NHL Day 26 2013-2014

Eleven games in North America today after ten from the Russia area. We begin with a matinee in...

Phoenix, where the Coyotes host the Edmonton Oilers. Jason LaBarbera and Mike Smith are set to start. Edmonton was first to score in the first period with an unassisted goal by Tyler Pitlick. Phoenix tied it in the second period on a Martin Hanzal goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Shane Doan. The Coyotes took the lead on a Michael Stone goal, his second of the year. Phoenix added on as David Schlemko scored, thanks to Tim Kennedy and Radim Vrbata. The Oilers got one back as Will Acton scored his second of the season, via Ben Eager and Luke Gazdic. Edmonton tied it on a David Perron goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz. The Oilers took the lead on a third period goal by Ryan Jones, his second of the season, made possible by Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov. The Coyotes retied it on a Keith Yandle power play goal, powered by Ekman-Larsson and Vrbata. Phoenix took the lead as Ekman-Larsson scored a power play goal, set up by Yandle and Vrbata. They would win 5-4, with the three stars being Ekman-Larsson, Vrbata, and Yandle, while Nugent-Hopkins gets an honorable mention.

To the northeast, the Boston Bruins welcome the New Jersey Devils. Martin Brodeur and Tuukka Rask are in the creases. Boston led off in the first period as Torey Krug scored his fourth of the season, a power play goal powered by Jarome Iginla and David Krejci. The Bruins added on with Iginla's second of the year, via Dougie Hamilton and the goalie Rask. New Jersey got on the board with an Adam Henrique goal, his third of the season, made possible by Eric Gelinas and Jaromir Jagr on the power play. Boston answered with a Milan Lucic goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Krejci and Iginla. The Devils shot back in the second period with a power play goal by Damien Brunner, his fourth of the season, passed from Steve Bernier and Andy Greene. New Jersey tied it in the third period on a Marek Zidlicky power play goal, courtesy of Patrik Elias and Michael Ryder. The Devils took the lead late as Greene scored a power play goal, coming off of Brunner and Jagr. They would go on to win 4-3, with Greene, Brunner, and Jagr getting the three stars, while Iginla and Krejci got the honorable mentions.

Back west a bit, the Detroit Red Wings bring in the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot is mismatched with Jimmy Howard in goal. Detroit struck first in the first period on a Drew Miller goal, assisted by Joakim Andersson and Danny DeKeyser. New York tied it in the second period as Benoit Pouliot scored a power play goal, powered by Brian Boyle and Ryan McDonagh. The Red Wings took the lead back with a power play goal by Daniel Alfredsson, his second of the season, with a lone assist by Pavel Datsyuk. The Rangers retied it in the third period on a Mats Zuccarello goal, fueled by Dominic Moore and Marc Staal. New York won it 3-2 in overtime as Derick Brassard scored, thanks to Pouliot. The three stars were given to Brassard, Pouliot, and Talbot (32 for 34 in saves).

Down in Tampa Bay, the Lightning host the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Miller and Ben Bishop make the starts. Tampa Bay began in the first period on at Tyler Johnson goal, his third of the season, coming on the power play from Valtteri Filppula and Matthew Carle. Buffalo tied it in the second period as Brian Flynn scored his second of the year, courtesy of Cody McCormick and Ville Leino. The Sabres took the lead in the third period as Thomas Vanek netted his fourth of the season, via Marcus Foligno and Zemgus Girgensons. The Lightning tied it again with a Martin St. Louis goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Steven Stamkos and Radko Gudas. Tampa Bay took the lead as Ondrej Palat scored his third of the campaign, with a lone assist by Johnson. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Johnson, Palat, and Miller (36 for 39 in saves).

West to Dallas, as the Stars welcome the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Kari Lehtonen are the solid starters. Winnipeg got going in the second period on an Evander Kane goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Dustin Byfuglien and Mark Stuart. Dallas tied it in the third period as Stephane Robidas scored, thanks to Vernon Fiddler and Lane MacDermid. The Jets won 2-1 in the shootout with a lone tally by Andrew Ladd. The three stars were Pavelec (35 for 36 in saves), Lehtonen (37 for 38 in saves), and Ladd.

