Monday, May 13, 2013

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: 3) Washington Capitals VS. 6) New York Rangers

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York and Braden Holtby for Washington. New York struck first in the first period with a Carl Hagelin goal, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonagh. Washington tied it in the second period as Alex Ovechkin scored a power play goal, powered by Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals took the lead as Marcus Johansson scored, with a lone helper from Steve Oleksy. Washington extended the lead on a Jason Chimera goal, guided in by Mathieu Perreault. This held up for a 3-1 win, with the three stars belonging to Holtby (35 for 36 in saves), Chimera, and Hagelin. The Capitals take a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York and Braden Holtby for Washington. The game was scoreless until Mike Green scored a power play goal in overtime for Washington, powered by Mike Ribeiro and Alex Ovechkin. The final was 1-0, with the three stars going to Lundqvist (37 for 38 in saves), Green, and Holtby (24 save shutout). The Capitals will head on the road with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington and Henrik Lundqvist for New York. Washington started in the first period as Nicklas Backstrom scored, courtesy of John Carlson and John Erskine. New York tied it on a Brian Boyle power play goal, powered by Derick Brassard and Michael Del Zotto. The Rangers took the lead in the second period as Brassard scored a power play goal, set up by Mats Zuccarello and Boyle. The Capitals retied it when Mike Green scored his second of the postseason, via Mathieu Perreault and Jason Chimera. New York retook the lead in the third period on an Arron Asham goal, coming off of Brassard and Taylor Pyatt. Washington pulled even again as Jack Hillen found twine, with helpers provided by Joel Ward and Matt Hendricks. The Rangers pulled ahead on a Derek Stepan goal, guided in by Rick Nash and Zuccarello. This stood for a 4-3 win, with the three stars being Brassard, Boyle, and Ryan McDonagh, while Zuccarello could take the third slot. The Capitals still hold a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington and Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New York was first to score in the first period as Brad Richards scored, with assists provided by Carl Hagelin and Taylor Pyatt. The Rangers added on in the second period on a Hagelin goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Derick Brassard and Ryane Clowe. Washington got on the board with a Mathieu Perreault goal, fueled by Joel Ward and Jason Chimera. The Capitals tied it on a Troy Brouwer goal, assisted by Mike Green. New York took the lead back in the third period with a Dan Girardi power play goal, powered by Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. The Rangers extended the lead when Derek Stepan scored his second of the playoffs, with helpers from Hagelin and Ryan Callahan. Washington got one back as Karl Alzner scored, with the help of Ward and Perreault. They failed to tie it, losing 4-3, with the three stars being handed to Hagelin, Brassard, and Girardi, while Perreault and Ward get the honorable mentions. The series heads back to DC tied at 2.

Game 5: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York and Braden Holtby for Washington. New York began in the first period on a Brian Boyle goal, his second of the postseason, with assists provided by Derick Brassard and Dan Girardi. Washington tied it with a Joel Ward power play goal in the second period, powered by Marcus Johansson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals won 2-1 in overtime with a Mike Ribeiro goal, fueled by Troy Brouwer and Karl Alzner. The three stars belonged to Ribeiro, Ward, and Lundqvist (33 for 35 in saves). The Capitals now have a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Braden Holtby for Washington and Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New York got going in the second period with a Derick Brassard goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by John Moore and Mats Zuccarello. This was the only goal in the game, resulting in a 1-0 final, with the three stars going to Lundqvist (27 save shutout), Brassard, and Derek Dorsett, while Holtby (28 for 29 in saves) deserves the third slot. The series will be decided in game 7, and is currently tied at 3. 

Game 7: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York and Braden Holtby for Washington. New York opened with a first period goal by Arron Asham, his second of the postseason, thanks to Chris Kreider. The Rangers added on in the second period as Taylor Pyatt scored, with the help of Derek Dorsett and Steve Eminger. New York extended the lead on a Michael Del Zotto goal, set up by Derick Brassard and Rick Nash. The Rangers padded the lead on a third period goal by Ryan Callahan, an unassisted goal. New York kept going as Mats Zuccarello scored, coming off of Brassard and Eminger. This was good for a 5-0 win, with the three stars belonging to Lundqvist (35 save shutout), Brassard, and Asham, while Eminger got the honorable mention. The Rangers win the series 4-3 and advance to face the Boston Bruins in Round 2.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: 4) Boston Bruins VS. 5) Toronto Maple Leafs

