Friday, April 19, 2013

NHL April 19th 2013

The Marathon bombing suspect is still at large as of this writing, and with the city of Boston in a lockdown to catch him, the Bruins game, as well as the Red Sox in baseball, are both being postponed. The Bruins-Penguins game will be played tomorrow, and the originally scheduled Penguins game against the Sabres has been moved to Tuesday. With that sorted out, as well as the Bruins games against the Senators being postponed until the 28th, we jump into today's five games, beginning in...

Buffalo, as the Sabres host the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan Miller tend the twines. New York led off with a first period goal by Carl Hagelin, his tenth of the season, fueled by Derek Stepan and the goalie Lundqvist. The Rangers added on when Brad Richards netted his eighth of the year, with a lone assist by Mats Zuccarello. New York extended the lead as Ryane Clowe scored his third of the season, officially unassisted, but when viewing the replay, Miller pretty much served it right up to him. The Rangers kept going in the second period with an Anton Stralman goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Clowe and Rick Nash. Miller was relieved by Jhonas Enroth at this time. New York padded the lead with another Richards goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, made possible by Taylor Pyatt and John Moore. The Rangers struck again on a Nash goal, his nineteenth of the year, assisted by Stepan and Steve Eminger. Buffalo got on the board as Cody Hodgson scored his fifteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Christian Ehrhoff and Tyler Ennis. The Sabres pulled closer with a Nathan Gerbe goal, his fifth of the year, going in unassisted. New York replied with a Ryan Callahan goal, his twelfth of the season, an unassisted goal. Buffalo shot back on a Drew Stafford goal, his sixth of the year, with a lone assist from Marcus Foligno. The Rangers answered in the third period as Richards completed the hat trick with his tenth of the season, passed from Ryan McDonagh. The Sabres took one back late as Mark Pysyk scored a power play goal, with helpers from Ehrhoff and Ennis. The three stars belonged to Richards, Clowe, and Nash, while Stepan, Ehrhoff, and Ennis get the honorable mentions in the 8-4 game.

West to St. Louis, where the Blues welcome the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Brian Elliott are in the creases. St. Louis started in the first period with a power play goal by Chris Stewart, his seventeenth of the season, powered by Alex Pietrangelo and Alexander Steen. The Blues added on in the second period with a Ryan Reaves goal, his second of the year, via Chris Porter. Dallas got on the board in the third period as Antoine Roussel scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Stephane Robidas and Aaron Rome. They failed to tie it, losing 2-1, with the three stars being Elliott (21 for 22 in saves), Stewart, and Reaves.

Up in Chicago, the Blackhawks host the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Corey Crawford guard the cages. Chicago began in the first period as Duncan Keith scored his third of the season, a power play goal coming off of Viktor Stalberg and Jonathan Toews. Nashville tied it as Matt Halischuk potted his third of the year, courtesy of Kevin Klein and Victor Bartley. The Predators took the lead with a Kevin Henderson goal, fueled by Chris Mueller and Bobby Butler. The Blackhawks tied it again with a Brandon Saad goal, his tenth of the season, guided in by Toews and Keith. Chicago regained the lead in the second period on a Patrick Kane goal, his twenty-first of the year, with a lone assist by Bryan Bickell. Nashville tied it on another Halischuk goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, assisted by Bartley. The Blackhawks gained the lead again in the third period with a Michal Handzus goal, his second of the year, going in unassisted. The Predators pulled even as Butler recorded his fourth of the season, via Halischuk and Shea Weber. Chicago won 5-4 in overtime with a Marian Hossa power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, powered by Kane and Keith. The three stars were awarded to Keith, Halischuk, and Toews, while Kane, Butler, and Bartley receive the honorable mentions.

Further west, the Colorado Avalanche host the Edmonton Oilers. Devan Dubnyk and Semyon Varlamov protect the nets. Edmonton opened in the first period with a Taylor Hall goal, his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Jeff Petry and Justin Schultz. Colorado tied it when P.A. Parenteau scored his seventeenth of the year, via Shane O'Brien and John Mitchell. The Oilers took the lead as Justin Schultz scored his seventh of the season, thanks to Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi. Edmonton extended the lead with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal in the second period, his fourth of the year, set up by Eberle and Nick Schultz. The Oilers added on when Eberle notched his thirteenth of the season, courtesy of Mark Fistric and Paajarvi. This held up for a 4-1 win, with the three stars being handed to Eberle, Justin Schultz, and Nugent-Hopkins, while Paajarvi gets an honorable mention.