Back northeast, the Montreal Canadiens bring in the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Carey Price tend the twines. San Jose dented the scoreboard in the second period as Logan Couture scored his fifth of the season, a power play goal powered by Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks added on in the third period as Couture scored his second of the game and sixth of the year, passed from Marleau and Tyler Kennedy. The final stood at 2-0, with the three stars awarded to Couture, Niemi (22 save shutout), and Marleau.

Crossing the border to New York, as the Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Kevin Poulin are the weak goalies. Philadelphia opened in the first period with the second of the season by Vincent Lecavalier, a power play goal coming off of Mark Streit and Claude Giroux. The Flyers added on as Jakub Voracek scored, thanks to Brayden Schenn and Erik Gustafsson. New York got on the board with a Kyle Okposo goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by Thomas Hickey and John Tavares. Philadelphia replied as Lecavalier scored his second of the game and third of the season, passed from Michael Raffl and Streit. The Islanders got one back in the second period as Frans Nielsen scored his seventh of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Peter Regin. The Flyers shot back in the third period as Lecavalier finished his hat trick with his fourth of the season, courtesy of Giroux and Max Talbot. Philadelphia wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Matt Read empty net goal, his second of the year, assisted by Nicklas Grossmann and Sean Couturier. Lecavalier, Giroux, and Streit were given the three stars.

To Canada again, as the Toronto Maple Leafs welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and James Reimer protect the nets. Pittsburgh started in the first period on a Kris Letang power play goal, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Paul Martin. Toronto tied it as Dave Bolland scored his fifth of the season, a shorthanded goal set up by Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs took the lead in the third period on a Nazem Kadri goal, his fourth of the year, via Phil Kessel and Jamex van Riemsdyk. Toronto added on with a Kessel power play goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by van Riemsdyk and Cody Franson. The Maple Leafs iced it with an unassisted empty net goal by Bolland, his second of the game and sixth of the year making it 4-1. The three stars were Kessel, Bolland, and Reimer (37 for 38 in saves), while van Riemsdyk was given the honorable mention.

Southwest to Chicago, with the Blackhawks bringing in the Minnesota Wild. Niklas Backstrom and Corey Crawford guard the cages. Minnesota began in the first period with a Zach Parise power play goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Ryan Suter. The Wild added on in the second period as Kyle Brodziak scored his second of the year, thanks to Marco Scandella and Matt Cooke. Chicago got on the board with a Bryan Bickell goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Nick Leddy and Michal Rozsival. Minnesota replied with a Jason Pominville goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Mikael Granlund and Suter. The Wild extended the lead in the third period as Pominville scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, with a lone assist by Granlund. The Blackhawks got one back as Patrick Kane recorded his sixth of the year, a power play goal powered by Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook. Minnesota shot back on a Justin Fontaine goal, his third of the season, helped along by Mikko Koivu and Nate Prosser. Chicago took one back late in the third period as Marcus Kruger scored, with helpers provided by Brandon Bollig and Leddy. They ended up losing 5-3, with the three stars being Pominville, Suter, and Granlund, while Leddy gets an honorable mention.

Over in Nashville, the Predators host the St. Louis Blues. Jaroslav Halak faces a lesser foe in Carter Hutton in goal. St. Louis led off in the first period with a power play goal by Alexander Steen, his ninth of the season, powered by Kevin Shattenkirk and Jaden Schwartz. The Blues added on as T.J. Oshie scored his second of the year in the second period, via Alex Pietrangelo. St. Louis extended the lead as Schwartz scored his second of the season, thanks to Vladimir Sobotka and Vladimir Tarasenko. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Nick Spaling shorthanded goal, set up by Mattias Ekholm. The Blues answered with another Steen goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, guided in by Oshie and David Backes. St. Louis chased Hutton on a Derek Roy goal, his third of the campaign, fueled by Tarasenko and Jay Bouwmeester. Magnus Hellberg relieved Hutton. The Blues wrapped it up at 6-1 with a Pietrangelo power play goal, pushed through by Backes and Bouwmeester. The three stars were awarded to Steen, Oshie, and Schwartz, while Pietrangelo, Tarasenko, Backes, and Bouwmeester get the honorable mentions.

