NHL December 6th, 2014

Twelve games throughout the day, led by three matinees. We begin in...

New York, as the Islanders host the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Jaroslav Halak make the starts. New York began in the first period on a Frans Nielsen power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Kyle Okposo and Nick Leddy. The Islanders added on with a Ryan Strome goal, his sixth of the year, going in unassisted. New York extended the lead as Michael Grabner scored, thanks to Matt Donovan and Leddy. Martin Brodeur relieved Allen for the second period. St. Louis got on the board with a Paul Stastny power play goal, his fourth of the campaign, via Kevin Shattenkirk and David Backes. The Blues pulled closer with a Patrik Berglund goal, his third of the season, fueled by Chris Butler and Alex Pietrangelo. St. Louis tied it on a Shattenkirk power play goal, his third of the year, guided in by T.J. Oshie and Joakim Lindstrom. The Islanders retook the lead with a John Tavares goal, his eleventh of the campaign, helped along by Okposo and Nielsen on the power play. The Blues tied it again in the third period with an Oshie power play goal, his third of the season, assisted by Shattenkirk and Lindstrom. St. Louis took the lead as Stastny scored his second of the game and fifth of the year, with the help of Lindstrom, who got a sock trick, and Barret Jackman. The Blues iced it at 6-4 with a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his seventeenth of the campaign, made possible by Jori Lehtera and Jaden Schwartz. The three stars were given to Shattenkirk, Stastny, and Lindstrom, while Oshie, Okposo, Nielsen, and Leddy get the honorable mentions.

Over in Pittsburgh, the Penguins welcome the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Marc-Andre Fleury are the goalies. Pittsburgh struck first in the first period on an unassisted Evgeni Malkin goal, his thirteenth of the season. Ottawa got on the board in the second period with a David Legwand power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Milan Michalek and Erik Karlsson. The Senators took the lead on a Mika Zibanejad goal, his fifth of the campaign, guided in by Bobby Ryan and Marc Methot. The Penguins tied it on a Malkin goal, his second of the game and fourteenth of the season, passed from Brandon Sutter and Olli Maatta on the power play. Pittsburgh took the lead with a Christian Ehrhoff goal, his second of the year, courtesy of Sidney Crosby and Craig Adams. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars given to Malkin, Fleury (27 for 29 in saves), and Ehrhoff.

Way out in Los Angeles, the Kings bring in the Philadelphia Flyers for the last matinee. Steve Mason and Jonathan Quick are in the blue paint. Philadelphia was first to score in the first period with a Claude Giroux goal, his eighth of the season, guided in by Mark Streit and Nicklas Grossmann. The Flyers added on in the second period with a Wayne Simmonds power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Sean Couturier and Andrew MacDonald. Los Angeles got on the board in the third period with a Justin Williams goal, his sixth of the campaign, coming off of Jarret Stoll and Robyn Regehr. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Mason (37 for 38 in saves), Simmonds, and Giroux.

Back northeast to Detroit, where the Red Wings host the New York Rangers at a normal time. Cam Talbot is mismatched with Jimmy Howard in goal. New York lead off with a Kevin Klein goal in the first period, his fifth of the season, via Kevin Hayes and Carl Hagelin. The Rangers added on with a Rick Nash goal, his seventeenth of the year, with a lone assist by Derick Brassard. Detroit got on the board in the second period as Riley Sheahan scored his sixth of the campaign, thanks to Stephen Weiss and Johan Franzen. The Red Wings tied it on a Luke Glendening goal, his third of the season, assisted by Joakim Andersson and Drew Miller. Detroit took the lead in the third period on Darren Helm's fifth of the year, fueled by Tomas Tatar and Danny DeKeyser. They went on to win 3-2, with the three stars being Helm, Glendening, and Sheahan.