Finally, up in Calgary, the Flames bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Miikka Kiprusoff receive the starting nods. Calgary got going in the second period as Roman Horak scored his second of the season, with the help of Lee Stempniak and Michael Cammalleri. The Flames added on as Brian McGrattan scored his third of the year in the third period, with assists from Cammalleri and Brett Carson. Anaheim got on the board as Corey Perry scored his fourteenth of the season, thanks to Kyle Palmieri and Cam Fowler. Calgary responded with a Roman Cervenka goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Sven Baertschi. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Kiprusoff (32 for 33 in saves), Horak, and McGrattan, while Cammalleri picked up an honorable mention.

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

NHL April 18th 2013

Ten games tonight with the playoff push being a huge factor in most of them. We begin in...

New York City, as the Rangers host the Florida Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Henrik Lundqvist receive the starting nods. New York struck first in the first period as Derick Brassard scored his ninth of the season, a power play goal passed from Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan. The Rangers extended the lead when Nash scored his eighteenth of the year, powered by Callahan and Derek Stepan. Florida got on the board with a Jonathan Huberdeau goal, his fourteenth of the season, coming off of Shawn Matthias and T.J. Brennan. New York answered in the second period with a Mats Zuccarello goal, his second of the year, assisted by Ryane Clowe. The Rangers added on as Zuccarello scored again in the third period, his second of the game and third of the season, set up by Brad Richards. New York padded the lead with another Brassard goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, guided in by Michael Del Zotto and Nash. The Rangers struck again as Richards recorded his seventh of the campaign, via Taylor Pyatt and Ryan McDonagh. This made it 6-1, the final, with the three stars going to Lundqvist (34 for 35 in saves), Brassard, and Zuccarello, while Nash, Richards, and Callahan receive the honorable mentions.

Up in Toronto, the Maple Leafs bring in the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and James Reimer man the creases. Toronto was first to score in the first period when Joffrey Lupul notched his ninth of the season, courtesy of Phil Kessel and Jake Gardiner. The Maple Leafs added on with a power play goal by Cody Franson, his fourth of the year, powered by Tyler Bozak and Kessel. New York got on the board with a Brad Boyes goal, his ninth of the season, via John Tavares and Lubomir Visnovsky. The Islanders tied it on a power play goal by Matt Moulson, his fifteenth of the year, made possible by Boyes and Visnovsky. New York gained the lead when Tavares scored his twenty-fifth of the season, with the help of Moulson and Andrew MacDonald. The Islanders padded the lead with another Tavares goal in the second period, his second of the game and twenty-sixth of the year, guided in by Boyes and Mark Streit. New York extended the lead in the third period as Frans Nielsen scored his fifth of the season, assisted by Kyle Okposo. The Maple Leafs got one back late as Dion Phaneuf scored a power play goal, his ninth of the year, with assists provided by Kessel, who got a sock trick, and Gardiner. This only made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars being Tavares, Moulson, and Boyes, while Kessel, Visnovsky, and Gardiner receive the honorable mentions.

Back stateside, the Philadelphia Flyers welcome the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Ilya Bryzgalov protect the nets. New Jersey got going in the second period when Ryan Carter scored his fifth of the season, with a lone assist from Stephen Gionta. The Devils added on in the third period as Matt D'Agostini scored his third of the year, thanks to Jacob Josefson. New Jersey iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Adam Henrique, his eleventh of the campaign, passed from Dainius Zubrus. The three stars belonged to Brodeur (23 save shutout), Carter, and Bryzgalov (28 for 30 in saves).

North to Ottawa, with the Senators hosting the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Craig Anderson are between the pipes. Ottawa began in the second period with a Kyle Turris goal, his ninth of the season, guided in by Milan Michalek and Chris Phillips. Washington tied it with a Mike Ribeiro goal, his thirteenth of the year, coming off of Martin Erat and Jack Hillen. The Senators retook the lead as Cory Conacher potted his eleventh of the season, an unassisted goal. Ottawa wrapped it up as Turris scored his second of the night and tenth of the year, an empty net goal set up by Phillips and Colin Greening. The three stars of the 3-1 game were Holtby (35 for 37 in saves), Anderson (18 for 19 in saves), and Turris, while Phillips gets an honorable mention.

Over in Quebec, the Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Carey Price stand in the blue paint. Montreal led off in the second period with an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Brendan Gallagher and Davis Drewiske. The Canadiens added on with a Brian Gionta goal, his thirteenth of the year, made possible by Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Richard Panik power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Victor Hedman and Alex Killorn. The Lightning tied it in the third period with a Vincent Lecavalier goal, his tenth of the year, guided in by Benoit Pouliot and Hedman. Montreal took the lead late with another Gionta goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the campaign, assisted by Yannick Weber and Michael Ryder on the power play. They held on to win 3-2, with Gionta, Price (32 for 34 in saves), and Galchenyuk getting the three stars, while Hedman gets an honorable mention.