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: James Reimer for Toronto and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Toronto led off with a first period goal by James van Riemsdyk, a power play goal made possible by Cody Franson and Tyler Bozak. Boston tied it on a Wade Redden goal, fueled by Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille. The Bruins took the lead with a Nathan Horton power play goal, powered by Redden and David Krejci. Boston added on in the second period as Krejci scored, with a lone assist by Milan Lucic. The Bruins extended the lead as Johnny Boychuk scored, via Krejci and Lucic. This held up for a 4-1 win, with the three stars going to Krejci, Redden, and Rask (19 for 20 in saves), while Lucic gets an honorable mention. The Bruins hold a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: James Reimer for Toronto and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Boston got going in the second period as Nathan Horton scored his second of the postseason, courtesy of Milan Lucic and David Krejci. Toronto tied it as Joffrey Lupul scored a power play goal, powered by Jake Gardiner and Carl Gunnarsson. The Maple Leafs took the lead as Lupul scored again, his second goal of the game, with the help of Matt Frattin and Dion Phaneuf. Toronto extended the lead with a Phil Kessel goal, assisted by Nazem Kadri and Ryan Hamilton. The Bruins got one back on the second of the playoffs for Johnny Boychuk, coming off of Zdeno Chara and Brad Marchand. The Maple Leafs iced it at 4-2 with a James van Riemsdyk goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Mihkail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. Lupul, Reimer (39 for 41 in saves), and Krejci got the three stars. The series heads into Canada tied at 1.

Game 3: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and James Reimer for Toronto. Boston began in the first period on an Adam McQuaid goal, via Milan Lucic and David Krejci. The Bruins extended the lead when Rich Peverley scored in the second period, with the help of Jaromir Jagr. Toronto got on the board with an unassisted Jake Gardiner power play goal. Boston replied as Nathan Horton scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Lucic and Krejci. The Bruins added on with a Daniel Paille shorthanded goal, going in unassisted. The Maple Leafs shot back in the third period with Phil Kessel's second of the playoffs, a power play goal powered by James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Cody Franson. Boston iced it at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Krejci, his second of the postseason, with assists coming from Horton and Lucic, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars went to Rask (45 for 47 in saves), Krejci, and Gardiner, while Lucic and Horton get the honorable mentions. The Bruins retake the series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and James Reimer for Toronto. Toronto opened in the first period with a Joffrey Lupul goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Phil Kessel and Jake Gardiner. The Maple Leafs added on with a Cody Franson goal, assisted by Mark Fraser and Lupul. Boston got on the board in the second period on a power play goal by Patrice Bergeron, powered by Zdeno Chara and Milian Lucic. The Bruins tied it as David Krejci scored his third of the playoffs, via Brad Marchand and Chara. Boston took the lead as Krejci scored his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, a power play goal set up by Nathan Horton and Chara, the latter getting a natural sock trick. Toronto tied it again on a Clarke MacArthur goal, passed from Matt Frattin and Gardiner. The Bruins won when Krejci completed his hat trick in overtime to secure the 4-3 win. It was his fifth goal of the playoffs, and the assists were credited to Horton and Chara. The three stars were awarded to Krejci, Lupul, and Chara, while Horton and Gardiner receive the honorable mentions. The Bruins now have a 3-1 series lead.

Game 5: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: James Reimer for Toronto and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Toronto started in the second period as Tyler Bozak scored a shorthanded and unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs extended the lead in the third period with a Clarke MacArthur goal, going in unassisted. Boston got on the board with a Zdeno Chara goal, assisted by David Krejci and Dennis Seidenberg. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Reimer (43 for 44 in saves), Rask (31 for 33 in saves), and Jaromir Jagr, while Bozak or MacArthur deserve the third slot. The series again heads to Toronto, with the Bruins owning a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and James Reimer for Toronto. Toronto struck first in the third period on a Dion Phaneuf goal, fueled by Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk. The Maple Leafs added on as Phil Kessel scored his third of the postseason, via van Riemsdyk and Cody Franson. Boston got on the board late with a Milan Lucic goal, assisted by Jaromir Jagr and Zdeno Chara. They failed to tie it, losing 2-1, with the three stars awarded to Reimer (29 for 30 in saves), Kessel, and Phaneuf, while van Riemsdyk gets the honorable mention. The series is now tied at 3 and will be decided with Game 7 in Boston. 