Down in Dallas, the Stars welcome the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Kari Lehtonen guard the cages. Dallas opened in the first period with a Cody Eakin power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Tyler Seguin and Alex Goligoski. The Stars added on in the second period with Seguin's twentieth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Jamie Benn and Trevor Daley. Dallas extended the lead with Seguin's second of the game and twenty-first of the season, passed from Benn. Montreal got on the board in the third period with a Sven Andrighetto goal, courtesy of Tomas Plekanec and Jiri Sekac. The Stars finished it at 4-1 with an unassisted empty net goal by Ryan Garbutt, his fifth of the year. The three stars went to Seguin, Benn, and Lehtonen (16 for 17 in saves).

Northeast to New Jersey, where the Devils bring in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Cory Schneider are the young goalies. Washington started in the first period with a Karl Alzner goal, passed from Tom Wilson. New Jersey tied it on a Patrik Elias goal, his third of the season, fueled by Dainius Zubrus and Andy Greene. The Capitals took the lead back in the second period on a Jay Beagle goal, his fourth of the year, made possible by John Carlson and Michael Latta. Washington added on with an Evgeny Kuznetsov power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Brooks Laich and Joel Ward. The Capitals iced it at 4-1 with a Laich empty net goal in the third period, his second of the year, set up by Ward and Eric Fehr. The three stars belonged to Holtby (33 for 34 in saves), Laich, and Ward.

South to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Ben Bishop protect the nets. Columbus struck first in the first period on a Boone Jenner goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Matt Calvert. The Blue Jackets added on with the fifth of the year by David Savard, a power play goal powered by Jack Johnson and Cam Atkinson. Columbus extended the lead in the third period on a Jack Skille goal, his fourth of the season, passed from Michael Chaput and Scott Hartnell. Tampa Bay got on the board with an Ondrej Palat goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Nikita Kucherov and Jonathan Drouin. This only made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Bobrovsky (33 for 34 in saves), Savard, and Skille.

North to Toronto, where the Maple Leafs welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and Jonathan Bernier receive the starting nods. Toronto was first to score in the first period on a Jake Gardiner goal, his second of the season, going in unassisted. The Maple Leafs added on with a Richard Panik goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Trevor Smith and David Booth. Toronto extended the lead in the second period on a Peter Holland goal, his sixth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The Maple Leafs chased Miller with a Joffrey Lupul goal, his sixth of the season, guided in by Holland and David Clarkson. Eddie Lack came on in relief. Vancouver got on the board with a Daniel Sedin goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Henrik Sedin and Radim Vrbata. The Canucks pulled closer in the third period with a Christopher Tanev goal, with assists provided by Linden Vey and Brad Richardson. Toronto wrapped it up at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Clarkson, his eighth of the campaign, set up by Lupul. The three stars were Bernier (44 for 46 in saves), Holland, and Lupul, while Clarkson gets an honorable mention.

Back in Florida, the Panthers bring in the Buffalo Sabres. Michal Neuvirth and Roberto Luongo are in the creases. Florida led off in the first period with a Brad Boyes goal, his fifth of the season, guided in by Jussi Jokinen and Aaron Ekblad. Buffalo tied it with a Drew Stafford goal in the second period, his fifth of the year, made possible by Cody Hodgson and Josh Gorges. The Panthers took the lead on a Tomas Kopecky goal, assisted by Ekblad and Nick Bjugstad. The Sabres tied it on a Brian Gionta goal, his third of the season, passed from Mike Weber and Torrey Mitchell. Florida retook the lead as Bjugstad scored his eleventh of the year, thanks to Ekblad, who got a sock trick, and Tomas Fleischmann. This held up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars given to Ekblad, Bjugstad, and Kopecky.

Northwest to Nashville, where the Predators host the Chicago Blackhawks. Scott Darling and Pekka Rinne are between the pipes. Chicago opened in the first period on a Brandon Saad goal, his sixth of the season, passed from Duncan Keith. The Blackhawks added on in the second period with a Marian Hossa goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Saad and Brent Seabrook. Nashville got on the board in the third period with a Colin Wilson goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Victor Bartley and Mike Fisher. Chicago iced it at 3-1 with a Hossa empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Hossa, Darling (32 for 33 in saves), and Saad.