Finally, in Calgary, the Flames welcome the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Karri Ramo are in the blue paint. Calgary opened in the first period with a Kris Russell goal, assisted by Michael Cammalleri and Dennis Wideman. The Flames added on with a Jiri Hudler goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Sean Monahan and Sven Baertschi. Washington got on the board as Jason Chimera scored his third of the year, thanks to Mikhail Grabovski and Eric Fehr. Calgary replied as Cammalleri scored his second of the season, via Wideman and Russell. The Capitals chipped back in the second period on an Aaron Volpatti goal, courtesy of Nate Schmidt and Mike Green. The Flames replied in the third period as Cammalleri scored his second of the game and third of the year, made possible by Joe Colborne. Calgary iced it at 5-2 with a Curtis Glencross goal, his third of the campaign, helped along by Matt Stajan and T.J. Galiardi. The three stars were Cammalleri, Russell, and Wideman.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 53 2013-2014

Ten games on today, beginning in...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Traktor Chelyabinsk. Michael Garnett and Mathieu Garon are the masked men. Chelyabinsk opened with a first period Evgeny Kuznetsov power play goal, going in unassisted. Omsk tied it on a second period power play goal by Alexander Popov, powered by Alexander Perezhogin. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Kuznetsov had the only goal to give Traktor the 2-1 win. The three stars were Kuznetsov, Garnett (32 for 33 in saves), and Garon (29 for 30 in saves).

Up in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra welcomes Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Mikhail Biryukov are the reliable goalies. Nizhnekamsk was first to score in the first period on a Martin Cibak power play goal, fueled by Dmitry Kosmachyov. Neftekhimik added on with a Stanislav Alshevsky goal, assisted by Yaroslav Alshevsky and Pyotr Khokhryakov. Nizhnekamsk extended the lead on an Oskar Osala goal in the second period, with a lone assist by Petr Koukal. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board with a Marek Troncinsky goal, guided in by Anton Krysanov. Neftekhimik answered as Bogdan Yakimov scored an unassisted goal. Nizhnekamsk padded the lead with another Yakimov goal, via Andrei Taratukhin and Roman Lyuduchin. Neftekhimik struck again in the third period as Koukal scored a power play goal, powered by Osala and Nikolai Belov. Yugra got one back on an Igor Skorokhodov power play goal, coming off of Vitaly Sitnikov. Khanty-Mansiysk pulled closer on a Kirill Knyazev goal, with a helper credited to Kirill Putilov. This only made it 6-3, the final, with the three stars belonging to Yakimov, Osala, and Koukal.

Over to Yekaterinburg brings in Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Andrei Vasilevsky and Evgeny Lobanov recevie the starting nods. Ufa began with a first period Dmitry Makarov goal, going in unassisted. Yekaterinburg tied it on an Artyom Chernov goal, fueled by Anton Lazarev and Sami Lepisto. Salavat Yulaev took the lead back with a Makarov power play goal, powered by Teemu Hartikainen. Ufa added on as Arturs Kulda scored, thanks to Igor Mirnov and Alexei Kaigorodov. Avtomobilist took one back in the second period on an Alexei Simakov goal, passed from Evgeny Fyodorov. Yekaterinburg tied it as Simakov scored again, with the help of Tobias Viklund. Avtomobilist took the lead as Lazarev notched a goal, assisted by Chernov and Fyodor Malykhin. Yekaterinburg extended the lead with a Viklund goal in the third period, with a lone assist by Malykhin. Salavat Yulaev got one back as Alexander Pankov scored, with assists provided by Sergei Zinovyev and Kirill Koltsov. Avtomobilist shot back on an Igor Yemeleyev goal, guided in by Sergei Gusev on the power play. Yekaterinburg iced it at 7-4 with an empty net goal by Sergei Demagin, set up by Simakov. The three stars were Simakov, Lazarev, and Chernov, while Makarov got the honorable mention.

South to Kazakhstan, where Barys Astana hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Vitaly Yeremeyev are in the blue paint. Magnitogorsk dented the scoreboard with a first period goal by Jan Kovar, assisted by Viktor Antipin and Sergei Mozyakin. Astana tied it with a Brandon Bochenski goal, coming off of Dustin Boyd. Metallurg took the lead back in the third period on a Chris Lee power play goal, powered by Danis Zaripov. This was good for a 2-1 win, with the threes tars being Koshechkin (25 for 26 in saves), Lee, and Yeremeyev (31 for 33 in saves).