Game 7: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: James Reimer for Toronto and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Boston was first to score in the first period with an unassisted goal by Matt Bartkowski. Toronto tied it with a Cody Franson power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by James van Riemsdyk and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs took the lead in the second period as Franson scored his second of the game and third of the playoffs, assisted by Clarke MacArthur and Mikhail Grabovski. Toronto extended the lead in the third period when Phil Kessel scored his fourth of the postseason, via Nazem Kadri and van Riemsdyk. The Maple Leafs added on with a Kadri goal, fueled by Kessel and Jake Gardiner. the Bruins took one back on a Nathan Horton goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Milan Lucic and David Krejci. Boston pulled closer as Lucic scored his second of the postseason, courtesy of Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins tied it late on a Bergeron goal, his second of the playoffs, with assists provided by Krejci and Jaromir Jagr. Boston pulled off their miracle comeback in overtime as Bergeron scored his second of the game and third of the postseason, with the help of Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand for a 5-4 win. The three stars belonged to Bergeron, Lucic, and Franson, while Kadri, Kessel, van Riemsdyk, and Krejci get the honorable mentions. The Bruins advance to the second round with a 4-3 series win.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Western Conference Quarterfinal: 2) Anaheim Ducks VS. 7) Detroit Red Wings

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Anaheim Ducks and the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Jonas Hiller for Anaheim. Anaheim began in the first period with a Nick Bonino power play goal, set up by Cam Fowler. Detroit tied it on a power play goal by Daniel Cleary, powered by Jakub Kindl and Patrick Eaves. The Ducks took the lead back in the third period as Teemu Selanne scored a power play goal, made possible by Ben Lovejoy and Matt Beleskey. Anaheim iced it at 3-1 on an empty net goal by Francois Beauchemin, passed from Ryan Getzlaf and Daniel Winnik. The three stars were handed to Selanne, Hiller (21 for 22 in saves), and Saku Koivu, while any point-earner can take the third slot. The Ducks take a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Jonas Hiller for Anaheim. Detroit started in the first period with a Justin Abdelkader goal, courtesy of Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings added on as Damien Brunner scored, with a lone assist by Kyle Quincey. Detroit padded the lead in the second period with a Johan Franzen goal, set up by Brunner and Datsyuk on the power play. Anaheim got on the board with a Saku Koivu power play goal, powered by Teemu Selanne and Francois Beauchemin. The Red Wings answered in the third period on another Franzen power play goal, his second of the game, made possible by Henrik Zetterberg and Brunner. The Ducks got one back as Ryan Getzlaf scored, with helpers provided by Kyle Palmieri and Bryan Allen. Anaheim pulled closer as Palmieri scored, thanks to Nick Bonino and Bobby Ryan. The Ducks tied it on a Ryan goal, fueled by Cam Fowler and Koivu. The game went into overtime, where Detroit won 5-4 on a Gustav Nyquist power play goal, passed from Valtteri Filppula and Daniel Cleary. The three stars were awarded to Nyquist, Ryan, and Palmieri, while Brunner, Franzen, Datsyuk, and Koivu get the honorable mentions. The series heads east tied at 1.

Game 3: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Jonas Hiller for Anaheim and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Anaheim got going in the second period on a Nick Bonino power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks added on in the third period as Getzlaf scored his second of the playoffs, a shorthanded goal going in unassisted. Anaheim extended the lead with an Emerson Etem goal, with a lone assist by Teemu Selanne. The Ducks padded the lead with a Matt Beleskey power play goal, made possible by Saku Koivu and Bobby Ryan. This made it 4-0, a final, with the three stars being Getzlaf, Hiller (23 save shutout), and Etem. The Ducks regain the series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Jonas Hiller for Anaheim and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Anaheim led off in the first period with a Matt Beleskey goal, his second of the postseason, via Andrew Cogliano. Detroit tied it in the third period on a Brendan Smith goal, with assists provided by Daniel Cleary and Joakim Andersson. The Ducks took the lead back as Dave Steckel scored, thanks to Kyle Palmieri and Emerson Etem. The Red Wings retied it on a Pavel Datsyuk goal, assisted by Smith and Kyle Quincey. Detroit won 3-2 in overtime as Damien Brunner scored his second of the playoffs, set up by Gustav Nyquist and Andersson. The three stars belonged to Brunner, Datsyuk, and Howard (31 for 33 in saves). The series heads back west tied at 2.