Out west, the Arizona Coyotes welcome the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask faces a lesser foe in Devan Dubnyk in goal. Boston started in the first period with a Brad Marchand goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Reilly Smith and Dougie Hamilton. The Bruins added on with an unassisted goal by Kevan Miller. Arizona got one back with a Joe Vitale goal, his third of the year, passed from Shane Doan and Michael Stone. Boston replied in the second period on a Simon Gagne goal, his third of the season, made possible by Daniel Paille. The Bruins chased Dubnyk with Marchand's second of the game and eighth of the year, courtesy of Smith and Hamilton. Mike Smith came on in relief. Boston extended the lead as Loui Eriksson scored a power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Patrice Bergeron and Torey Krug. The Coyotes got one back in the third period with a Mikkel Boedker power play goal, his ninth of the year, fueled by Antoine Vermette and Keith Yandle. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars being Marchand, Smith, and Hamilton.

Finally, the Calgary Flames bring in the San Jose Sharks. Antti Niemi and Karri Ramo are the Finnish goalies. Calgary began in the first period with a Mark Giordano goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by David Jones and Curtis Glencross. San Jose tied it in the second period on a Justin Braun goal, via Tommy Wingels. The Sharks took the lead with a Logan Couture goal, his eleventh of the year, courtesy of John Scott and Braun. The Flames retied it on a Johnny Gaudreau goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Jiri Hudler and Matt Stajan. San Jose took the lead with a third period Patrick Marleau goal, his seventh of the year, coming off of Couture and Wingels. This stood up for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Couture, Marleau, and Wingels.

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KHL December 6th, 2014

One game today, as Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hosts CSKA Moscow. Stanislav Galimov faces a lesser foe in Vitaly Kolesnik in goal. Moscow struck first in the first period on an unassisted Igor Grigorenko goal. CSKA added on with a shorthanded and unassisted Andrei Stas goal. Moscow extended the lead in the second period with a Jan Mursak power play goal, powered by Stephane Da Costa. CSKA padded the lead in the third period on Grigorenko's second of the game, via Damir Zhafyarov. The three stars of the 4-0 game were Grigorenko, Galimov (20 save shutout), and Stas.

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NHL December 5th, 2014

Three games to bring us into the weekend, beginning in...

Winnipeg, where the Jets host the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Michael Hutchinson are in the blue paint. Winnipeg led off in the first period with a Chris Thorburn goal, fueled by Paul Postma and Adam Pardy. Colorado tied it on a Jarome Iginla goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Gabriel Landeskog. The Jets took the lead on a Bryan Little goal, his ninth of the year, via Blake Wheeler. Winnipeg added on in the second period with an Andrew Ladd goal, his ninth of the season, courtesy of Ben Chiarot and Little. The Jets extended the lead on Little's second of the game and tenth of the year in the third period, assisted by Wheeler. Winnipeg padded the lead when Little finished his hat trick on his eleventh of the season, passed from Ladd and Wheeler, the latter getting a sock trick. The Avalanche got one back with an Iginla power play goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, powered by Zach Redmond and Landeskog. The Jets finished it at 6-2 with an unassisted Dustin Byfuglien goal, his sixth of the campaign. The three stars went to Little, Iginla, and Wheeler, while Ladd and Landeskog get the honorable mentions.

Down in Minnesota, the Wild welcome the Anaheim Ducks. Frederik Andersen and Darcy Kuemper are the young goalies. Anaheim began in the first period with a Ryan Kesler goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Kyle Palmieri and Cam Fowler. The Ducks added on as Jakob Silfverberg scored his second of the year, thanks to Andrew Cogliano and Devante Smith-Pelly. Anaheim extended the lead in the second period on Kesler's second of the game and eighth of the season, passed from Hampus Lindholm and Tim Jackman. Minnesota got on the board with a Mikko Koivu power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Mikael Granlund and Marco Scandella. The Wild pulled closer with a power play goal by Zach Parise, his tenth of the season, made possible by Granlund and Jonas Brodin. Minnesota tied it on a Brodin goal, guided in by Jason Pominville and Parise. The Wild took the lead in the third period on a Justin Fontaine goal, his second of the year, with helpers from Kyle Brodziak and Nate Prosser. The Ducks retied it on a Jackman goal, his second of the season, fueled by Kesler. Anaheim took the lead again with a Matt Beleskey goal, his thirteenth of the year, helped along by Ryan Getzlaf and Palmieri. This held up for a 5-4 win, with the three stars going to Kesler, Jackman, and Brodin, while Parise, Granlund, and Palmieri got the honorable mentions.