Southwest to St. Louis, with the Blues hosting the Phoenix Coyotes. Chad Johnson and Brian Elliott have the green light to start. St. Louis opened in the first period with a David Perron goal, his tenth of the season, assisted by David Backes and Alex Pietrangelo. Phoenix tied it in the third period when Radim Vrbata scored his eighth of the year, a power play goal, powered by Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Blues won it 2-1 with a lone tally by Andy McDonald in the shootout. The three stars belonged to Elliott (33 for 34 in saves), Roman Polak, and Barret Jackman, while any point earner or McDonald could take the second or third slot.

Into Canada again, with the Winnipeg Jets welcoming the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Ondrej Pavelec are the average starters. Winnipeg started in the first period with a Zach Bogosian goal, his fourth of the season, via Bryan Little and Andrew Ladd. The Jets added on in the second period as Paul Postma scored his fourth of the year, courtesy of Blake Wheeler and Bogosian. Carolina got on the board as Tuomo Ruutu scored, thanks to Justin Faulk and Tim Gleason. Winnipeg responded in the third period as Wheeler scored his seventeenth of the season, assisted by Little and Ladd. The Hurricanes got one back as Ruutu scored his second of the game with helpers provided by Marc-Andre Bergeron and Jordan Staal. Carolina tied it with an Alexander Semin goal, his eleventh of the year, passed from Jiri Tlusty and Jordan Staal. The Jets won in overtime with a Dustin Byfuglien goal, his eighth of the campaign, set up by Ladd, who got a sock trick, and Wheeler. The three stars were handed to Wheeler, Pavelec (24 for 27 in saves), and Ruutu, while Ladd, Little, Bogosian, and Jordan Staal receive the honorable mentions.

Way to the south, the Dallas Stars host the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Vancouver got going in the second period as Derek Roy scored his sixth of the season, thanks to Ryan Kesler and Jannik Hansen. Dallas tied it on a Vernon Fiddler goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Eric Nystrom and Cody Eakin. The Stars took the lead in the third period when Eakin scored his seventh of the season, guided in by Reilly Smith and Philip Larsen. Dallas added on with a Jamie Benn goal, his eleventh of the year, an unassisted goal. The Stars padded the lead as Ray Whitney recorded his eleventh of the season, with the help of Benn and Brenden Dillon. Dallas extended the lead as Erik Cole potted his ninth of the year, a power play goal powered by Stephane Robidas and Loui Eriksson. This produced the 5-1 final, with the three stars awarded to Eakin, Fiddler, and Lehtonen (37 for 38 in saves), while Benn gets an honorable mention.

Northwest to San Jose, as the Sharks bring in the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Antti Niemi tend the twines. San Jose struck first in the first period on a Martin Havlat goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Logan Couture and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks added on in the second period when Couture scored his eighteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Marleau and Joe Thornton. Minnesota got on the board in the second period with a Pierre-Marc Bouchard goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Jason Pominville and Tom Gilbert. San Jose answered as Havlat scored his second of the game and seventh of the year, fueled by Couture. The Sharks extended the lead when Raffi Torres scored his sixth of the season in the third period, via Joe Pavelski. San Jose padded the lead on a Pavelski goal, his fourteenth of the year, guided in by Torres and Jason Demers. Darcy Kuemper relieved Backstrom at this time. The Sharks iced it at 6-1 with a Couture goal, his second of the game and nineteenth of the campaign, coming off of Havlat. The three stars were Couture, Havlat, and Torres, while Pavelski and Marleau get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Jonathan Quick are the masked men. Los Angeles was first to score in the first period with a Drew Doughty power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Mike Richards and Anze Kopitar. Columbus tied it in the second period when Dalton Prout scored, with the help of Blake Comeau and Fedor Tyutin. The Kings took the lead back on a Kyle Clifford goal, his fifth of the year, set up by Jordan Nolan and Brad Richardson. This was all they needed for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being given to Quick (20 for 21 in saves), Clifford, and Prout.

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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

NHL April 17th 2013

Four games tonight. A note: The KHL season is over, with Dynamo Moscow claiming the Gagarin Cup. Please look for the next post from that league in September. Tonight, we begin in...

