by Ryan O'Reilly and Zach Bogosian. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Hodgson, Smith, and Fisher.
Down in Carolina, the Hurricanes welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Anders Nilsson and Cam Ward are the middling goalies. Edmonton led off in the first period on a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Nail Yakupov. Carolina tied it on a Jordan Staal goal, his fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Andrej Nestrasil. The Hurricanes took the lead with a second period goal by Elias Lindholm, his third of the season, passed from Eric Staal and John-Michael Liles. Carolina added on with a Jeff Skinner goal, his fifth of the year, via Justin Faulk and Kris Versteeg. The Hurricanes iced it at 4-1 with a Nestrasil empty net goal, his second of the campaign, set up by Faulk and Jordan Staal. The three stars were Jordan Staal, Nestrasil, and Ward (30 for 31 in saves), while Faulk gets an honorable mention.
Back north, the New Jersey Devils bring in the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Cory Schneider are the masked men. Columbus began in the first period on a William Karlsson goal, his third of the season, assisted by Nick Foligno and Jack Johnson. New Jersey tied it on an Adam Henrique goal, his tenth of the year, made possible by Mike Cammalleri in the second period. The Blue Jackets retook the lead on a Matt Calvert goal, his third of the campaign, guided in by Cam Atkinson and David Savard. The scoring ended here, with the final at 2-1, and the three stars were Bobrovsky (27 for 28 in saves), Calvert, and Karlsson.
Nearby, the New York Rangers host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Henrik Lundqvist tend the twines. Montreal was first to score in the first period on a Sven Andrighetto goal, via Lars Eller and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens added on in the second period with a Devante Smith-Pelly goal, his second of the campaign, assisted by Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec. New York got on the board with a Rick Nash goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Ryan McDonagh and Derick Brassard on the power play. Mike Condon replaced an injured Price in the third period. Montreal answered in the third period on a Smith-Pelly goal, his second of the game and third of the year, passed from Plekanec. The Canadiens extended the lead as Alex Galchenyuk scored his fourth of the season, an unassisted goal. Montreal finished it at 5-1 with a Pacioretty power play goal, his twelfth of the year, powered by Galchenyuk and Plekanec, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars went to Smith-Pelly, Pacioretty, and Plekanec, while Galchenyuk gets an honorable mention.
West to Pittsburgh, where the Penguins welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Marc-Andre Fleury guard the cages. St. Louis started in the first period on a Paul Stastny power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Alexander Steen and Kevin Shattenkirk. Pittsburgh tied it on a Sidney Crosby goal, his fourth of the year, helped along by Pascal Dupuis. The Penguins took the lead on a Crosby power play goal in the second period, his second of the game and fifth of the season, assisted by Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The Blues retied it on a Robby Fabbri goal, his fourth of the year, coming in the third period from Alex Pietrangelo. Pittsburgh retook the lead on a Ben Lovejoy goal, his second of the season, via David Perron and Letang. St. Louis equalized with a Pietrangelo goal, his second of the year, fueled by Stastny and Steen. The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime with a Malkin goal, his eighth of the campaign, set up by Phil Kessel and Lovejoy. The three stars went to Malkin, Crosby, and Lovejoy, while Stastny, Steen, Pietrangelo, and Letang get the honorable mentions.
Back in DC, the Washington Capitals bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Braden Holtby are in the creases. Washington opened in the first period on a Justin Williams goal, his sixth of the season, courtesy of John Carlson and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Winnipeg tied it on a Tyler Myers goal, his second of the year, via Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little. The Jets took the lead as Ladd scored his fifth of the season, thanks to Blake Wheeler and Toby Enstrom. The Capitals retied it on an Alex Ovechkin power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Carlson and Nicklas Backstrom. Washington took the lead with a Backstrom goal, his eighth of the season, coming in the second period with the help of Nate Schmidt and Dmitry Orlov. Winnipeg retied it on a Mathieu Perreault power play goal, his second of the year, helped along by Dustin Byfuglien and Little. The Capitals took the lead again on an Orlov goal, his third of the season, passed from Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson. Washington added on with a Kuznetsov goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone helper by Johansson. The final held at 5-3, with the three stars going to Kuznetsov, Orlov, and Backstrom, while Ladd, Little, Carlson, and Johansson get the honorable mentions.
Out west, the Minnesota Wild host the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and Devan Dubnyk are set to start in goal. Minnesota struck first in the first period on a Thomas Vanek power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Mikko Koivu and Mikael Granlund. Vancouver tied it on a Radim Vrbata goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Jared McCann and Alexander Edler. The Canucks took the lead on a Vrbata power play goal in the second period, his second of the game and sixth of the season, assisted by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Vancouver added on with a third period goal by Jannik Hansen, his seventh of the year, with a lone assist by Daniel Sedin. The Wild got one back on a Charlie Coyle goal, his fifth of the campaign, helped along by Ryan Suter and Koivu. This only made it 3-2, with the three stars going to Vrbata, Daniel Sedin, and Koivu.
