Saturday, November 14, 2015

2015-16 NHL Season - Day 39

Thirteen games going today, including one matinee. This is in...

Ottawa, with the Senators hosting the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Craig Anderson are the veteran goalies. New York opened in the first period on a Chris Kreider goal, his third of the season, coming on the power play from Kevin Hayes and Keith Yandle. Ottawa tied it on a power play goal by Erik Karlsson, his third of the year, powered by Mika Zibanejad and Bobby Ryan. The tie lasted to a shootout, where Ryan was topped by Mats Zuccarello and Dan Boyle with the Rangers taking a 2-1 win. The three stars went to Anderson (33 for 34 in saves), Lundqvist (22 for 23 in saves), and Ryan.

At the usual time, the Boston Bruins welcome the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Mrazek and Tuukka Rask are in goal. Boston was first to score in the first period on a Patrice Bergeron goal, his sixth of the season, coming off of Matt Beleskey and Zdeno Chara. The Bruins added on with a David Krejci goal, his eighth of the year, via Loui Eriksson and Zach Trotman. Boston extended the lead as Torey Krug scored, thanks to Brad Marchand and Kevan Miller. Detroit got on the board in the second period with a Justin Abdelkader power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Niklas Kronwall and Mike Green. This was it for the scoring, with the final at 3-1, and the three stars went to Rask (22 for 23 in saves), Krejci, and Krug.

Up in Buffalo, the Sabres bring in the San Jose Sharks. Martin Jones and Chad Johnson are the little known goalies. San Jose struck first in the first period on a Marc-Edouard Vlasic power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns. Buffalo tied it on a Ryan O'Reilly goal in the third period, his fifth of the year, made possible by Rasmus Ristolainen and Josh Gorges. The Sharks won on a Patrick Marleau goal in overtime, his fifth of the campaign, assisted by Vlasic and Tomas Hertl. The final was 2-1, with the three stars being Vlasic, Jones (30 for 31 in saves), and Marleau.

Down to Raleigh, where the Carolina Hurricanes host the Philadelphia Flyers. Steve Mason and Cam Ward are the overrated goalies. Carolina started in the first period on an Elias Lindholm goal, his second of the season, assisted by Jay McClement and Eric Staal. The Hurricanes added on in the second period as Victor Rask scored a power play goal, his fifth of the year, powered by Staal and Justin Faulk. Philadelphia got on the board with a Luke Schenn goal, his second of the season, via Michael Raffl and Jakub Voracek. The Flyers tied it in the third period on a Shayne Gostisbehere goal, fueled by Brandon Manning and Matt Read. Philadelphia won 3-2 in overtime on a Voracek goal, passed from Michael Del Zotto and Claude Giroux. The three stars belonged to Voracek, Staal, and Gostisbehere.

North to Montreal, with the Canadiens welcoming the Colorado Avalanche. Reto Berra and Mike Condon are the unknown goalies. Colorado led off in the first period on a Mikhail Grigorenko goal, fueled by Matt Duchene. The Avalanche added on with a Nathan MacKinnon goal, his seventh of the season, coming off of Grigorenko. Colorado extended the lead MacKinnon scored again, his second of the game and eighth of the year, guided in by Grigorenko and Duchene. Montreal got on the board in the second period on a Brendan Gallagher goal, his eighth of the season, via Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty. The Avalanche shot back with a shorthanded Blake Comeau goal, going in unassisted. Dustin Tokarski took over for Condon in the third period. Colorado padded the lead in the third period on a Duchene power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie. The Avalanche iced it at 6-1 with a John Mitchell goal, his fifth of the campaign, helped along by Andreas Martinsen and Cody McLeod. The three stars were awarded to MacKinnon, Duchene, and Grigorenko.