Northwest to Podolsk, where Vityaz welcomes Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Ilya Sorokin and Ivan Lisutin are between the pipes. Podolsk won 1-0 in overtime on an unassisted Logan Pyett goal. The three stars were Lisutin (32 save shutout), Sorokin (33 for 34 in saves), and Pyett.

Up to Moscow, Dynamo brings in Sibir Novosibirsk. Sergei Gaiduchenko and Alexander Lazushin guard the cages. Moscow started in the first period with a Denis Mosalyov power play goal, powered by Konstantin Gorovikov and Leo Komarov. Dynamo added on with a power play goal by Martins Karsums, coming off of Mosalyov and Gorovikov. Moscow extended the lead in the second period on a Komarov power play goal via Karsums and goalie Lazushin. Dynamo padded the lead as Alexei Sopin scored, courtesy of Yury Babenko and Denis Barantsev. Novosibirsk got on the board as Alexander Kutuzov scored, with a lone assist by Jonas Enlund. Moscow wrapped it up at 5-1 in the third period as Marek Kvapil scored, with helpers provided by Sopin and Dmitry Pestunov. The three stars were awarded to Komarov, Karsums, and Sopin, while Mosalyov, Gorovikov, and Lazushin (23 for 24 in saves with an assist) were the honorable mentions.

Staying in the city, Spartak Moscow hosts Admiral Vladivostok. Evgeny Ivannikov and Jeff Glass protect the nets. Vladivostok got going in the second period on a Niclas Bergfors goal, assisted by Richard Gynge and Felix Schutz. Admiral added on in the third period with an Andrei Nikitenko goal, with a lone assist by Enver Lisin. Moscow got one back as Vyacheslav Kozlov scored, thanks to Alexei Krutov. Vladivostok iced it at 3-1 with an Alexei Ugarov goal, passed from Yegor Antropov into the empty net. The three stars were Ivannikov (17 for 18 in saves), Nikitenko, and Bergfors.

Moving along to Yaroslavl, where Lokomotiv welcomes Lev Prague. Petri Vehanen and Curtis Sanford tend the twines. Prague struck first in the first period with a Marc-Andre Gragnani power play goal, powered by Jakub Klepis and Martin Sevc. Lev added on in the second period with a Patrik Zackrisson power play goal, fueled by Justin Azevedo and Ryan O'Byrne. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 2-0, and the three stars were Vehanen (17 save shutout), Gragnani, and Zackrisson.

Next up, Severstal Cherepovets brings in Sloan Bratislava. Miroslav Kopriva and Jakub Stepanek man the creases. Cherepovets led off in the first period on a Nikolai Kazakovtsev goal, assisted by Pavel Buchnevich. Severstal added on in the second period with an Alexander Bumagin goal, courtesy of Vadim Berdnikov and Linus Videll. They went on to win 2-0, with the three stars being Stepanek (29 save shutout), Kazakovtsev, and Bumagin.

Finally, in St. Petersburg, SKA hosts Dinamo Riga. Jakub Sedlacek and Dmitry Shikin have the green light to start. St. Petersburg opened in the first period on an Ilya Kovalchuk goal, assisted by Roman Cervenka and Vadim Shipachyov. SKA added on as Tony Martensson scored, thanks to Viktor Tikhonov and Patrick Thoresen. Riga got on the board with an Andris Dzerins goal, made possible by Miks Indrasis and Aleksandrs Nizivijs. Dinamo tied it in the second period as Indrasis scored, with the help of Kyle Wilson and Roberts Bukarts. Riga took the lead in the third period on another Indrasis goal, fueled by Marcel Hossa and Wilson. St. Petersburg retied it as Tikhonov scored, with a lone assist by Dmitry Kalinin. SKA won 4-3 in the shootout as Tikhonov scored the lone tally. The three stars were given to Tikhonov, Indrasis, and Wilson.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 25 2013-2014

Six games on tonight, beginning in...