Pittsburgh, as the Penguins host the Montreal Canadiens. Peter Budaj and Marc-Andre Fleury stand in the blue paint. Pittsburgh led off with a first period goal by Brandon Sutter, his tenth of the season, thanks to Matt Niskanen and Kris Letang. The Penguins added on as Brenden Morrow scored his tenth of the year, courtesy of Pascal Dupuis and Craig Adams. Pittsburgh extended the lead when Jarome Iginla scored his eleventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Chris Kunitz and Letang. Carey Price relieved Budaj for the second period. The Penguins padded the lead in the second period as Morrow scored his second of the game and eleventh of the year, via Beau Bennett and Niskanen. Montreal got on the board as Brian Gionta scored his twelfth of the season, assisted by Brandon Prust and Lars Eller. Pittsburgh shot back as Sutter scored his second of the game and eleventh of the year, a power play goal made possible by Morrow and Letang, the latter getting a sock trick. The Canadiens answered as Alex Galchenyuk registered his eighth of the season, with the help of Eller and Travis Moen. Montreal pulled closer in the third period as Gabriel Dumont scored, with assists provided by David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. The Penguins countered with a Douglas Murray goal, fueled by Iginla. Later in the period, Morrow completed his Gordie Howe Hat trick by fighting P.K. Subban. The Canadiens chipped back with an Andrei Markov goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Desharnais and Yannick Weber. This produced the 6-4 final score, with the three stars belonging to Morrow, Sutter, and Murray, while Iginla, Letang, Niskanen, Desharnais, and Eller all get honorable mentions.

Over in Boston, the Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Anton Khudobin are set to start. Boston began with a Daniel Paille goal in the first period, his ninth of the season, guided in by Chris Kelly. Buffalo tied it on a Thomas Vanek power play goal, his seventeenth of the year, powered by Christian Ehrhoff and Tyler Ennis. The Bruins took the lead in the second period as Kelly notched his third of the season, coming off of Paille and Andrew Ference. The Sabres tied it late with a third period Cody Hodgson power play goal, his fourteenth of the year, set up by Vanek and Drew Stafford. Buffalo won it 3-2 with a lone shootout tally by Stafford. Miller (41 for 43 in saves), Kelly, and Paille received the three stars, while Vanek and Stafford get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Calgary, with the Flames hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Miikka Kiprusoff tend the twines. Calgary started in the first period with a Lee Stempniak goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Cory Sarich and Sven Baertschi. Detroit tied it in the second period with the third of the year from Gustav Nyquist, assisted by Joakim Andersson and Daniel Cleary. The Flames took the lead back in the third period with a Steve Begin goal, his third of the season, an unassisted goal. Calgary extended the lead as Begin scored a shorthanded goal, his second of the game and fourth of the year, set up by Roman Horak. The Red Wings chipped back with a Johan Franzen goal, his tenth of the season, courtesy of Kyle Quincey and Brendan Smith. This made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Kiprusoff (36 for 38 in saves), Begin, and Nyquist.

Finally, we end in Anaheim, where the Ducks host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Viktor Fasth protect the nets. Anaheim opened with a first period goal by Sami Vatanen, a power play goal powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Columbus tied it in the second period when Blake Comeau scored his sixth of the season, via James Wisniewski. The Ducks took the lead back in the third period with a Dave Steckel goal, fueled by Kyle Palmieri and Sheldon Souray. The Blue Jackets tied it as Matt Calvert scored his ninth of the year, guided in by Brandon Dubinsky and Dalton Prout. Columbus won 3-2 in overtime with a Fedor Tyutin goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Nick Foligno and Marian Gaborik. The three stars went to Tyutin, Fasth (25 for 28 in saves), and Dubinsky.

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Gagarin Cup Finals: Dynamo Moscow VS. Traktor Chelyabinsk

Welcome to the final post of the KHL season, as Dynamo Moscow and Traktor Chelyabinsk compete for the Gagarin Cup and the title of Champions of Russia. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Luzhniki Minor Arena, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Michael Garnett for Traktor and Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo. Moscow began in the first period with an Alexei Tsvetkov shorthanded goal, set up by Denis Kokarev. Dynamo added on in the second period as Sergei Soin scored, with the help of Yury Babenko and Sergei Konkov. Chelyabinsk got on the board in the third period on an Evgeny Kuznetsov power play goal, powered by Stanislav Chistov and Dmitry Ryabykin. They failed to tie the game, losing 2-1, with the three stars being Yeryomenko (17 for 18 in saves), Tsvetkov, and Soin. Dynamo owns a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Luzhniki Minor Arena, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Michael Garnett for Traktor and Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo. Moscow struck first in the first period as Jakub Petruzalek scored, via Alexei Tsvetkov and Denis Kokarev. Chelyabinsk tied it with a power play goal by Jan Bulis, powered by Dmitry Ryabykin and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Traktor took the lead in the second period on an Andrei Kostitsyn power play goal, set up by Ryabykin and Deron Quint. Dynamo tied it in the third period as Marek Kvapil scored a goal, assisted by Ilya Gorokhov and the goalie Yeryomenko. Moscow took the lead late on a Janne Jalasvaara goal, fueled by Denis Mosalyov and Kokarev. This stood for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Jalasvaara, Kokarev, and Ryabykin. Dynamo will head east with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia. In goal: Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo and Michael Garnett for Traktor. Chelyabinsk got going in the second period on a Maxim Karpov goal, assisted by Deron Quint and Anton Glinkin. Traktor added on with a Quint goal, fueled by Yegor Dugin. Chelyabinsk extended the lead in the third period on a Dugin goal, coming off of Valery Nichushkin and Vladimir Antipov. Moscow got on the board as Denis Kokarev scored, with a lone assist by Alexei Tsvetkov. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Quint, Dugin, and Garnett (17 for 18 in saves). Traktor chipped into Dynamo's series lead, which now stands at 2-1.