Game 5: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Jonas Hiller for Anaheim. Detroit was first to score in the first period with a Johan Franzen power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by Henrik Zetterberg and Damien Brunner. Anaheim tied it as Kyle Palmieri scored his second of the playoffs, assisted by Dave Steckel. The Red Wings retook the lead in the second period on a Mikael Samuelsson goal, fueled by Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. The Ducks retied it with a Ryan Getzlaf power play goal, his third of the postseason, guided in by Francois Beauchemin and Sheldon Souray. Anaheim won 3-2 in overtime as Nick Bonino scored his third of the playoffs, via Ben Lovejoy. The three stars were not officially awarded, so I take the honor of giving them to Bonino, Zetterberg, and Hiller (29 for 31 in saves). The Ducks hold a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan. In goal: Jonas Hiller for Anaheim and Jimmy Howard for Detroit. Detroit opened with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his second of the postseason, thanks to Henrik Zetterberg and Jonathan Ericsson. Anaheim tied it in the second period as Kyle Palmieri scored his third of the playoffs, courtesy of Emerson Etem. The Red Wings took the lead in the third period with a Zetterberg power play goal, powered by Mikael Samuelsson and Datsyuk. Detroit extended the lead as Justin Abdelkader scored his second of the postseason, with helpers provided by Valtteri Filppula and Daniel Cleary. The Ducks got one back with an Etem goal, his second of the playoffs, going in unassisted. Anaheim tied it on a Bobby Ryan goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Corey Perry and Francois Beauchemin. The Red Wings quickly ended the game in overtime on another Zetterberg goal, his second of the game, passed from Niklas Kronwall and Datsyuk for a 4-3 win. The three stars were Zetterberg, Howard (34 for 37 in saves), and Hiller (25 for 29 in saves), while Datsyuk or Etem could take the third slot. The series will go down to a decisive Game 7 in Anaheim, with the current mark reading 3-3.

Game 7: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Jimmy Howard for Detroit and Jonas Hiller for Anaheim. Detroit struck first in the first period on a Henrik Zetterberg goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Valtteri Filppula and Jakub Kindl. Anaheim tied it on an Emerson Etem goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Francois Beauchemin and the goalie Hiller. The Red Wings regained the lead as Justin Abdelkader scored his second of the postseason, going in shorthanded and unassisted. Detroit extended the lead in the second period as Filppula scored, thanks to Daniel Cleary and Zetterberg. The Ducks got one back in the third period with a Beauchemin power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Cam Fowler. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Zetterberg, Etem, and Fowler, while Beauchemin and Filppula get the honorable mentions. The Red Wings win the series 4-3, meaning that they will play the Chicago Blackhawks in Round 2, while the Los Angeles Kings face the San Jose Sharks to sort out the rest of the west.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: 1) Pittsburgh Penguins VS 8) New York Islanders

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Evgeni Nabokov for New York and Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh opened with a first period power play goal by Beau Bennett, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Paul Martin. The Penguins added on as Pascal Dupuis scored, thanks to Craig Adams and Jarome Iginla. Pittsburgh extended the lead in the second period when Kris Letang scored a power play, with the help of Iginla and Malkin. The Penguins quickly padded the lead on another Dupuis goal, his second of the game, assisted by Mark Eaton and Jussi Jokinen. Kevin Poulin relieved Nabokov at this time. Pittsburgh struck again on a Tanner Glass goal, with a lone helper from Jokinen. This made it 5-0, the eventual final, with the three stars going to Dupuis, Fleury (26 save shutout), and Iginla, while Malkin and Jokinen get the honorable mentions. The Penguins have a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Evgeni Nabokov for New York and Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh struck first in the first period as Evgeni Malkin scored, with the help of Jarome Iginla. The Penguins added on with a Sidney Crosby power play goal, powered by Iginla and Malkin. New York answered with a power play goal from Matt Moulson, set up by John Tavares and Mark Streit. Pittsburgh shot back as Crosby scored his second of the game, fueled by Pascal Dupuis and Mark Eaton. The Islanders answered in the second period with a Colin McDonald goal, assisted by Keith Aucoin and David Ullstrom. New York tied it as Matt Martin scored, with assists provided by Josh Bailey and Frans Nielsen. The Islanders took the lead in the third period with a Kyle Okposo goal, coming off of Moulson and Streit. This held up for a 4-3 final, with the three stars being Moulson, Crosby, and Okposo, while Malkin, Iginla, and Streit get the honorable mentions. The series is now tied at 1.