The last game has the Chicago Blackhawks bring in the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price faces a lesser foe in Antti Raanta in goal. Chicago started in the first period with a Michal Rozsival goal, courtesy of Bryan Bickell and Andrew Shaw. The Blackhawks added on with a Ben Smith goal, his second of the season, passed from Marcus Kruger and Joakim Nordstrom. Montreal got on the board with a Brendan Gallagher goal, his seventh of the year, via Alex Galchenyuk and Tomas Plekanec. The Canadiens tied it on a Sergei Gonchar goal in the second period, made possible by Gallagher and Alexei Emelin. Montreal took the lead on a P.K. Subban power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Andrei Markov and David Desharnais. Chicago tied it with a third period goal by Jonathan Toews, his eleventh of the year, coming on the power play with the help of Brad Richards and Kris Versteeg. The Blackhawks took the lead back with a Brandon Saad goal, his fifth of the campaign, set up by Patrick Kane and Toews. This was good for a 4-3 win, with the three stars given to Toews, Gallagher, and Saad.

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KHL December 5th, 2014

Five games on today, beginning in...

Khanty-Mansiysk, as Yugra hosts Ak Bars Kazan. Anders Nilsson and Barry Brust are the goalies. Kazan struck first in the first period on an Evgeny Medvedev goal, courtesy of Fyodor Malykhin and Oscar Moller. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it in the second period as Ilari Melart scored, thanks to Vitaly Sitnikov and Dmitry Ryabykin. Yugra took the lead on an Igor Bortnikov goal, passed from Danil Romantsev and Ilya Korenev. Ak Bars tied it on a power play goal by Justin Azevedo, powered by Konstantin Korneyev. Khanty-Mansiysk took the lead back in the third period on a Nikita Gusev goal, with a lone assist by Igor Magogin. Kazan tied it with a Kirill Petrov power play goal, assisted by Korneyev and Azevedo. In the shootout, Yugra won with goals by Lukas Kasper and Gusev to top Moller's tally for a 4-3 win. The three stars went to Azevedo, Gusev, and Korneyev.

Southwest to Sochi, where the Leopards welcome Medvescak Zagreb. Mark Owuya and Tomas Popperle are in the blue paint. Sochi began in the first period on a shorthanded goal by Ilya Krikunov, set up by Clay Wilson. The Leopards added on with a shorthanded Cory Emmerton goal, with a lone assist by Max Warn. Sochi extended the lead with an unassisted Warn. The Leopards padded the lead with another Emmerton goal, assisted by Ryan Whitney and Mikhail Anisin. Sochi struck again in the second period with a power play goal by Igor Ignatushkin, powered by Andrei Kostitsyn and Nikita Shchitov. Zagreb got on the board with a Krystofer Kolanos goal, fueled by Shaone Morrisonn and Ville Leino. The Leopards answered in the third period on an Anisin penalty shot goal after he was slashed by Morrisonn. Medvescak got one back as Brandon Segal scored, thanks to Geoffrey Kinrade and Martin St. Pierre. This produced the 6-2 final, with the three stars going to Emmerton, Warn, and Anisin.

Back north to Nizhnekamsk, where Neftekhimik hosts Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Alexander Sudnitsin are the young goalies. Yekaterinburg was first to score in the first period on a power play goal by Sami Lepisto, powered by Alexei Simakov and Anatoly Golyshev. Nizhnekamsk tied it with a Pyotr Khokhryakov goal, coming off of Alexander Yevseyenkov and Yaroslav Alshevsky. Avtomobilist took the lead back in the second period on an Alexei Mikhnov goal, guided in by Aaron Palushaj and Alexander Loginov. Yekaterinburg added on with a Mikhnov goal, his second of the game, made possible by Eduard Lewandowski and Alexander Bumagin. Avtomobilist extended the lead when Mikhnov completed his hat trick in the third period, with a lone assist by Bumagin. This held up for a 4-1 win, with the three stars given to Mikhnov, Kovar (36 for 37 in saves), and Bumagin.