Game 4: Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia. In goal: Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo and Michael Garnett for Traktor. Moscow led off in the second period with a Jakub Petruzalek goal, assisted by Dominik Granak and Marek Kvapil. This was the game's only goal, resulting in a 1-0 final, with the three stars belonging to Petruzalek, Yeryomenko (25 save shutout), and Garnett (17 for 18 in saves). Dynamo has pushed Traktor to the brink, holding a 3-1 lead as they head home to try and capture the trophy on their own ice.

Game 5: Luzhniki Minor Arena, Moscow, Russia. In goal: Michael Garnett for Traktor and Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo. Chelyabinsk was first to score in the first period with a Stanislav Chistov goal, with a lone assist from Jan Bulis. Traktor added on as Anton Glinkin scored, thanks to Nikita Nestorov. Chelyabinsk padded the lead with a Vladimir Antipov goal, fueled by Yegor Dugin. Moscow got on the board in the second period when Marek Kvapil scored a power play goal powered by Konstantin Gorovikov and Dominik Granak. Dynamo pulled closer on a Jakub Petruzalek goal, coming off of Kvapil and Ilya Gorokhov. Moscow tied it as Sergei Soin scored, assisted by Granak and Denis Kokarev. Traktor took the lead back in the third period as Andrei Kostitsyn scored a goal, made possible by Maxim Yakutsenya and Deron Quint. This held up for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Kvapil, Kostitsyn, and Granak. Dynamo still leads the series 3-2. 

Game 6: Traktor Sport Palace, Chelyabinsk, Russia. In goal: Alexander Yeryomenko for Dynamo and Michael Garnett for Traktor. Chelyabinsk opened in the first period with a power play goal by Maxim Yakutsenya, powered by Deron Quint. Moscow tied it in the second period as Sergei Soin scored, courtesy of Ilya Gorokhov and Marek Kvapil. Dynamo took the lead with a Dmitry Pestunov goal, coming off of Dominik Granak and Gorokhov. Traktor tied it in the third period when Petri Kontiola scored, via Andrei Kostitsyn and Gennady Razin. Moscow won 3-2 in overtime on an Alexei Tsvetkov goal, fueled by Denis Kokarev and Denis Mosalyov. The three stars went to Tsvetkov, Yeryomenko (30 for 32 in saves), and Gorokhov. Dynamo wins the series and the Gagarin Cup with a 4-2 series win. Congratulations to Dynamo Moscow on their second consecutive championship.

It has been a great pleasure working on bringing KHL hockey to my American audience since November. While this was only brought about by the lockout in the NHL, I have found that my passion for hockey has no borders. I am fully planning on continuing to recap KHL games next season, from the start in September. In the meantime, I will wrap up this NHL season, possibly run some spin-off blogs when summer really hits, and prepare to head off to college. I hope you have enjoyed this KHL season as much as I have.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

NHL April 16th 2013

Eight games tonight, starting in...

DC, with the Washington Capitals hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ben Scrivens and Braden Holtby are the young goalies. Washington struck first in the first period with a Jack Hillen goal, his third of the season, fueled by Jason Chimera and Eric Fehr. The Capitals extended the lead in the second period as Martin Erat scored his fifth of the year, with the help of Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson. Washington padded the lead on a Troy Brouwer goal, his seventeenth of the season, coming off of Carlson and Erat. The Capitals added on as Ovechkin scored his twenty-eighth of the year, a power play goal powered by Mike Green and Mike Ribeiro. Toronto got on the board in the third period with a Mikhail Grabovski goal, his ninth of the season, passed from Ryan Hamilton and Leo Komarov. Washington replied with a Marcus Johansson power play goal, his sixth of the year, set up by Green and Ribeiro. This made it 5-1, the final, with the three stars going to Ovechkin, Erat, and Carlson, while Green and Ribeiro get the honorable mentions.