Game 3: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, New York. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh and Evgeni Nabokov for New York. New York led off in the first period as Matt Moulson netted his second of the postseason, assisted by Kyle Okposo and Lubomir Visnovsky. The Islanders added on as Casey Cizikas scored, thanks to Michael Grabner. Pittsburgh got one back on a power play goal by Jarome Iginla, powered by Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins tied it with a Chris Kunitz power play goal, set up by Evgeni Malkin and Letang. Pittsburgh took the lead as Pascal Dupuis scored his third of the playoffs, with the help of Crosby and Kunitz. The Penguins extended the lead in the second period on a Douglas Murray goal, fueled by Malkin and Paul Martin. New York got one back in the third period as Okposo scored his second of the postseason, a shorthanded goal courtesy of Frans Nielsen. The Islanders tied it on a John Tavares goal, via Josh Bailey. Pittsburgh won 5-4 in overtime with another Kunitz power play goal, his second of the game, guided in by Crosby, who got a sock trick, and Martin. The three stars were given to Kunitz, Okposo, and Crosby, while Letang, Malkin, and Martin get the honorable mentions. The Penguins retake the series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, New York. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh and Evgeni Nabokov for New York. New York was first to score in the first period as Brian Strait scored, with the help of Lubomir Visnovsky and Casey Cizikas. Pittsburgh tied it as James Neal scored, assisted by Evgeni Malkin and Jarome Iginla. The Islanders took the lead back with a Mark Streit power play goal in the second period, powered by Travis Hamonic and John Tavares. The Penguins retied it with a Malkin goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Iginla and the goalie Fleury. Pittsburgh took the lead with a Brandon Sutter goal, set up by Brenden Morrow and Matt Cooke. New York pulled even again with a Kyle Okposo goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Hamonic and Streit. The Penguins took the lead back on a Pascal Dupuis goal in the third period, his fourth of the playoffs, fueled by Chris Kunitz and Sidney Crosby. The Islanders retied it on another Streit goal, via Cizikas and Brad Boyes. New York took the lead again on a John Tavares goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone helper by Boyes. The Islanders iced it at 6-4 with a Cizikas goal, his second of the playoffs, with assists coming from Michael Grabner and Colin McDonald. The three stars were awarded to Tavares, Streit, and Malkin, while Cizikas, Boyes, Hamonic, and Iginla get the honorable mentions. The series is now tied at 2.

Game 5: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Evgeni Nabokov for New York and Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh got going in the second period when Tyler Kennedy scored, thanks to Kris Letang and Brandon Sutter. The Penguins added on with a Douglas Murray goal, his second of the postseason, guided in by Chris Kunitz and Evgeni Malkin. Pittsburgh extended the lead with a Sidney Crosby goal, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Jarome Iginla and Pascal Dupuis. The Penguins padded the lead in the third period as Letang scored his second of the postseason, a power play goal, powered by Crosby and Paul Martin. Kevin Poulin replaced Nabokov at this time. The final stood at 4-0, and the three stars went to Vokoun (31 save shutout), Crosby, and Kennedy, while Letang gets an honorable mention. The Penguins regained the series lead at 3-2.