Pittsburgh, as the Penguins host the New York Islanders. Evgeni Nabokov and Jeff Zatkoff are set to start. New York struck first in the first period with a Matt Moulson power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Frans Nielsen and John Tavares. Pittsburgh tied it on a Jussi Jokinen goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Brandon Sutter and Matt Niskanen. The Penguins took the lead in the second period as Sidney Crosby notched his eighth of the season, assisted by Chris Kunitz. The Islanders tied it again as Nielsen recorded his sixth of the year, fueled by Thomas Hickey and Radek Martinek. Pittsburgh took the lead back as Deryk Engelland scored, thanks to Joe Vitale and Niskanen. New York once again tied it on a Pierre-Marc Bouchard goal, made possible by Martinek. The Islanders took the lead late on a Josh Bailey goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by Nielsen and Kyle Okposo. They held on for a 4-3 win, with Nielsen, Martinek, and Niskanen getting the three stars.

A little west, the Columbus Blue Jackets welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier and Sergei Bobrovsky are the young goalies. Columbus was first to score in the first period on a power play goal by Ryan Murray, powered by R.J. Umberger and James Wisniewski. Toronto tied it in the second period as Phil Kessel scored his sixth of the season, fueled by Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk. The Blue Jackets took the lead back in the third period as Marian Gaborik scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Nick Foligno and Artem Anisimov. Columbus added on as Brandon Dubinsky scored his third of the season, a shorthanded and unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs got one back as Dave Bolland scored his fourth of the year, guided in by Paul Ranger and Mason Raymond. The Blue Jackets replied on an empty net goal by Ryan Johansen, his third of the season, set up by Dubinsky and Fedor Tyutin. Columbus wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Foligno goal, his third of the year, passed from Mark Letestu and Tyutin. The three stars were Dubinsky, Foligno, and Tyutin.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators bring in the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and the similarly named Craig Anderson are in between the pipes. Anaheim started in the first period with a Pat Maroon goal, his second of the season, via Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The Ducks added on as Getzlaf scored his fourth of the year, courtesy of Perry. Ottawa got on the board with a Mika Zibanejad power play goal in the second period, powered by Chris Phillips and Milan Michalek. They couldn't get an equalizer, falling 2-1, with the three stars being Getzlaf, Andersen (26 for 27 in saves), and Perry.

South to Florida, the Panthers host the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Jacob Markstrom are given the starting nods. Florida opened in the first period with a Jesse Winchester goal, his second of the season, coming off of Sean Bergenheim and Erik Gudbranson. Buffalo tied it in the second period as Rasmus Ristolainen scored, with the help of Thomas Vanek and Jamie McBain. The Sabres took the lead in the third period as Steve Ott scored, thanks to Christian Ehrhoff and Marcus Foligno. Buffalo iced it at 3-1 with an empty net goal by Cody Hodgson, his fourth of the year, set up by Cody McCormick. The three stars were Enroth (44 for 45 in saves), Ott, and Ristolainen.

Back to the northwest, the St. Louis Blues welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Eddie Lack is mismatched with Jaroslav Halak in goal. Vancouver dented the scoreboard in the first period with a Chris Higgins goal, his fourth of the season, guided in by Brad Richardson and Mike Santorelli. The Canucks added on as Ryan Kesler scored his sixth of the year in the second period, with a lone helper by Santorelli. St. Louis tied it with a power play goal by Alexander Steen, his eighth of the season, powered by T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues tied it in the third period on a Vladimir Sobotka goal, his second of the year, passed from Steen and Shattenkirk. Vancouver won 3-2 in overtime as Kesler scored his second of the game and seventh of the campaign, a power play goal, helped along by Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. Kesler, Steen, and Santorelli were given the three stars, while Shattenkirk gets an honorable mention.

Finally, we head west to finish in Colorado, as the Avalanche bring in the Carolina Hurricanes. Justin Peters and Semyon Varlamov are the masked men. Colorado got going in the first period with an Erik Johnson goal, his second of the season, assisted by Paul Stastny and Alex Tanguay. The Avalanche added on as Matt Duchene scored his seventh of the year, thanks to Ryan O'Reilly and Steve Downie. Carolina got on the board in the second period with a Drayson Bowman goal, fueled by Jordan Staal and Andrej Sekera. Colorado answered as Tanguay scored his third of the season, with helpers provided by Duchene and Andre Benoit. The Avalanche extended the lead on an unassisted power play goal by Duchene, his second of the game and eighth of the year. The Hurricanes got one back as Sekera scored, via Jiri Tlusty and Alexander Semin. They got no closer, dropping a 4-2 result, with the three stars being Duchene, Tanguay, and Sekera.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 52 2013-2014

Only two games to go with today, beginning in...