Over on Long Island, the New York Islanders host the Florida Panthers. Jacob Markstrom and Evgeni Nabokov are set to start. New York opened in the first period as Matt Moulson scored his fourteenth of the season, assisted by Matt Martin and Thomas Hickey. The Islanders added on with a power play goal by Mark Streit, his sixth of the year, powered by Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. New York extended the lead as Michael Grabner potted his fourteenth of the season, a power play goal coming off of Andrew MacDonald and the goalie Nabokov. Florida got on the board as Dmitry Kulikov scored a power play goal, his third of the year, set up by Tomas Fleischmann and Marcel Goc. The Islanders answered in the second period as Radek Martinek scored his third of the season, via Jesse Joensuu and Streit. New York padded the lead with another Grabner goal, his second of the game and fifteenth of the year, an unassisted goal. Scott Clemmensen relieved Markstrom at this time. The Panthers got one back when Goc scored his sixth of the season, with the help of Tomas Kopecky and Fleischmann. This was as close as it got, with the final being 5-2, and the three stars went to Grabner, Moulson, and Nabokov (26 for 28 in saves and an assist), while Streit, Goc, and Fleischmann get the honorable mentions.

A little to the west, the Philadelphia Flyers bring in the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist faces a lesser foe in Steve Mason in goal. Philadelphia began with a first period goal by Brayden Schenn, his eighth of the season, via Brandon Manning and Danny Briere. The Flyers added on as Erik Gustafsson scored his third of the year, courtesy of Sean Couturier and Matt Read. New York got on the board in the second period with a Mats Zuccarello goal, assisted by John Moore. Philadelphia shot back with a Kimmo Timonen power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Claude Giroux. The Rangers pulled back in the third period when Derek Stepan scored his fifteenth of the year, thanks to Ryan Callahan and Derick Brassard. The Flyers iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Jakub Voracek, his nineteenth of the campaign, set up by Timonen and Giroux. The three stars were handed to Mason (38 for 40 in saves), Timonen, and Jay Rosehill, while the third slot should be Giroux.

Up in Canada, the Ottawa Senators host the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Craig Anderson receive the starting nods. Ottawa started in the first period with a Mika Zibanejad goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Cory Conacher and Sergei Gonchar. The Senators added on in the second period as Milan Michalek notched his fourth of the year, thanks to Patrick Wiercioch and Gonchar. Carolina got on the board when Justin Faulk scored his fourth of the season, courtesy of Eric Staal. Ottawa answered with a Chris Neil goal, his fourth of the year, passed from Guillaume Latendresse. The Hurricanes got one back in the third period when Eric Staal scored his seventeenth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Jiri Tlusty and Faulk. They failed to get an equalizer, falling 3-2, with the three stars being Anderson (32 for 34 in saves), Jared Cowen, and Michalek, while Gonchar, Faulk, and Eric Staal could take the second slot.

Southwest to St. Louis, where the Blues host the Vancouver Canucks. Cory Schneider and Brian Elliott protect the nets. Vancouver got going in the second period when Alexander Edler scored his seventh of the season, a power play goal powered by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. St. Louis tied it in the third period on a Jay Bouwmeester goal, his seventh of the year, guided in by David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo. The Blues won 2-1 in the shootout with goals by Andy McDonald and Alexander Steen. The three stars went to David Backes, Bouwmeester, and Elliott (21 for 22 in saves), while Schneider (35 for 36 in saves) could take the first slot.

North again to Winnipeg, with the Jets hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and Ondrej Pavelec are in the creases. Winnipeg was first to score in the first period on an Andrew Ladd goal, his seventeenth of the season, made possible by Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little. Tampa Bay tied it as Martin St. Louis scored his twelfth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Jets regained the lead in the second period with a Wheeler goal, his sixteenth of the season, with assists provided by Zach Bogosian. Winnipeg added on as Ladd scored his second of the game and eighteenth of the year, a power play goal powered by Wheeler and  Bogosian. The Lightning answered with a third period goal by Pierre-Cedric Labrie, his second of the season, going in unassisted. Tampa Bay tied it with a Steven Stamkos goal, his twenty-seventh of the year, helped along by Matt Carle. The Jets won 4-3 in the shootout as Mike Santorelli and Ladd scored. The three stars were awarded to Ladd, Wheeler, and Stamkos, while Bogosian gets an honorable mention.

West to Edmonton, where the Oilers host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Devan Dubnyk guard the cages. Minnesota led off in the first period when Kyle Brodziak scored his seventh of the season, an unassisted goal. Edmonton tied it on a Nail Yakupov goal, his eleventh of the year, going in unassisted. The Wild took the lead in the second period as Charlie Coyle scored his seventh of the season, with a lone assist by Clayton Stoner. Minnesota extended the lead on a Mikael Granlund goal, his second of the year, passed from Torrey Mitchell and Stoner. The Wild padded the lead in the third period as Zach Parise scored his sixteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Jason Pominville and Ryan Suter. Minnesota struck again as Brodziak scored his second of the game and eighth of the year, courtesy of Pominville and Pierre-Marc Bouchard. The Oilers got one back as Shawn Horcoff scored his seventh of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Edmonton pulled closer with a Magnus Paajarvi goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Yakupov and Jeff Petry. This was all they could muster, falling 5-3. The three stars belonged to Brodziak, Yakupov, and Stoner, while Pominville picks up an honorable mention.