Back stateside, the New Jersey Devils bring in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jeff Zatkoff is mismatched with Cory Schneider in goal. New Jersey began in the first period on a David Schlemko goal, his second of the season, fueled by Mike Cammalleri and Adam Henrique. The Devils added on in the second period on a Cammalleri power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Jordin Tootoo and Damon Severson. New Jersey extended the lead in the third period as Bobby Farnham scored his second of the season, with the help of Henrique and Lee Stempniak. The Devils padded the lead with a Stempniak goal, his fourth of the year, with assists provided by Cammalleri and John Moore. This made it 4-0, the final, with the three stars going to Cammalleri, Stempniak, and Schneider (21 save shutout), while Henrique gets an honorable mention.

Far to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Ben Bishop are the reliable goalies. Florida struck first in the first period on a Jussi Jokinen goal, his third of the season, via Vincent Trocheck and Brian Campbell. Tampa Bay tied it on a Cedric Paquette goal, his second of the year, assisted by J.T. Brown. The Lightning took the lead in the second period with a Vladislav Namestnikov goal, his fourth of the season, coming off of Steven Stamkos. The Panthers retied it on a Nick Bjugstad goal, his sixth of the year, made possible by Reilly Smith and Jonathan Huberdeau. Florida took the lead with a penalty shot goal by Brandon Pirri, his third of the season coming after Matthew Carle hooked him. Tampa Bay retied it on an Anton Stralman goal, passed from Alex Killorn and Victor Hedman. The Lightning took the lead in the third period on a Namestnikov goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, courtesy of Brown and Stamkos. The Panthers tied it on an Aaron Ekblad power play goal, his third of the campaign, powered by Smith and Dave Bolland. In the shootout, Florida won 5-4 with a lone tally by Pirri. The three stars were Pirri, Namestnikov, and Smith, while Stamkos and Brown get the honorable mentions.

Into Canada again, with the Toronto Maple Leafs welcoming the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller and James Reimer are the experienced goalies. Toronto was first to score in the first period on a James van Riemsdyk goal, his sixth of the season, passed from Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov. The Maple Leafs added on with a second period P.A. Parenteau goal, his fourth of the year, coming on the power play from Peter Holland and Jake Gardiner. Vancouver got on the board with a Jannik Hansen goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Daniel Sedin. Toronto replied in the third period as Shawn Matthias scored his second of the year, via Tyler Bozak and Roman Polak. The Canucks pulled back with an Alexandre Burrows power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Yannick Weber and Alexander Edler. The Maple Leafs countered on a Joffrey Lupul goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Nick Spaling and Daniel Winnik. The final held at 4-2, with the three stars being Reimer (43 for 45 in saves), Matthias, and Lupul.

South to Nashville, as the Predators bring in the Winnipeg Jets. Michael Hutchinson and Pekka Rinne get the starting nods. Nashville drew first blood in the first period on a Calle Jarnkrok goal, his third of the season, assisted by Cody Hodgson and Mattias Ekholm. The Predators added on with a Craig Smith goal, his fourth of the year, with assists from Seth Jones and Filip Forsberg. Nashville chased Hutchinson with a Jones goal, guided in by Smith and Mike Ribeiro. Ondrej Pavelec came on in relief. The Predators extended the lead as Ribeiro scored his second of the season, via Smith and Ryan Ellis. Nashville padded the lead in the second period on a James Neal goal, his eighth of the year, coming off of Colin Wilson and Roman Josi. The Predators kept going in the third period on Jarnkrok's second of the game and fourth of the season, passed from Ellis on the power play. Nashville iced it at 7-0 with an Ekholm power play goal, his third of the year, with helpers by Hodgson and Neal. The three stars were Jarnkrok, Jones, and Smith, while Hodgson, Ekholm, Ribeiro, Ellis, and Neal get the honorable mentions.