Moscow, as CSKA hosts Atlant Mytishchi. Stanislav Galimov and Rastislav Stana tend the twines. Mytishchi led off in the first period with a power play goal by Maxim Velikov, powered by Yury Trubachyov and Yaroslav Dyblenko. Altant added on with an unassisted goal by Igor Radulov. Moscow got on the board in the second period with a Nikolai Prokhorkin goal, assisted by Mikhail Naumenkov and Maxim Goncharov. Mytishchi extended their lead as Mikhail Glukhov scored, thanks to Roman Rukavishnikov. Atlant padded the lead as Sergei Shmelyov scored an empty net goal, set up by Andreas Engqvist and Alexei Petrov. This was it for the scoring, resulting in a 4-1 final, with Galimov (23 for 24 in saves), Radulov, and Velikov.

The other games comes from Minsk, as Dinamo hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Alexei Murygin and Lars Haugen are in the creases. Khabarovsk began in the first period with an unassisted goal by Mikhail Klimchuk. Minsk tied it in the second period with an Alexander Materukhin goal, via Tomas Surovy. Amur tied took the lead in the third period on a Jan Mursak goal, going in unassisted. Dinamo pulled even on an Alexei Kalyuzhny goal, fueled by Surovy and Derek Meech. Minsk ended up winning 3-2 with a lone goal by Zbynek Irgl in the shootout. The three stars were Kalyuzhny, Surovy, and Irgl.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

NHL Day 24 2013-2014

Ten games are going on today, beginning in...

Boston, as the Bruins host the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Tuukka Rask are the Finnish goalies. Boston got going in the second period with a Jarome Iginla goal, fueled by David Krejci and Dennis Seidenberg. San Jose tied it in the third period as Patrick Marleau scored his eighth of the season, assisted by Marc-Edouard Vlasic. The Bruins took the lead back in the last second of regulation, where Krejci scored his second of the year, courtesy of Adam McQuaid and Milan Lucic. The final was 2-1, and the three stars were Krejci, Rask (38 for 39 in saves), and Iginla.

Down in New Jersey, the Devils welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider are the rival goalies. New Jersey opened in the first period with a Patrik Elias goal, his third of the season, assisted by Andrei Loktionov and Jaromir Jagr. Vancouver tied it with a Ryan Kesler goal, his fifth of the year, via Henrik Sedin. The Devils took the lead back with a Eric Gelinas power play goal, powered by Travis Zajac and Marek Zidlicky. The Canucks retied it in the second period as Daniel Sedin potted his fourth of the campaign, with the help of Henrik Sedin and Kesler. The tie lasted into a shootout, where a Mike Santorelli goal lifted the Canucks to a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Kesler, Henrik Sedin, and Luongo (28 for 30 in saves).

To the west, the Philadelphia Flyers bring in the New York Rangers. Cam Talbot is mismatched with Steve Mason in goal (yes, Steve Mason is better than a goalie who has never played before). Philadelphia began in the first period with a Matt Read goal, going in shorthanded and unassisted. New York tied it with a Brad Richards goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Chris Kreider and John Moore. The Flyers took the lead back in the third period as Braydon Coburn potted his second of the year, thanks to Read and Nicklas Grossmann. They held on for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Read, Mason (30 for 31 in saves), and Talbot (25 for 27 in saves).

Into Canada, where the Montreal Canadiens host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Carey Price are the masked men. Montreal was first to score in the first period on a Michael Bournival goal, his second of the season, passed from Nathan Beaulieu and Josh Gorges. The Canadiens added on as Tomas Plekanec scored his fifth of the year, with a lone assist by Bournival. Montreal extended the lead in the second period on a Brian Gionta goal, his third of the season coming on the power play via Plekanec and Alex Galchenyuk. Anaheim got on the board in the third period with a Pat Maroon goal, with assists provided by Nick Bonino and Devante Smith-Pelly. The Canadiens replied with a Rene Bourque power play goal, his third of the year, powered by Plekanec and Gionta. This was it for the scoring resulting in a 4-1 final, with the three stars being Plekanec, Price (31 for 32 in saves), and Bournival, while Gionta gets an honorable mention.