Game 6: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, New York. In goal: Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh and Evgeni Nabokov for New York. New York started in the first period on a John Tavares goal, his third of the postseason, thanks to Josh Bailey and Matt Carkner. Pittsburgh tied it as Jarome Iginla scored his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Sidney Crosby and Paul Martin. The Islanders took the lead back with a Colin McDonald goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Keith Aucoin and Michael Grabner. The Penguins retied it in the second period with a Pascal Dupuis goal, his fifth of the playoffs, guided in by Joe Vitale and Matt Niskanen. New York retook the lead in the third period on a Grabner goal, with a lone assist by Aucoin. Pittsburgh tied it again with a Martin goal, via Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins won it 4-3 in overtime with a Brooks Orpik goal, passed from Tyler Kennedy and Malkin. The three stars were handed to Orpik, Vokoun (35 for 38 in saves), and Tavares, while Martin, Grabner, Malkin, and Aucoin receive the honorable mentions. The Penguins win the series 4-2 and will play the Ottawa Senators in the second round.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

Friday, May 10, 2013

Western Conference Quarterfinal: 4) St. Louis Blues VS 5) Los Angeles Kings

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the St. Louis Blues and the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Brian Elliott for St. Louis. St. Louis struck first in the first period as Alexander Steen scored a power play goal, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk. Los Angeles tied it late in the third period on a Justin Williams goal, fueled by Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin. The Blues won 2-1 in overtime on another Steen goal, his second of the game, coming shorthanded and unassisted. The three stars were awarded to Steen, Jaden Schwartz, and Adam Cracknell, while Elliott (28 for 29 in saves), and Quick (40 for 42 in saves) can take the second and third slots. The Blues own a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Brian Elliott for St. Louis. Los Angeles led off in the first period a Dustin Brown power play goal, powered by Mike Richards and Anze Kopitar. St. Louis tied it in the third period with a Patrik Berglund goal, assisted by Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron. The Blues took the lead late on a Barret Jackman goal, fueled by Chris Stewart and Vladimir Sobotka. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being given to Jackman, Elliott (28 for 29 in saves), and Jaden Schwartz, while any point earner can take the third slot. The Blues head out to California with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles got going in the second period with a Slava Voynov goal, assisted by Alec Martinez and Trevor Lewis. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 1-0 final. The three stars went to Quick (30 save shutout), Voynov, and Alex Pietrangelo, while Elliott (20 for 21 in saves) deserves the third slot. The Blues still have a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. St. Louis was first to score in the first period with a David Backes goal, coming off of Jay Bouwmeester and Vladimir Sobotka. The Blues added on as T.J. Oshie scored a power play goal, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk and David Perron. Los Angeles got on the board as Jeff Carter scored, with the help of Mike Richards and Robyn Regehr. The Kings tied it as Dustin Penner scored, thanks to Jarret Stoll and Alec Martinez. St. Louis took the lead back in the second period as Oshie scored his second of the game, via Sobotka and Patrik Berglund. Los Angeles pulled even on an Anze Kopitar goal in the third period, courtesy of Dustin Brown and Jake Muzzin. The Kings took the lead on a Justin Williams goal, his second of the postseason, passed from Richards and Dwight King. This made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Richards, Penner, and Sobotka, while Oshie gets an honorable mention. The series is now tied at 2.

Game 5: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles and Brian Elliott for St. Louis. Los Angeles began in the second period with a Jeff Carter goal, his second of the postseason, via Mike Richards and Drew Doughty. St. Louis tied it on an Alexander Steen goal, his third of the playoffs, coming off of Barret Jackman. The Kings took the lead back in the third period on another Carter goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, coming on the power play with the help of Anze Kopitar and Richards. The Blues tied it late on an Alex Pietrangelo goal, set up by Jaden Schwartz and David Backes. Los Angeles won 3-2 with a Slava Voynov goal in overtime, his second of the playoffs, guided in by Kopitar and Justin Williams. The three stars were Carter, Steen, and Schwartz, while Kopitar and Richards get the honorable mentions. The Kings now also lead the series 3-2.

Game 6: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. In goal: Brian Elliott for St. Louis and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles. Los Angeles opened in the first period on a Drew Doughty goal, assisted by Colin Fraser and Dwight King. St. Louis tied it in the second period with a Roman Polak goal, fueled by David Backes and Chris Porter. The Kings took the lead with a Dustin Penner goal with just one second left in the second period, his second of the postseason, courtesy of Rob Scuderi. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Quick (21 for 22 in saves), Doughty, and Penner. The Kings win the series 4-2 and advance to the second round.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Western Conference Quarterfinal: 1) Chicago Blackhawks VS. 8) Minnesota Wild

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as a reference for the entire series.