Next up, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Sergei Bobrovsky are in the creases. Columbus started in the first period on a William Karlsson goal, guided in by Scott Hartnell and David Savard. The Blue Jackets added on with a Ryan Johansen power play goal, his second of the season, powered by Boone Jenner and Jack Johnson. Arizona got on the board with an Anthony Duclair goal, his seventh of the year, fueled by Tobias Rieder and Martin Hanzal. The Coyotes tied it on a second period Oliver Ekman-Larsson goal, his third of the season, via Jordan Martinook and Duclair. Columbus took the lead back on a Jenner power play goal, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Johansen and Johnson. The Blue Jackets extended the lead as Karlsson scored his second of the game in the third period, with the help of Cam Atkinson and Cody Goloubef. Columbus padded the lead on a Brandon Saad goal, his seventh of the campaign, helped along by Jenner and the goalie Bobrovsky. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars given to Karlsson, Jenner, and Duclair, while Johansen and Johnson get the honorable mentions.

Down in Dallas, the Stars welcome the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Kari Lehtonen are the masked men. Dallas opened in the first period on a Jason Spezza goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by John Klingberg and Jamie Benn. Minnesota tied it with a second period goal by Nino Niederreiter goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of Jared Spurgeon and Mikko Koivu. The Stars took the lead back on a Benn goal in the third period, his twelfth of the season, a power play goal made possible by Klingberg and Patrick Sharp. The Wild tied it on a Marco Scandella goal, his third of the year, via Erik Haula and Charlie Coyle. Dallas won 3-2 in overtime on a Klingberg goal, his fourth of the campaign, guided in by Tyler Seguin and Benn. The three stars were Klingberg, Benn, and Spezza.

Backtracking to St. Louis, where the Blues bring in the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Jake Allen tend the twines. Chicago led off in the first period on an Andrew Shaw goal, his second of the season, coming off of Duncan Keith and Teuvo Teravainen. St. Louis tied it in the second period on a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his ninth of the year, guided in by Alexander Steen and Jori Lehtera. The Blues took the lead on another Tarasenko goal, his second of the game and tenth of the campaign, coming on the power play from Kevin Shattenkirk and Lehtera. The Blackhawks tied it on a Trevor van Riemsdyk goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Marian Hossa and Marko Dano. Chicago took the lead with a Patrick Kane power play goal, his twelfth of the year, powered by Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov. The Blackhawks iced it at 4-2 on an Anisimov empty net goal in the third period, his seventh of the campaign, set up by Niklas Hjalmarsson and Jonathan Toews. The three stars went to Tarasenko, Anisimov, and Lehtera.

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers. Cam Talbot and Jonathan Quick are in front of the nets. Los Angeles began in the first period on a Marian Gaborik goal, his second of the season, with a lone assist by Tanner Pearson. The Kings added on with a Pearson goal, his third of the year, via Gaborik. Edmonton got on the board with a Leon Draisaitl goal in the second period, his fifth of the season, made possible by Taylor Hall and Eric Gryba. Los Angeles answered with a Milan Lucic goal, his fifth of the year, courtesy of Tyler Toffoli and Jeff Carter. The Oilers pulled back on a Teddy Purcell goal, his fourth of the season, assisted by Draisaitl and Oscar Klefbom. Edmonton tied it on a third period goal from Hall, his eighth of the year, passed from Klefbom and Purcell. The Kings took the lead as Nick Shore scored his second of the season, thanks to Pearson. This made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars going to Pearson, Gaborik, and Draisaitl, while Hall, Klefbom, and Purcell get the honorable mentions.

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2015/16 KHL Season - Day 73

Eight games going as the schedule starts to regulate itself again. The first is from...

Omsk, as Avangard hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Juha Metsola and Dominik Furch guard the cages. Omsk began in the first period with a Martin Erat goal, assisted by Vladimir Sobotka and Alexander Perezhogin. Avangard added on with an Ilya Mikheyev goal, made possible by Alexander Popov. Omsk extended the lead with a Sobotka power play goal in the second period, powered by Michal Kempny. This made it 3-0, the final, with the three stars being Furch (15 save shutout), Sobotka, and Erat.