Way to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcome the Chicago Blackhawks. Nikolai Khabibulin and Ben Bishop are in the blue paint. Tampa Bay started in the first period with a Matthew Carle power play goal, fueled by Valtteri Filppula and Richard Panik. The Lightning added on with a second period shorthanded goal by Nate Thompson, set up by B.J. Crombeen and Andrej Sustr. Chicago got on the board with the third of the season by Bryan Bickell, via Marcus Kruger and Brent Seabrook. The Blackhawks tied it as Marian Hossa potted his fourth of the year, assisted by Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews. Tampa Bay took the lead on a Steven Stamkos goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Victor Hedman. Chicago retied it on an unassisted Kane goal, his fifth of the year. The Blackhawks took the lead as Andrew Shaw scored a power play goal, with assists provided by Kane and Duncan Keith. The Lightning pulled even again as Victor Hedman scored, with helpers from Martin St. Louis and Stamkos. Tampa Bay took the lead with the second of the game and seventh of the season by Stamkos, a power play goal powered by Filppula. Chicago got an equalizer when Toews was credited with his fourth of the year, technically unassisted, but occurring because of an own goal from a pass by Carle to Radko Gudas that wasn't handled well and slipped through Bishop's pads. The Lightning avoided utter humiliation by winning the game 6-5 in overtime on a St. Louis goal, his fifth of the campaign, thanks to Stamkos and Gudas. The three stars were Stamkos, St. Louis, and Hedman, while Toews, Kane, and Filppula were given the honorable mentions.

Northwest a bit to Nashville, as the Predators bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec faces a lesser foe in Carton Hutton in goal. Nashville struck first in the first period as Shea Weber scored his third of the season, a power play goal, powered by David Legwand and Filip Forsberg. Winnipeg tied it in the second period as Anthony Peluso scored, thanks to Olli Jokinen and Michael Frolik. The Predators took the lead back in the third period as Patric Hornqvist scored his fourth of the year, guided in by Mike Fisher and Seth Jones. The Jets tied it again as Blake Wheeler notched his third of the season, with the help of Zach Bogosian and Andrew Ladd. Nashville won 3-2 in overtime on a Craig Smith goal, his second of the year, assisted by Legwand. The three stars were Smith, Hutton (34 for 36 in saves), and Legwand.

Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Carolina Hurricanes. Niklas Backstrom and Cam Ward made the starts. Ward was later pulled in favor of Justin Peters after being injured in the first period. Minnesota dented the scoreboard in the first period as Nino Neiderreiter scored his second of the season, a power play goal, assisted by Mikael Granlund and Mathew Dumba. The Wild extended the lead with a Zach Parise goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Jared Spurgeon and Ryan Suter. Josh Harding relieved an injured Backstrom for the second period. Carolina got on the board in the second period as Alexander Semin potted his third of the season, a power play goal, powered by Eric Staal and Andrej Sekera. Minnesota iced it at 3-1 with an empty net power play goal by Dany Heatley, set up by Matt Cooke and Nate Prosser. The three stars were given to Harding (20 for 21 in saves in relief), Neiderreiter, and Parise.

Back to the south, the Dallas Stars welcome the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Kari Lehtonen are the similarly named goalies. Dallas led off in the first period with the fourth of the season by Alex Chiasson, assisted by Ray Whitney and Cody Eakin. Calgary tied it in the second period as Lee Stempniak scored his fourth of the year, thanks to Matt Stajan and Dennis Wideman. The Stars took the lead back as Chiasson scored his second of the game and fifth of the season, with a lone assist by Whitney. Dallas added on with a Jamie Benn goal, his second of the year, via Rich Peverley and the goalie Lehtonen. The Stars extended the lead on a Brendon Dillon goal, his third of the season, passed from Shawn Horcoff. Dallas wrapped it up at 5-1 in the third period with another Benn goal, his second of the game and third of the year, set up by Chiasson. The three stars were Chiasson, Benn, and Whitney, while Lehtonen (28 for 29 in saves) gets an honorable mention.