Game 1: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Josh Harding for Minnesota and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Minnesota opened with a first period Cal Clutterbuck goal, coming off of Clayton Stoner. Chicago tied it in the second period with a Marian Hossa power play goal, powered by Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith. The Blackhawks won 2-1 in overtime as Bryan Bickell scored, with the help of Viktor Stalberg and Johnny Oduya. The three stars were given to Bickell, Hossa, and Harding (35 for 37 in saves), while Crawford (26 for 27 in saves) gets an honorable mention. The Blackhawks own a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Josh Harding for Minnesota and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago led off in the first period with a Michael Frolik goal, assisted by Andrew Shaw and Nick Leddy. The Blackhawks added on as Frolik scored a shorthanded goal in the second period, via Duncan Keith and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Minnesota got on the board as Devin Setoguchi scored, thanks to Matt Cullen and Jason Zucker. Chicago replied in the third period with a Patrick Sharp goal, passed from Patrick Kane and Michal Handzus. The Blackhawks extended the lead as Sharp scored again, his second goal of the game, with a lone helper by Kane. The Wild got one back with a Marco Scandella goal, guided in by Charlie Coyle and Cullen. Chicago iced it at 5-2 with Bryan Bickell's second of the postseason, an empty net goal made possible by Shaw. The three stars went to Frolik, Crawford (26 for 28 in saves), and Sharp, while Cullen, Shaw, and Kane received the honorable mentions. The Blackhawks leave home with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Josh Harding for Minnesota. Chicago was first to score in the first period on a Johnny Oduya goal, courtesy of Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Minnesota tied it with a Pierre-Marc Bouchard goal, coming off of Cal Clutterbuck and Kyle Brodziak. The Wild took the lead in the third period with a Zach Parise goal, fueled by Charlie Coyle. The Blackhawks tied it on a Duncan Keith goal, assisted by Kane and Patrick Sharp. Minnesota won as Jason Zucker scored in overtime, thanks to Matt Cullen and Bouchard. Zucker, Parise, and Harding (25 for 27 in saves) receive the three stars in the 3-2 game, while Bouchard and Kane get the honorable mentions. The Blackhawks still have a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. In goal: Corey Crawford for Chicago and Josh Harding for Minnesota. Chicago started in the first period as Patrick Sharp scored his third of the postseason, courtesy of Michal Handzus and Marian Hossa. Darcy Kuemper relieved Harding in the second period. The Blackhawks added on in the second period as Sharp scored his second of the game and fourth of the playoffs, going in unassisted. Chicago extended the lead in the third period as Bryan Bickell scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Andrew Shaw. This produced the 3-0 final, with Crawford (25 save shutout), Sharp, and Ryan Suter getting the three stars, while Bickell deserves the third slot. The Blackhawks have pushed the Wild to the edge, holding a 3-1 lead over them. 

Game 5: United Center, Chicago, Illinois. In goal: Josh Harding for Minnesota and Corey Crawford for Chicago. Chicago began in the first period with a Marian Hossa goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks added on with a Marcus Kruger goal, courtesy of Michael Frolik and Duncan Keith. Chicago extended the lead as Hossa scored his second of the game and third of the playoffs, thanks to Brandon Saad and Kruger. Darcy Kuemper relieved Harding at this time. Minnesota got on the board with a Torrey Mitchell goal, fueled by Kyle Brodziak and Marco Scandella. The Blackhawks answered on an Andrew Shaw goal, assisted by Bryan Bickell and Keith. Chicago kept going in the third period with a Patrick Sharp power play goal, his fifth of the postseason, powered by Toews and Hossa. This produced a 5-1 final, with the three stars being Hossa, Crawford (21 for 22 in saves), and Kruger, while Toews and Keith get the honorable mentions. The Blackhawks won the series 4-1 and advance to the second round.

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Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: 2) Montreal Canadiens VS. 7) Ottawa Senators

Welcome to the post for the quarterfinal series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. This post will act as as reference for the entire series.