Down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana welcomes Admiral Vladivostok. Igor Bobkov and Jan Laco are in the creases. Astana was first to score in the first period with a Roman Savchenko goal, courtesy of Konstantin Rudenko and Martin St. Pierre. Vladivostok tied it on an Artyom Podshendyalov power play goal, powered by Konstantin Makarov and Oskars Bartulis. Admiral took the lead in the second period with an Alexei Ugarov goal, passed from Bartulis and Alexander Gorshkov. Barys tied it in the third period on a Keaton Ellerby goal, assisted by Maxim Khudyakov. Vladivostok took the lead back on a Gorshkov goal, via Maxim Mamin and Ugarov. Astana retied it with a Khudyakov goal, fueled by Konstantin Pushkaryov and Ellerby. Barys won 4-3 with a Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev goal, coming off of Pushkaryov and Savchenko. The three stars went to Khudyakov, Ellerby, and Savchenko, while Pushkaryov, Gorshkov, Ugarov, and Bartulis get the honorable mentions.

Back in Russia, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk hosts Dinamo Riga. Jakub Sedlacek and Georgy Gelashvili draw the starts in goal. Khanty-Mansiysk led off in the first period on a Pavel Varfolomeyev power play goal, powered by Andrei Antonov. Riga tied it on a Vitalijs Pavlovs goal, guided in by Ville Leino and Steven Seigo on the power play in the second period. Yugra retook the lead as Igor Bortnikov scored, thanks to Konstantin Panov and Kirill Rasskazov. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Gelashvili (30 for 31 in saves), Bortnikov, and Varfolomeyev.

Over to Yekaterinburg, with Avtomobilist bringing in Jokerit Helsinki. Riku Helenius and Igor Ustinsky are between the pipes. Yekaterinburg dented the scoreboard in the second period on an Eero Elo power play goal, powered by Alexander Torchenyuk and Alexei Simakov. Helsinki tied it on a Peter Regin power play goal, guided in by Philip Larsen and Brandon Kozun. Avtomobilist took the lead back on an Anatoly Golyshev goal, made possible by Simakov. Jokerit tied it on an Eetu Poysti goal in the third period, via Arturs Kulda and Jere Sallinen. Helsinki pulled ahead with a Kozun power play goal, with a lone helper by Regin. Yekaterinburg tied it again with an Alexander Pankov goal, helped along by Pavel Turbin. In the shootout, Kozun and Regin lifted Jokerit to the 4-3 win. The three stars went to Regin, Kozun, and Simakov.

West to Nizhny Novgorod, where Torpedo hosts Vityaz Podolsk. Harri Sateri and Mikhail Biryukov receive the starting nods. Podolsk struck first in the first period on an unassisted shorthanded goal by Roman Horak. Nizhny Novgorod tied it in the second period on an Oleg Piganovich goal, passed from Alexei Sopin. Torpedo took the lead on a Stanislav Yegorshev goal, fueled by Sopin and Kaspars Daugavins. Nizhny Novgorod added on with a Linus Videll goal, helped along by Maxim Osipov and Artyom Alyayev. This made it 3-1, the eventual final, with the three stars given to Sopin, Biryukov (32 for 33 in saves), and Yegorshev.

Out in Belarus, Dinamo Minsk welcomes Dynamo Moscow. Alexander Yeryomenko faces a lesser foe in Dmitry Milchakov in goal. Moscow opened in the first period on a Dmitry Vishnevsky goal, assisted by Mat Robinson and Alexei Kaigorodov. Minsk tied it in the third period on a Sergei Drozd goal, via Nick Bailen and Ilya Shinkevich. Dynamo took the lead back with a Maxim Pestushko goal, with a lone assist by Ilya Nikulin. The final held at 2-1, with the three stars handed to Pestushko, Yeryomenko (27 for 28 in saves), and Vishnevsky.