West to Moscow, where Dynamo brings in Slovan Bratislava. Jaroslav Janus and Alexander Yeryomenko are given the starting nods. Moscow led off in the first period with a Kaspars Daugavins goal, courtesy of Konstantin Gorovikov. Dynamo added on with a Maxim Karpov goal, passed from Konstantin Volkov. Moscow extended the lead as Denis Kokarev scored, thanks to Denis Mosalyov. Dynamo padded the lead on another Karpov goal, fueled by Volkov and Filip Novak. Moscow kept going with an Alexei Tsvetkov power play goal in the second period, powered by Kokarev and Dmitry Vishnevsky. Bratislava got on the board with a Tomas Netik goal, made possible by Rok Ticar and Ziga Jeglic. Slovan pulled closer on an Ivan Baranka power play goal, helped along by Michal Sersen and Netik. Dynamo shot back in the third period on a Daugavins goal, with a lone assist by Novak. Moscow iced it at 7-2 with a Martins Karsums goal, with the help of Karpov. The three stars of the game were Karpov, Daugavins, and Kokarev, while Volkov, Netik, and Novak were given the honorable mentions.

Finally, Vityaz Podolsk hosts Dinamo Minsk. Danny Taylor and Harri Sateri are the masked men. Podolsk started in the first period with a Maxim Afinogenov goal, assisted by Alexei Makeyev and Alexei Semenov. Minsk tied it with a Matt Ellison goal, courtesy of Ryan Vesce and Ilya Shinkevich. Vityaz took the lead on a Makeyev goal, coming off of Alexander Kucheryavenko. Dinamo tied it on a Vesce power play goal, powered by Ellison and Nick Bailen. Minsk pulled ahead with a Jonathan Cheechoo goal, fueled by Alexei Kalyuzhny and Bailen. Podolsk tied it in the second period on a Kucheryavenko goal, guided in by Konstantin Klimontov. Dinamo took the lead on an Ellison goal, helped along by Vesce and Charles Linglet. Minsk won 5-3 with a third period Paul Szczechura empty net goal, set up by Cheechoo and Kalyuzhny. The three stars went to Ellison, Vesce, and Kucheryavenko, while Makeyev, Bailen, Cheechoo, and Kalyuzhny get the honorable mentions.

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NHL December 4th, 2014

Eleven games this evening, with the first in...

Raleigh, as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Anton Khudobin are in goal. Washington began with a first period goal by Jay Beagle, his third of the season, with a lone assist by Jason Chimera. Carolina tied it on a third period goal by Alexander Semin coming off of Jay Harrison and John-Michael Liles. The Capitals retook the lead on an Eric Fehr goal, his fourth of the year, going in unassisted. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars given to Holtby (29 for 30 in saves), Fehr, and Beagle.

Up in Pittsburgh, the Penguins welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Backups Eddie Lack and Thomas Greiss are set to start. Vancouver led off in the first period on a Brad Richardson goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Shawn Matthias. The Canucks added on in the second period as Matthias scored his sixth of the year, thanks to Richardson and Yannick Weber. Vancouver extended the lead on a shorthanded Richardson goal, his second of the game and sixth of the season, set up by Jannik Hansen. This was all they needed to win 3-0, with the three stars awarded to Richardson, Lack (21 save shutout), and Matthias.