North again, as the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Devan Dubnyk are between the pipes. Washington began in the first period with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his tenth of the season, fueled by Marcus Johansson and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on with a Joel Ward goal in the second period, his third of the year, coming off of John Carlson and Karl Alzner. Washington extended the lead in the third period on a Backstrom goal, his second of the season, passed from Johansson and Ovechkin. The Capitals padded the lead on the second of the year by Jason Chimera, guided in by Mikhail Grabovski. Edmonton got on the board when Justin Schultz scored a goal, assisted by David Perron and Anton Belov. They got no closer, losing 4-1, with the three stars going to Ovechkin, Holtby (30 for 31 in saves), and Backstrom, while Johansson gets an honorable mention.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Kings host the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jonathan Quick guard the cages. Los Angeles quickly opened in the first period with an Anze Kopitar power play goal, powered by Justin Williams and Dustin Brown. The Kings added on as Dwight King scored his second of the season, via Kopitar. Los Angeles extended the lead with a Jordan Nolan goal, his second of the year, thanks to Colin Fraser and Brown. The Kings padded the lead on another King goal, his second of the game and third of the season, made possible by Robyn Regehr and Williams. Phoenix got on the board in the second period as Jeff Halpern scored, with the help of Zbynek Michalek and David Schlemko. The Coyotes pulled closer as Martin Hanzal scored his third of the year, with assists provided by Mikkel Boedker and Radim Vrbata. Phoenix chipped closer on another Hanzal goal in the third period, his second of the game and fourth of the season, coming on the power play with helpers from Keith Yandle and Vrbata. The Coyotes tied it with a Shane Doan goal, his second of the year, guided in by Derek Morris and Yandle. Los Angeles took the lead again on a shorthanded and unassisted Mike Richards goal. The Kings got another with a Matt Frattin goal, pushed through by Drew Doughty and Jeff Carter. Los Angeles iced it at 7-4 with an empty net goal by King, completing his hat trick on his fourth of the campaign, an empty net goal dished from Kopitar. The three stars were given to King, Kopitar, and Hanzal, while Brown, Williams, Vrbata, and Yandle get the honorable mentions.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

Thursday Night Football Week 8 2013

Tonight's game is an underwhelming matchup from the NFC South, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers. Carolina was first to score in the first quarter with a Cam Newton touchdown pass to Greg Olsen for 1 yard, and Graham Gano booted the extra point. Tampa Bay got on the board with a 47 yard field goal by Rian Lindell. The Panthers added on in the second quarter as DeAngelo Williams ran in a 12 yard touchdown, and Gano was there with another extra point. The Buccaneers chipped back as Lindell was true with a 48 yard field goal. Carolina extended the lead in the third quarter as Newton rushed 6 yards for a touchdown, and Gano drilled the extra point. The Panthers padded the lead in the fourth quarter as Newton found Mike Tolbert for 3 yards and a touchdown, and Gano was true with the PAT. Carolina kept going as Gano made a 29 yard field goal. Tampa Bay got some back with a 10 yard touchdown pass from Mike Glennon to Tim Wright, and Lindell was there with the extra point. The final was 31-13, with the Panthers improving to 4-3 and the Buccaneers falling to 0-7.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

KHL Day 51 2013-2014

Only one game today, coming from Moscow, as Spartak hosts their neighbors to the south, Vityaz Podolsk. Johan Backlund and Jeff Glass are in the creases. Podolsk opened in the first period with a Maxim Mamin goal, assisted by Sergei Topol and Pavel Makarenko. Moscow tied it as Matt Anderson scored a power play goal, with a lone assist by Nikolai Zherdev. Spartak gained the lead with a power play goal by Evgeny Kulik, powered by Vyacheslav Kozlov and Alexander Nikulin. Vityaz tied it with a Vyachelsav Solodukhin goal, coming off of Pavel Chernov. Moscow won it 3-2 in overtime on a Deron Quint power play goal in overtme, with assists provided by Rastislav Spirko and Zherdev. The three stars were Quint, Zherdev, and Kulik.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.