Over to Croatia, with Medvescak Zagreb hosting Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Danny Taylor are in the blue paint. Cherepovets started in the first period on an Igor Skorokhodov goal, fueled by Anatoly Nikontsev. Zagreb tied it on a Radek Smolenak goal, via Tuukka Mantyla and Milan Jurcina on the power play. Medvescak took the lead in the second period as Gilbert Brule scored, thanks to Smolenak. Zagreb added on with a Mantyla power play goal, powered by Smolenak and Tomas Mertl. Medvescak extended the lead with a Smolenak goal, his second of the game, assisted by Brule and Mantyla. Severstal got one back in the third period on a Dmitry Kagarlitsky goal, with a lone helper from Yury Trubachyov. This only made it 4-2, the final, with the three stars given to Smolenak, Mantyla, and Brule.

Finally, Slovan Bratislava brings in CSKA Moscow. Viktor Fasth and Barry Brust protect the nets. Bratislava got going in the second period on an Andrej Stastny goal, courtesy of Cam Barker and Marek Viedensky. Slovan added on with a Rok Ticar power play goal, powered by Ladislav Nagy and Lubomir Visnovsky in the third period. Moscow got on the board with a Dmitry Kugryshev power play goal, via Bogdan Kiselevich. CSKA tied it with a shorthanded Kugryshev goal, set up by Roman Lyubimov and Jan Mursak. In the shootout, Ticar and Lukas Kaspar lifted Bratislava to the 3-2 win. The three stars went to Ticar, Kugryshev, and Stastny.

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2015-16 NHL Season - Day 38

Four games for today, beginning with...

The Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky and Marc-Andre Fleury protect the nets. Columbus dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Scott Hartnell goal, his eighth of the season, assisted by Brandon Saad and Cody Goloubef. The Blue Jackets added on with a Saad power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Ryan Murray and Nick Foligno. Pittsburgh got on the board with a third period goal by Patric Hornqvist, his fourth of the campaign, made possible by Kris Letang and David Perron. The final was 2-1, with the three stars going to Saad, Bobrovsky (28 for 29 in saves), and Hartnell.

Over in DC, the Washington Capitals welcome the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Philipp Grubauer are the weak goalies. Calgary got going on a Michael Frolik goal in the second period, his fourth of the season, made possible by Sam Bennett. The Flames added on in the third period with a Sean Monahan goal, his fifth of the year, coming off of Jiri Hudler and Dennis Wideman. Washington got on the board with a Michael Latta goal, fueled by Brooks Laich and Karl Alzner. The Capitals tied it with a Jay Beagle goal, his third of the season, passed from Andre Burakovsky and Matt Niskanen. Calgary won 3-2 in overtime with Monahan's second of the game and sixth of the year, via T.J. Brodie and Dougie Hamilton. The three stars were Monahan, Frolik, and Beagle.

Up in Detroit, the Red Wings bring in the San Jose Sharks. Martin Jones and Jimmy Howard are the goalies. Detroit began in the first period on a Tomas Tatar goal, his fourth of the season, courtesy of Dylan Larkin and Niklas Kronwall. San Jose tied it on a Melker Karlsson goal, via Joe Thornton and Matt Tennyson. The Sharks took the lead on a Matt Nieto goal, his third of the year, coming off of Brenden Dillon and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. San Jose added on in the second period with a Joe Pavelski goal, his ninth of the season, passed from Paul Martin and Justin Braun. The Red Wings got one back in the third period on a Teemu Pulkkinen goal, his fifth of the year, assisted by Jakub Kindl and Tatar. This only made it 3-2, with the three stars going to Tatar, Pavelski, and Nieto.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the New York Islanders. Thomas Greiss and Anton Khudobin are the backups in goal. New York led off in the first period on a Brock Nelson goal, his fifth of the season, fueled by Kyle Okposo and Mikhail Grabovski. The Islanders added on with a Cal Clutterbuck goal in the second period, his fourth of the year, via Johnny Boychuk and Calvin de Haan. Anaheim got on the board with a Corey Perry power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Rickard Rakell and Ryan Kesler. New York shot back on a Frans Nielsen goal, his sixth of the year, guided in by Josh Bailey and Anders Lee. The Islanders iced it at 4-1 on Nielsen's second of the game and seventh of the campaign, passed from Lee and Bailey. The three stars went to Nielsen, Bailey, and Lee.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