Continuing to Detroit, where the Red Wings bring in the Dallas Stars. Jussi Rynnas is mismatched with Jimmy Howard in goal. Detroit struck first in the first period on a Darrem Helm goal, his third of the season, coming off of Kyle Quincey and Niklas Kronwall. Dallas tied it on a Colton Sceviour goal, made possible by Jordie Benn and Jason Demers. The Red Wings retook the lead on a Stephen Weiss goal, his fourth of the year, via Riley Sheahan and Tomas Jurco. Detroit added on with a Datsyuk power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Weiss and Riley Sheahan. The Stars got one back on a Tyler Seguin second period goal, his nineteenth of the year, passed from Trevor Daley and Jason Spezza on the power play. The Red Wings shot back in the third period with a Quincey goal, fueled by Sheahan and Weiss. Detroit wrapped it up at 5-2 with a Helm goal, his second of the game and fourth of the campaign, set up by Tatar and Datsyuk. The three stars went to Helm, Weiss, and Datsyuk, while Quincey, Sheahan, and Tatar get the honorable mentions.

Crossing into Ottawa, where the Senators host the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Craig Anderson are the veteran goalies. New York dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Brock Nelson power play goal, his twelfth of the season, powered by Frans Nielsen and Nick Leddy. Ottawa tied it on a power play goal by Mika Zibanejad, his fourth of the year, coming off of Erik Karlsson and David Legwand. The Islanders took the lead back in the third period on a Casey Cizikas goal, his fourth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Thomas Hickey. This held up for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Halak (20 for 21 in saves), Cizikas, and Nelson.

Way south to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning welcome the Buffalo Sabres. Jhonas Enroth and Ben Bishop are between the pipes. Tampa Bay was first to score in the first period on a Radko Gudas goal, his second of the season, with a lone assist by Tyler Johnson. The Lightning added on in the second period with a Steven Stamkos goal, his sixteenth of the year, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Alex Killorn. Tampa Bay extended the lead as Brenden Morrow scored his second of the season, thanks to Jonathan Drouin and Andrej Sustr. The Lightning padded the lead on Jason Garrison's third of the year, passed from Stamkos and Sustr. Tampa Bay struck again in the third period with a Brett Connolly power play goal, his fifth of the campaign, powered by Valtteri Filppula and Stamkos. This made it a 5-0 final, with the three stars going to Stamkos, Bishop (13 save shutout), and Sustr.

Into Canada again, as the Toronto Maple Leafs bring in the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Jonathan Bernier protect the nets. New Jersey opened in the first period on an Eric Gelinas power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Jon Merrill and Damien Brunner. Toronto tied it in the second period on a Mike Santorelli goal, his fourth of the year, guided in by Joffrey Lupul and Jake Gardiner. The Devils took the lead back on a Stephen Gionta goal, passed from Steve Bernier and Merrill. The Maple Leafs tied it again with a shorthanded goal by Nazem Kadri, his seventh of the season, set up by Santorelli and Stephane Robidas. New Jersey took the lead on a Michael Cammalleri power play goal, his eleventh of the year, powered by Gelinas and Michael Ryder. The Devils added on in the third period with a Bernier goal, his second of the season, assisted by Marek Zidlicky and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey extended the lead as Adam Henrique scored his seventh of the year, with the help of Ryder and Zidlicky. Toronto got one back on a Phil Kessel power play goal, his thirteenth of the campaign, with assists provided by Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk. This only made it 5-3, the final, with the three stars going to Bernier, Gelinas, and Merrill, while Ryder, Zidlicky, and Santorelli get the honorable mentions.

Down to Florida again, where the Panthers host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Roberto Luongo receive the starting nods. Columbus started in the first period on a Nick Foligno goal, his eleventh of the season, coming off of Scott Hartnell and Dalton Prout. The Blue Jackets added on with a Cam Atkinson goal, his eighth of the year, guided in by Kerby Rychel and Prout. Columbus extended the lead in the second period as Boone Jenner scored his third of the season, thanks to Rychel and Atkinson. Florida got on the board with a Tomas Fleischmann goal, his second of the year, passed from Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad. The Panthers pulled closer on a Bjugstad goal, his ninth of the season, assisted by Fleischmann and Aaron Ekblad. Florida tied it with a Bjugstad power play goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, powered by Huberdeau and Erik Gudbranson. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Ryan Johansen's tally gave the Blue Jackets a 4-3 win. The three stars belonged to Bjugstad, Fleischmann, and Huberdeau, while Atkinson, Prout, and Rychel get the honorable mentions.

