Saturday, May 25, 2013

Eastern Conference Semifinal: 4) Boston Bruins VS. 6) New York Rangers

Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers 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: Henrik Lundqvist for New York and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Boston got going in the second period with a Zdeno Chara goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by David Krejci and Nathan Horton. New York tied it with a Ryan McDonagh goal, coming off of Rick Nash and Derick Brassard. The Rangers took the lead early in the third period on a Derek Stepan goal, his third of the playoffs, fueled by Carl Hagelin and Ryan Callahan. The Bruins tied it with a Torey Krug goal, guided in by Dougie Hamilton and Brad Marchand on the power play. Boston won 3-2 in overtime as Marchand scored, thanks to Patrice Bergeron and Chara. The three stars were Marchand, Chara, and Brassard. The Bruins have a 1-0 series lead to begin with.

Game 2: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York and Tuukka Rask for Boston. Boston was first to score in the first period with a Torey Krug goal, his second of the postseason, assisted by Nathan Horton and David Krejci. New York tied it on a Ryan Callahan goal, his second of the playoffs, going in unassisted. The Bruins took the lead back in the second period as Gregory Campbell scored, with the help of Krug and Adam McQuaid. The Rangers retied it as Rick Nash scored, via Mats Zuccarello and Dan Girardi. Boston regained the lead as Johnny Boychuk scored his third of the postseason, coming off of Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins extended the lead on a Marchand goal, his second of the playoffs, guided in by Bergeron and Matt Bartkowski. Boston padded the lead as Milan Lucic netted his third of the postseason, with assists provided by Krejci and Dougie Hamilton. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars going to Rask (35 for 37 in saves), Bergeron, and Krug, while Marchand and Krejci get the honorable mentions. The Bruins will hit the road leading the series 2-0.

Game 3: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and Henrik Lundqvist for New York. New York began in the second period with a Taylor Pyatt goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone assist from Ryan McDonagh. Boston tied it on a third period Johnny Boychuk goal, his fourth of the playoffs, pushed through by Daniel Paille and Shawn Thornton. The Bruins took the lead as Paille scored his second of the postseason, via Thornton and Gregory Campbell. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars going to Paille, Rask (23 for 24 in saves), and Lundqvist (32 for 34 in saves), while Thornton gets an honorable mention. The Bruins have pushed the Rangers to the edge, as they hold a 3-0 series lead.

Game 4: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Tuukka Rask for Boston and Henrik Lundqvist for New York. Boston struck first in the second period on a Nathan Horton power play goal, his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of David Krejci and Brad Marchand. The Bruins added on as Torey Krug netted his third of the playoffs, a power play goal powered by Tyler Seguin and Horton. New York got on the board when Carl Hagelin scored his third of the postseason, via Derick Brassard and Roman Hamrlik. The Rangers tied it in the third period as Derek Stepan scored his fourth of the playoffs, an unassisted goal. Boston took the lead back with a Seguin goal, coming off of Dougie Hamilton. New York tied it again as Brian Boyle scored his third of the postseason, a power play goal set up by Stepan and Brassard. The Rangers won 4-3 in overtime with a Chris Kreider goal, passed from Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh. The three stars went to Stepan, Brassard, and Kreider, while Horton and Seguin receive the honorable mentions. The Rangers stay alive but trail 3-1 in the series. 

Game 5: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for New York and Tuukka Rask for Boston. New York led off in the first period as Dan Girardi scored his second of the postseason, a power play goal made possible by Mats Zuccarello and Brian Boyle. Boston tied it in the second period when Torey Krug scored his fourth of the playoffs, a power play goal powered by Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand. The Bruins took the lead as Gregory Campbell scored his second of the postseason, courtesy of Shawn Thornton and Daniel Paille. Boston iced it at 3-1 with a Campbell empty netter, his second of the game and third of the playoffs, passed from Nathan Horton. The three stars were handed to Campbell, Milan Lucic, and Rask (28 for 29 in saves), while any point-earner can take the second slot. The Bruins will play the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals after winning this series 4-1. 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Eastern Conference Semifinal: 1) Pittsburgh Penguins VS. 7) Ottawa Senators