2015-16 NHL Season - Day 37

Twelve games on for the North Americans today, making it 26 hockey games to cover all day. I am too busy with this, is what I'm trying to say. Still, the games go on, with the first from...

Boston, with the Bruins hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Reto Berra and Tuukka Rask are the goalies. Boston led off in the first period on a Zdeno Chara goal, his second of the season, made possible by Matt Beleskey and Brett Connolly. The Bruins added on with a Ryan Spooner goal, his fourth of the year, a power play goal powered by Patrice Bergeron. Colorado got on the board with a Carl Soderberg goal, his second of the season, fueled by Blake Comeau and Jarome Iginla. The Avalanche tied it on a Francois Beauchemin goal, his second of the year, helped along by Erik Johnson and Matt Duchene. Colorado took the lead in the third period on a Duchene goal, his seventh of the campaign, via Mikhail Grigorenko. This made it a 3-2 final, with the three stars going to Duchene, Beauchemin, and Soderberg.

Down in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Minnesota Wild. Devan Dubnyk and Cam Ward are the inconsistent goalies. Carolina struck first in the first period with a Justin Faulk power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Eric Staal and Victor Rask. The Hurricanes added on with an Andrej Nestrasil goal, guided in by Jay McClement and Joakim Nordstrom. Minnesota got on the board with a Jason Zucker goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by Ryan Suter and Jared Spurgeon. The Wild tied it as Thomas Vanek scored his seventh of the season in the second period, thanks to Mikael Granlund and Jason Pominville. Minnesota won 3-2 in overtime on a Zucker goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, set up by Suter and Mikko Koivu. The three stars were awarded to Zucker, Dubnyk (37 for 39 in saves), and Suter.

Back north, the New York Rangers bring in the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Henrik Lundqvist protect the nets. New York began in the first period on a Derick Brassard goal, his fifth of the season, made possible by Mats Zuccarello and Rick Nash. The Rangers added on with a Zuccarello goal, his eighth of the year, via Brassard and Nash. New York extended the lead as Kevin Hayes scored his fifth of the season, with the help of Viktor Stalberg and Oscar Lindberg. Allen was pulled for Brian Elliott at this time. St. Louis got on the board with a Dmitrij Jaskin goal, helped along by Colton Parayko and Kyle Brodziak. The Blues pulled closer with an unassisted Vladimir Tarasenko goal in the second period, his eighth of the year. The Rangers answered with a J.T. Miller goal, his third of the season, fueled by Derek Stepan and Dan Girardi. St. Louis shot back with a Troy Brouwer power play goal, his fourth of the year, powered by Robby Fabbri and Scott Gomez. New York countered in the third period on a Ryan McDonagh power play goal, his second of the season, with assists provided by Stepan and Zuccarello. The Rangers finished it at 6-3 on a Girardi empty net goal, his second of the year, set up by Miller and Chris Kreider. The three stars went to Zuccarello, Brassard, and Stepan, while Nash, Miller, and Girardi receive the honorable mentions.

Over in Philadelphia, the Flyers host the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Steve Mason are in the blue paint. Philadelphia opened in the first period on a Scott Laughton goal, his third of the season, passed from Chris VandeVelde. Washington tied it on a T.J. Oshie goal, his fifth of the year, with a lone assist by Evgeny Kuznetsov. The Flyers retook the lead on a Claude Giroux power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by Wayne Simmonds and Mark Streit. The Capitals retied it on a Jason Chimera power play goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Kuznetsov and Justin Williams. Washington took the lead as Williams scored his third of the season, coming off of Jay Beagle and Chimera. The Capitals added on with a Chimera goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, assisted by Matt Niskanen and Tom Wilson on the power play. Washington made it 5-2 with a third period goal by Nicklas Backstrom, his sixth of the campaign, helped along by Marcus Johansson and Wilson. The three stars went to Chimera, Williams, and Kuznetsov, while Wilson gets an honorable mention.