Northwest to Nashville, where the Predators welcome the St. Louis Blues. Martin Brodeur and Pekka Rinne draw the starts. St. Louis began in the first period on a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his fifteenth of the season, with a lone assist by Alexander Steen.  Nashville tied it on a Filip Forsberg goal, his eleventh of the year, guided in by Mike Ribeiro. The Predators took the lead on an Eric Nystrom goal, his fifth of the season, passed from Ribeiro and Mike Fisher. Nashville added on with a Ribeiro goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by James Neal and Forsberg. The Blues got one back with a Tarasenko goal, his second of the game and sixteenth of the season, fueled by Carl Gunnarsson and Paul Stastny. The Predators answered in the third period with a Colin Wilson goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Roman Josi and Craig Smith. St. Louis pulled back on a Jaden Schwartz goal, his ninth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Kevin Shattenkirk. This only made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Ribeiro, Tarasenko, and Forsberg.

Moving to Calgary, where the Flames bring in the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Karri Ramo are the masked men. Calgary got going in the second period on a Dennis Wideman power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Johnny Gaudreau and Kris Russell. Colorado tied it with a Matt Duchene goal, his ninth of the year, assisted by Ryan O'Reilly. The Avalanche took the lead on a Nick Holden goal, his second of the season, fueled by Zach Redmond and Michael Sgarbossa. The Flames tied it in the third period with a Curtis Glencross goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of David Jones and Sean Monahan. Colorado retook the lead on an Alex Tanguay goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by O'Reilly and Tyson Barrie. Calgary tied it with Wideman's second of the game and tenth of the year, courtesy of Russell and Glencross. The Flames won 4-3 in overtime with a Monahan goal, his tenth of the campaign, set up by Mark Giordano and Russell, the latter getting a sock trick. The three stars went to Monahan, Wideman, and Russell, while Glencross and O'Reilly get the honorable mentions.

Down in Arizona, the Coyotes host the Los Angeles Kings. Martin Jones and Mike Smith are in the blue paint. Los Angeles led off in the first period with a Dustin Brown goal, his fifth of the season, going in unassisted. The Kings added on with a Brown goal in the second period, his second of the game and sixth of the year, assisted by Kyle Clifford and Jarret Stoll. Los Angeles extended the lead as Stoll scored his third of the season, a power play goal, coming off of Alec Martinez and Brown. Smith was pulled for Devan Dubnyk at this time. The Kings padded the lead in the third period on a power play goal by Martinez, his third of the year, powered by Justin Williams and Brayden McNabb. This produced the 4-0 final, with the three stars going to Brown, Jones (26 save shutout), and Martinez, while Stoll gets an honorable mention.

Finally, the San Jose Sharks host the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Antti Niemi are the Finnish goalies. Boston struck first in the first period on a Reilly Smith goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. The Bruins added on with a Gregory Campbell goal, his third of the year, guided in by Daniel Paille and Dennis Seidenberg. San Jose got on the board in the second period with a Tommy Wingels goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Patrick Marleau. The Sharks tied it on a Tyler Kennedy goal, his second of the year, made possible by James Sheppard and Andrew Desjardins. San Jose took the lead with a Wingels power play goal, his second of the game and ninth of the season, powered by Matt Irwin and Tomas Hertl. Boston tied it on a Smith goal, his second of the game and sixth of the year, coming off of Carl Soderberg and Milan Lucic. The Bruins took the lead back on a Torey Krug goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Marchand and Bergeron. The Sharks tied it on a power play goal by Joe Pavelski, his eleventh of the year, with helpers from Marleau and Brent Burns. San Jose took the lead with Kennedy's second of the game and third of the season in the third period, helped along by Irwin and Sheppard The Sharks extended the lead on a Pavelski goal, his second of the game and twelfth of the year, pushed through by Burns and Brendon Dillon. San Jose iced it at 7-4 with Hertl's sixth of the campaign, with assists provided by Pavelski and Joe Thornton. The three stars went to Kennedy, Wingels, and Pavelski, while Smith, Bergeron, Marchand, Marleau, Hertl, Irwin, Sheppard, and Burns get the honorable mentions.