Back to Detroit, where the Red Wings welcome the Boston Bruins. Jonas Gustavsson and Petr Mrazek receive the starting nods. Boston began in the first period on a Frank Vatrano goal, his second of the season, fueled by Joonas Kemppainen and Landon Ferraro. Detroit tied it on a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his second of the year in the second period, via Alexey Marchenko and Teemu Pulkkinen. The Red Wings took the lead on a Tomas Tatar goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Riley Sheahan and Darren Helm. The Bruins tied it in the third period as Colin Miller scored his second of the year, thanks to Loui Eriksson and David Krejci. Boston won 3-2 in overtime on a Vatrano goal, his second of the game and third of the campaign, guided in by Miller and Matt Beleskey. The three stars went to Vatrano, Miller, and Gustavsson (32 for 34 in saves).
Into Brooklyn, where the New York Islanders bring in the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Jaroslav Halak are the veteran goalies. Philadelphia was first to score in the first period on a Claude Giroux power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Shayne Gostisbehere and Jakub Voracek. New York tied it on a shorthanded goal by Casey Cizikas, his third of the year, set up by Cal Clutterbuck. The Islanders took the lead in the second period on a Kyle Okposo goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of John Tavares. New York iced it at 3-1 in the third period with an empty net goal by Frans Nielsen, his ninth of the year, made possible by Anders Lee and Travis Hamonic. The three stars belonged to Okposo, Cizikas, and Halak (17 for 18 in saves).
Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning host the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Ben Bishop protect the nets. Tampa Bay got going in the third period on a Tyler Johnson goal, his fourth of the season, with a lone assist by Jonathan Marchessault. Los Angeles tied it on a Milan Lucic goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Tyler Toffoli and Jeff Carter. The tie went to a shootout, where Anze Kopitar was topped by Marchessault and Valtteri Filppula as the Lightning won 2-1. The three stars were Marchessault, Bishop (37 for 38 in saves), and Quick (29 for 30 in saves).
Westward to Arizona, with the Coyotes welcoming the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson and Mike Smith are the goalies. Arizona started in the first period on a Michael Stone goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Kyle Chipchura. The Coyotes added on in the second period with an Antoine Vermette power play goal, powered by Mikkel Boedker and Max Domi. Anaheim got on the board in the third period on a Ryan Kesler power play goal, his third of the year, passed from Sami Vatanen and Corey Perry. Arizona shot back on an Anthony Duclair goal, his eighth of the season, with a lone helper by Domi. The Ducks chipped back with a Vatanen power play goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Cam Fowler and Ryan Getzlaf. The Coyotes finished it at 4-2 with a Vermette empty net goal, his second of the game, set up by Brad Richardson. The three stars belonged to Vermette, Vatanen, and Domi.
Up in Colorado, the Avalanche bring in the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Semyon Varlamov are the experienced goalies. Ottawa led off in the first period with a Shane Prince goal, via Erik Karlsson and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators added on with another Prince goal, his second of the game, coming off of Zack Smith. Colorado got on the board with an unassisted Chris Wagner goal. Ottawa answered in the second period with a Kyle Turris goal, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Mike Hoffman and Cody Ceci. Reto Berra replaced Varlamov. The Senators extended the lead as Smith scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Marc Methot and Prince. The Avalanche pulled back in the third period on a Gabriel Landeskog power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Nathan MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie. Colorado got closer on a MacKinnon goal, his tenth of the year, with a lone helper by Landeskog. Ottawa capped it at 5-3 with a Zibanejad shorthanded empty net goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Turris. The three stars went to Prince, Smith, and Zibanejad, while MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Turris get the honorable mentions.
Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Martin Jones are between the pipes. Chicago opened in the first period on a Brent Seabrook goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin. San Jose tied it on a Brent Burns power play goal, his ninth of the year, powered by Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau. The Blackhawks retook the lead on a Jonathan Toews goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Ryan Garbutt and Andrew Shaw. Chicago added on in the second period with a Duncan Keith goal, his third of the year, guided in by Panarin and Kane. The Sharks got one back in the third period on a Marleau goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Burns and Joel Ward. The Blackhawks responded on an Andrew Desjardins goal, made possible by Tanner Kero and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Chicago iced it at 5-2 with a Shaw empty net goal, his third of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Kane, Panarin, and Burns, while Marleau and Shaw get the honorable mentions.
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