Up in Ottawa, the Senators welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Ryan Miller faces a lesser foe in Andrew Hammond in goal. Vancouver was first to score in the first period on a Sven Baertschi goal, his second of the season, coming off of Radim Vrbata and Bo Horvat. Ottawa tied it on a Bobby Ryan power play goal, his sixth of the year, powered by Erik Karlsson and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators took the lead in the second period on a Karlsson goal, his second of the season, guided in by Kyle Turris and Mike Hoffman. Ottawa added on in the third period on a Chris Wideman power play goal, his second of the year, with a lone helper by Hoffman. The Canucks got one back on an Alexander Edler power play goal, his fourth of the campaign, assisted by Henrik Sedin. This only made it 3-2, the final, with the three stars going to Karlsson, Hoffman, and Hammond (33 for 35 in saves).

Way to the south, the Tampa Bay Lightning bring in the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Ben Bishop draw the starts in goal. Tampa Bay got going in the second period on a Brian Boyle goal, his third of the season, made possible by Braydon Coburn. Calgary tied it on a power play goal by Sam Bennett, his fourth of the year, powered by Mikael Backlund and Dennis Wideman. The Lightning regained the lead in the third period on a Steven Stamkos power play goal, his ninth of the season, fueled by Alex Killorn and Tyler Johnson. Tampa Bay added on with a Johnson goal, his third of the year, with a lone assist from Nikita Kucherov. This held up for a 3-1 win, with the three stars being Johnson, Bishop (30 for 31 in saves), and Stamkos.

Staying in the state, the Florida Panthers host the Buffalo Sabres. Linus Ullmark is mismatched with Roberto Luongo in goal. Buffalo started in the first period on a Brian Gionta goal, passed from Matt Moulson and Rasmus Ristolainen. Florida tied it on a second period Jonathan Huberdeau power play goal, powered by Nick Bjugstad and Jaromir Jagr. The Sabres took the lead back on a Cody Franson goal, his second of the season, coming off of Carlo Colaiacovo and David Legwand. Buffalo added on in the third period on a Sam Reinhart power play goal, his third of the year, with assists provided by Tyler Ennis and Ristolainen. The Panthers shot back with a Vincent Trocheck goal, his seventh of the campaign, helped along by Aaron Ekblad and Jussi Jokinen. This produced a 3-2 final, with the three stars going to Ristolainen, Reinhart, and Ullmark (36 for 38 in saves).

Northwest to Nashville, where the Predators welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Pekka Rinne are the experienced goalies. Nashville dented the scoreboard in the third period on a Shea Weber power play goal, his fifth of the season, powered by James Neal and Filip Forsberg. Toronto tied it on a Tyler Bozak goal, his second of the year, via Shawn Matthias and P.A. Parenteau. The tie went to a shootout, where Peter Holland won it for the Maple Leafs by a 2-1 score. The three stars went to Reimer (21 for 22 in saves), Rinne (22 for 23 in saves), and Holland.

Further along, the Chicago Blackhawks bring in the New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider and Corey Crawford are the similarly named goalies. Chicago led off in the first period on a Patrick Kane power play goal, his eleventh of the season, powered by Jonathan Toews and Teuvo Teravainen. New Jersey tied it in the second period on an Adam Henrique goal, his eighth of the year, with a lone assist by John Moore. The Devils took the lead on a Kyle Palmieri goal, his sixth of the season, with a lone helper from Sergey Kalinin. The Blackhawks retied it in the third period as Artemi Panarin scored his fifth of the year, thanks to Erik Gustafsson and Kane. New Jersey won 3-2 with a Kalinin power play goal, his second of the campaign, assisted by Palmieri and David Schlemko. The three stars were handed to Kalinin, Palmieri, and Kane.