Welcome to the post for the semifinal series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ottawa Senators 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: Craig Anderson for Ottawa and Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh led off with a first period Paul Martin power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Brenden Morrow. Ottawa tied it on a Colin Greening goal, fueled by Erik Condra and Jared Cowen. The Penguins took the lead back as Malkin scored his third of the playoffs, with the help of Chris Kunitz and James Neal. Pittsburgh added on with a second period Kunitz goal, his third of the postseason coming on the power play from Jarome Iginla and Kris Letang. The Penguins extended the lead in the third period on a Pascal Dupuis shorthanded goal, his sixth of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Douglas Murray. This was good for a 4-1 win, with the three stars being Malkin, Vokoun (35 for 36 in saves), and Kunitz. The Penguins hold a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Craig Anderson for Ottawa and Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh opened with a Sidney Crosby goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Paul Martin and Matt Niskanen. Ottawa tied it with a Kyle Turris power play goal, his fourth of the playoffs, powered by Daniel Alfredsson and Sergei Gonchar. The Penguins regained the lead on a Crosby goal, his fifth of the postseason and second of the game, made possible by Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh extended the lead with a Crosby power play goal in the second period, his sixth of the playoffs securing his hat trick, with the help of Letang and Evgeni Malkin. Robin Lehner relieved Anderson in goal. The Senators got one back with a Colin Greening goal, coming off of Zack Smith and Chris Neil. The Penguins shot back as Brenden Morrow scored, via James Neal and Martin. Ottawa pulled back with a Jean-Gabriel Pageau goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Guillaume Latendresse and Erik Condra. They failed to tie it, losing 4-3, with the three stars going to Crosby, Letang, and Greening, while Martin gets an honorable mention. The Penguins will hit the road with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh and Craig Anderson for Ottawa. Pittsburgh got going in the second period as Tyler Kennedy scored his second of the postseason, with a lone assist by Matt Cooke. Ottawa tied it with a shorthanded goal by Daniel Alfredsson, his third of the playoffs, set up by Milan Michalek and Sergei Gonchar. The Senators won 2-1 in the fifth period (second overtime) on a goal by Colin Greening, passed from Andre Benoit and Erik Condra. The three stars were handed to Greening, Anderson (49 for 50 in saves), and Vokoun (46 for 48 in saves). The Penguins still hold a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh and Craig Anderson for Ottawa. Ottawa began in the first period with a shorthanded Milan Michalek goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Daniel Alfredsson and Andre Benoit. Pittsburgh tied it as James Neal potted his second of the playoffs, an unassisted goal. The Senators took the lead back with a Kyle Turris goal, his fifth of the postseason, via Jakob Silfverberg and Erik Karlsson. The Penguins tied it again in the second period as Chris Kunitz scored his fourth of the playoffs, thanks to Pascal Dupuis and Kris Letang. Pittsburgh took the lead with a Jarome Iginla goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Letang and Neal. The Penguins extended the lead in the third period as Neal scored his second of the game and third of the playoffs, a power play goal powered by Sidney Crosby and Letang, the latter getting a natural sock trick. Pittsburgh added on when Dupuis scored a shorthanded goal, his seventh of the postseason, with a lone assist by Matt Cooke. The Penguins padded the lead with a Sidney Crosby goal, his seventh of the playoffs, courtesy of Tyler Kennedy. Robin Lehner relieved Anderson at this time. Pittsburgh struck again as Iginla scored his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, a power play goal pushed through by Jussi Jokinen and Letang. Ottawa took one back on an Alfredsson goal, his fourth of the playoffs coming on the power play with a lone helper credited to Karlsson. This only made it 7-3, the final, with the three stars belonging to Letang, Neal, and Iginla, while Dupuis and Crosby get the honorable mentions. The Penguins have a 3-1 series lead now, as they travel home. 

Game 5: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Craig Anderson for Ottawa and Tomas Vokoun for Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh started in the first period as Brenden Morrow scored his second of the postseason, assisted by Mark Eaton and Matt Cooke. The Penguins added on in the second period period when James Neal sank his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby on the power play. Pittsburgh extended the lead on a Letang goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Tyler Kennedy and Brooks Orpik. Ottawa got on the board as Milan Michalek scored his third of the playoffs, via Jason Spezza and Kyle Turris. The Penguins answered when Evgeni Malkin notched his fourth of the postseason, with a lone assist by Neal. Pittsburgh padded the lead in the third period on Neal's second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, going in unassisted. The Senators got one back as Turris scored his sixth of the postseason, thanks to Jared Cowen and Colin Greening. The Penguins shot back as Neal finished his hat trick with his sixth of the playoffs, with assists provided by Malkin and Letang. This produced the 6-2 final, with the three stars awarded to Neal, Letang, and Malkin, while Turris gets an honorable mention. The Penguins will compete in the Eastern Conference Finals after knocking the Senators out by a 4-1 margin.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion. 

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.

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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.