Finally, we end in San Jose, as the Sharks bring in their rivals from the south, the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi tend the twines. San Jose began with a second period goal by Brent Burns, his eighth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Sharks added on with a T.J. Galiardi goal, his fourth of the year, with assist provided by Burns and Joe Thornton. Los Angeles got on the board with a Jake Muzzin power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Slava Voynov and Justin Williams. The Kings tied it on a Dustin Brown goal, his sixteenth of the year, assisted by Robyn Regehr and Anze Kopitar. San Jose won 3-2 in the shootout on a lone goal by Raffi Torres. The three stars went to Niem (41 for 43 in saves), Burns, and Quick (33 for 35 in saves).

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Monday, April 15, 2013

NHL April 15th 2013

Please keep the city of Boston, its residents, and the families and friends of those affected by the bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon in your thoughts. Many people will be touched by this tragedy today, and it is on us to help those most affected find strength in a moment of weakness. With that, we begin the day's hockey and the healing process in...

Boston, where the Bruins would be hosting the Ottawa Senators. The game has been postponed and will likely be played on April 24th or 26th. Check with the NHL for further information regarding a makeup for this game.

Onward to Toronto, where the Maple Leafs host the New Jersey Devils. Martin Broduer and James Reimer receive the starting nods. Toronto got going in the third period on a Phil Kessel power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, powered by Dion Phaneuf and Cody Franson. The Maple Leafs iced it at 2-0 with an empty net goal by Jay McClement goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone assist by Mark Fraser. Reimer (31 save shutout), Kessel, and Franson got the three stars.

Over in Montreal, the Canadiens host the Philadelphia Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov and Carey Price are in the creases. Philadelphia led off in the first period with a Wayne Simmonds goal, his thirteenth of the season, assisted by Sean Couturier and Luke Schenn. The Flyers added on as Erik Gustafsson scored his second of the year, an unassisted goal. Montreal got on the board with a Max Pacioretty power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban. The Canadiens tied it in the second period on a Brendan Gallagher goal, his thirteenth of the year, coming on the power play via Pacioretty and Subban. Philadelphia took the lead back as Jakub Voracek scored his eighteenth of the season, set up by Claude Giroux and Simon Gagne. The Flyers extended the lead on a Scott Hartnell power play goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Giroux and Kimmo Timonen. Montreal chipped back on an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Davis Drewiske and Lars Eller. Philadelphia replied on a Giroux goal, his thirteenth of the year, passed from Voracek and Timonen. The Flyers padded the lead as Hartnell scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, with helpers provided by Voracek and Simmonds on the power play goal. Peter Budaj relieved Price at this time. Philadelphia kept going with a third period goal by Hartnell, finishing his hat trick with his seventh of the year, pushed through by Brayden Schenn and Danny Briere. This produced the 7-3 final score, with the three stars belonging to Hartnell, Giroux, and Gallagher, while Voracek, Simmonds, Pacioretty, Subban, and Timonen got the honorable mentions.

Down in Nashville, the Predators bring in the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Pekka Rinne guard the cages. Vancouver quickly struck first in the first period with a Ryan Kesler power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. The Canucks added on as Derek Roy scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Dan Hamhuis and Jannik Hansen. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Nick Spaling goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Sergei Kostitsyn and Daniel Bang. The Predators tied it as Bobby Butler scored his third of the year, via Victor Bartley. Vancouver took the lead back with a Jason Garrison power play goal, his seventh of the season, set up by Mason Raymond and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks extended the lead in the third period with an Alexandre Burrows goal, his thirteenth of the year, with assists provided by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. Vancouver padded the lead on a Kesler goal, his second of the game and fourth of the campaign, made possible by Roy and Hansen. This was good for a 5-2 win, with the three stars handed to Kesler, Roy, and Daniel Sedin, while Henrik Sedin and Hansen get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Chicago, with the Blackhawks hosting the Dallas Stars. Richard Bachman and Ray Emery are the backups making the starts. Chicago started in the first period on a Jonathan Toews goal, his twenty-first of the season, assisted by Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad. The Blackhawks extended the lead in the second period with a Viktor Stalberg goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Michal Handzus and Andrew Shaw. Dallas got on the board with Jamie Benn's ninth of the season, helped along by Ray Whitney. The Stars tied it with another Benn goal in the third period, his second of the game and tenth of the year, fueled by Whitney and Alex Goligoski. Chicago retook the lead with an Andrew Shaw goal, his ninth of the season, coming off of Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks added on as Niklas Hjalmarsson scored his second of the year, thanks to Hossa and Toews. Chicago iced it at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Hossa, his sixteenth of the campaign, passed from Brent Seabrook. The three stars were named as Shaw, Hossa, and Benn, while Toews and Whitney were the honorable mentions.