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KHL December 4th, 2014

Today's game has Barys Astana host Avangard Omsk. Konstantin Barulin and Jan Laco are the goalies. Omsk got going in the second period on an Alexander Perezhogin goal, guided in by Chad Kolarik and Alexander Popov. Avangard added on with a Vladimir Sobotka third period goal, passed from Perezhogin and Sergei Kalinin. The final stood at 2-0, with the three stars going to Barulin (28 save shutout), Perezhogin, and Sobotka.

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NHL December 3rd, 2014

Four games today, beginning in...

Minnesota, as the Wild host the Montreal Canadiens. Carey Price and Darcy Kuemper are the goalies. Minnesota began in the first period on a Jason Zucker goal, his tenth of the season, courtesy of Mikko Koivu. The Wild added on in the second period with a Jason Pominville goal, his fifth of the year, made possible by Christian Folin and Zach Parise. Montreal got on the board in the third period with an Alex Galchenyuk goal, his sixth of the campaign, coming off of David Desharnais and P.K. Subban. This made it a 2-1 final, with the three stars going to Kuemper (18 for 19 in saves), Pominville, and Zucker.

Down in Chicago, the Blackhawks welcome the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Antti Raanta compose the unexpected goalie matchup. Chicago led off in the first period with a Marcus Kruger goal, his fourth of the season, fueled by Brandon Saad. St. Louis tied it on an Ian Cole goal, his second of the year, passed from Patrik Berglund and Steve Ott. The Blackhawks took the lead back in the third period on a Kris Versteeg goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith. Chicago added on with a Patrick Kane goal, his eleventh of the year, coming off of Versteeg and Brad Richards. The Blackhawks extended the lead on Kane's second of the game and twelfth of the campaign, helped along by Versteeg and David Rundblad. This produced the 4-1 final, with the three stars awarded to Kane, Versteeg, and Raanta (40 for 41 in saves).

Up in Winnipeg, the Jets bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Ben Scrivens and Ondrej Pavelec are the oft-criticized goalies. Winnipeg struck first in the first period on a Jacob Trouba goal, his third of the season, guided in by Mathieu Perreault and Dustin Byfuglien. Edmonton tied it on a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal, his sixth of the year, with assists provided by Justin Schultz and Taylor Hall. The Oilers took the lead in the third period with a David Perron goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Boyd Gordon and Teddy Purcell. The Jets tied it on a Byfuglien goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Mark Stuart and Trouba. Winnipeg won 3-2 in overtime with a Perreault goal, his third of the campaign, assisted by Trouba and Evander Kane. The three stars went to Perreault, Trouba, and Byfuglien.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Frederik Andersen are in the creases. Philadelphia got going in the second period on a Michael Raffl goal, his seventh of the season, made possible by Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Anaheim tied it on a Cam Fowler goal, his third of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Jakob Silfverberg and the goalie Andersen. The Flyers took the lead back on a Wayne Simmonds power play goal, his ninth of the season, powered by Brayden Schenn and Mark Streit. Philadelphia added on with an R.J. Umberger goal, his second of the year, coming on the power play via Nick Schultz and Sean Couturier. The Ducks got one back on a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Hampus Lindholm and Corey Perry. Anaheim tied it on a Sami Vatanen goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Patrick Maroon. The Ducks gained the lead in the third period on a Maroon power play goal, his second of the season, fueled by Perry and Getzlaf. The Flyers retied it on a Simmonds goal, his second of the game and tenth of the year, driven in by Scott Laughton and Andrew MacDonald. The tie lasted to a shootout, where the Ducks got goals from Silfverberg and Perry to top a tally by Couturier and win 5-4. The three stars went to Simmonds, Perry, and Maroon, while Getzlaf gets an honorable mention.

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