Game 1: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Craig Anderson for Ottawa and Carey Price for Montreal. Ottawa began in the first period with an Erik Karlsson goal, fueled by Kyle Turris and Marc Methot. Montreal tied it in the second period as Rene Bourque scored, via P.K. Subban and David Desharnais. The Canadiens took the lead as Brendan Gallagher scored a power play goal, powered by Tomas Plekanec and Alex Galchenyuk. The Senators tied it in the third period with a Jakob Silfverberg goal, coming off of Mika Zibanejad and Karlsson. Ottawa took the lead with a Methot goal, with a lone assist from Daniel Alfredsson. The Senators extended the lead as Guillaume Latendresse scored, with helpers provided by Silfverberg and Zibanejad. This made it 4-2, the final, with Anderson (48 for 50 in saves), Gallagher, and Karlsson getting the three stars, while Zibanejad, Silfverberg, and Methot get the honorable mentions. The Senators hold a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Craig Anderson for Ottawa and Carey Price for Montreal. Montreal got going in the second period with an unassisted goal by Ryan White. The Canadiens added on with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Alex Galchenyuk and Brandon Prust. Ottawa got on the board with a Milan Michalek goal, coming off of Chris Phillips and Andre Benoit. Montreal replied as Michael Ryder scored, thanks to Rene Bourque and P.K. Subban. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Price (29 for 30 in saves), Gallagher, and White. The series shifts to Ontario tied at 1.

Game 3: Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Carey Price for Montreal and Craig Anderson for Ottawa. Ottawa was first to score in the first period as Daniel Alfredsson scored a power play goal, powered by Sergei Gonchar and Erik Karlsson. Montreal tied it on a power play goal by Rene Bourque, his second of the postseason, assisted by Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta. The Senators took the lead in the second period as Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored, thanks to Gonchar and Marc Methot. Ottawa added on in the third period as Pageau scored his second of the game, with helpers provided by Chris Neil and Jared Cowen. The Senators extended the lead with a Kyle Turris goal, fueled by Alfredsson and Karlsson. Ottawa kept going with the second of the playoffs by Jakob Silfverberg, a power play goal set up by Milan Michalek and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators iced it at 6-1 when Pageau finished off his hat trick with a power play goal, passed from Erik Condra and Alfredsson. The three stars were Pageau, Alfredsson, and Gonchar, while Karlsson gets an honorable mention. The Senators retake the series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Carey Price for Montreal and Craig Anderson for Ottawa. Montreal led off in the second period as P.K. Subban scored, with helpers provided by Tomas Plekanec and Michael Ryder. The Canadiens added on with an Alex Galchenyuk goal, guided in by Jeff Halpern and Jarred Tinordi. Ottawa got on the board in the third period with a Mika Zibanejad goal, fueled by Chris Neil and Sergei Gonchar. The Senators tied it with a Cory Conacher goal, passed from Daniel Alfredsson and Kyle Turris. Peter Budaj relieved Price in overtime. Ottawa won 3-2 in overtime as Turris scored his second of the postseason, with the help of Marc Methot and Erik Karlsson. The three stars went to Turris, Neil, and Alfredsson. The Senators are ready to advance, needing just one more win while leading 3-1 in the series. 

Game 5: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec. In goal: Craig Anderson for Ottawa and Peter Budaj for Montreal. Ottawa struck first in the first period with a Zack Smith goal, fueled by Matt Kassian and Marc Methot. The Senators added on as Cory Conacher scored his second of the postseason, with the help of Erik Condra and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Montreal got on the board with a P.K. Subban power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Andrei Markov and Tomas Plekanec. Ottawa answered in the second period as Kyle Turris scored his third of the postseason, a shorthanded goal set up by Condra. The Senators extended the lead in the third period with a Daniel Alfredsson power play goal, his second of the playoffs, made possible by Sergei Gonchar and Erik Karlsson. Ottawa padded the lead with another Conacher goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, passed from Mika Zibanejad on the power play. The Senators iced it at 6-1 with a Condra power play goal, with assists provided by Pageau and Kassian. The three stars were Anderson (33 for 34 in saves), Conacher, and Turris, while Condra, Kassian, and Pageau get the honorable mentions. The Senators take the series 4-1 and knock the Canadiens out of the playoffs.

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