Westward to Colorado, as the Avalanche host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are between the pipes. Colorado began in the second period with a Cody McLeod goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Gabriel Landeskog and Ryan O'Reilly. Columbus tied it on a Mark Letestu goal, his tenth of the year, fueled by Vinny Prospal. The Blue Jackets took the lead in the third period when Blake Comeau scored his fifth of the season, via Derek MacKenzie and Jared Boll. The Avalanche tied it again as McLeod scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, guided in by Tyson Barrie and O'Reilly. Colorado gained the lead with a Stefan Elliott goal, a power play goal powered by Paul Stastny and Jamie McGinn. Columbus tied it on an R.J. Umberger goal, his eighth of the season, thanks to Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno. The Blue Jackets won 4-3 in overtime as Foligno potted his sixth of the year, with a lone assist from Fedor Tyutin. The three stars were McLeod, Foligno, and O'Reilly.

Up in Calgary, the Flames host the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Joey MacDonald protect the nets. Minnesota was first to score in the first period on a Mikko Koivu goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Zach Parise and Tom Gilbert. The Wild added on in the second period as Jason Pominville put away his thirteenth of the year, thanks to Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Ryan Suter. Calgary got on the board in the third period as Jiri Hudler scored his ninth of the season, with the help of Roman Horak and Roman Cervenka. Ten seconds later, Minnesota replied with a Bouchard goal, set up by Devin Setoguchi as his sixth of the year. The Wild padded the lead when Pominville scored his second of the night and fourteenth of the season, via Matt Cullen and Jonas Brodin. The Flames shot back on a Ben Hanowski goal, guided in by Mikael Backlund and Curtis Glencross. Calgary pulled closer as Sven Baertschi scored his second of the year, helped along by Michael Cammalleri and Mark Giordano. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Pominville, Hanowski, and Cullen.

Finally, we end in Phoenix, with the Coyotes welcoming the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Jason LaBarbera will stand in the blue paint. San Jose opened in the second period with a Logan Couture goal, his seventeenth of the season, coming off of Jason Demers and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks added on with a Tommy Wingels goal, his fifth of the year, an unassisted goal. San Jose extended the lead with a Joe Pavelski goal, his thirteenth of the season, fueled by Raffi Torres and Wingels. The Sharks iced it at 4-0 with Matt Irwin's sixth of the year in the third period, a power play goal powered by Dan Boyle and Joe Thornton. The three stars went to Niemi (35 save shutout), Wingels, and Pavelski.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion and keep the city of Boston in your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

NHL April 14th 2013

One of the least-busy days we've had all season, with only three games on today. We begin in...

St. Louis, as the Blues host the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Brian Elliott are the masked men. Chicago got going in the second period as Bryan Bickell netted his ninth of the season, with a lone assist from Viktor Stalberg. The Blackhawks added on in the third period with a Marian Hossa goal, his fifteenth of the year coming shorthanded from Jonathan Toews. This made it 2-0, the final, with the three stars being Bickell, Crawford (30 save shutout), and Elliott (24 for 26 in saves).

Over in Buffalo, the Sabres bring in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and Jhonas Enroth are set to start. Buffalo led off in the first period as Tyler Ennis scored his tenth of the season, a power play goal, powered by Thomas Vanek and Christian Ehrhoff. The Sabres added on in the second period with a Jochen Hecht goal, his fourth of the year, coming off of Nathan Gerbe. Buffalo extended the lead on a Kevin Porter goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Brian Flynn and Steve Ott. Tampa Bay got on the board with a Benoit Pouliot goal, his eighth of the year, courtesy of Eric Brewer and Vincent Lecavalier. This was as close as it got, with the three stars going to Enroth (32 for 33 in saves), Flynn, and Porter.

Finally, in Nashville, the Predators welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Pekka Rinne tend the twines. Detroit began in the second period on a Henrik Zetterberg goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Danny DeKeyser and Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings extended the lead as Johan Franzen scored his ninth of the year in the third period, via Valtteri Filppula and Daniel Cleary. Detroit iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Justin Abdelkader, his ninth of the campaign, passed from Zetterberg and Datsyuk. The three stars were Howard (22 save shutout), Zetterberg, and Rinne (29 for 31 in saves).

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.