Down in Dallas, the Stars host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Kari Lehtonen are the mediocre goalies. Dallas started in the first period on a John Klingberg power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Tyler Seguin and Patrick Sharp. Winnipeg tied it on a Blake Wheeler goal, his eighth of the year, via Bryan Little and Andrew Ladd. The Jets took the lead with a Jacob Trouba goal, assisted by Chris Thorburn and Adam Lowry. The Stars retied it on a Colton Sceviour goal, passed from Johnny Oduya and Ales Hemsky. Dallas took the lead in the second period with a Hemsky goal, his third of the campaign, fueled by Jordie Benn and Vernon Fiddler. Winnipeg tied it again with a third period goal by Tyler Myers, with assists provided by Nikolaj Ehlers and Ben Chiarot. The Stars took the lead on a Jamie Benn power play goal, his eleventh of the season, coming off of Seguin and Klingberg. Dallas added on with an empty net goal from Antoine Roussel, his third of the year, made possible by Oduya and the goalie Lehtonen. The Stars iced it at 6-3 with an empty net goal by Fiddler, his third of the campaign, set up by Hemsky and Sceviour. The three stars were named as Klingberg, Hemsky, and Fiddler, while Seguin, Sceviour, and Oduya get the honorable mentions.

Westward to Arizona, where the Coyotes welcome the Edmonton Oilers. Anders Nilsson and Mike Smith are between the pipes. Edmonton began in the first period on a Taylor Hall goal, his seventh of the season, courtesy of Leon Draisaitl and Andrej Sekera. Arizona tied it with an Oliver Ekman-Larsson goal, his second of the year, with a lone assist by Brad Richardson. The Coyotes took the lead in the second period on a Shane Doan power play goal, his fourth of the season, powered by Max Domi and Tobias Rieder. Arizona added on with a Stefan Elliott goal, passed from John Scott and Kyle Chipchura. The Coyotes made it 4-1 in the third period as Domi scored his eighth of the year, thanks to Richardson and Michael Stone. This was a final, with the three stars being Domi, Richardson, and Smith (27 for 28 in saves).

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings bring in the New York Islanders. Jaroslav Halak and Jhonas Enroth occupy the creases. New York opened in the first period on a Brock Nelson goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. Los Angeles tied it on a Drew Doughty power play goal, his second of the year, powered by Christian Ehrhoff and Anze Kopitar. The Kings took the lead in the second period on a Milan Lucic goal, his fourth of the campaign, helped along by Tyler Toffoli and Jeff Carter. This was it for the scoring, with the final being 2-1. The three stars were Enroth (31 for 32 in saves), Lucic, and Doughty.

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2015/16 KHL Season - Day 72

Happy Thursday everyone. The KHL has blessed us all with every team in action for today. Spoiler alert: seven of today's fourteen games end in shutouts. We begin the day in...

Novokuznetsk, as Metallurg hosts Admiral Vladivostok. Igor Bobkov and Andrei Kareyev are in goal. Vladivostok opened with an Alexei Ugarov goal, going in unassisted. Admiral added on with an Alexander Kuznetsov goal, passed from Mikhail Fisenko and Dmitry Lugin. The final remained at 2-0, with the three stars being Bobkov (27 save shutout), Ugarov, and Kuznetsov.

Over in Omsk, Avangard welcomes Dinamo Riga. Jakub Sedlacek and Dominik Furch man the nets. Omsk struck first in the first period on an Ilya Mikheyev goal, passed from Alexander Perezhogin and Alexander Popov. Riga tied it with an unassisted second period goal by Oskars Cibulskis. Dinamo took the lead on a Lauris Darzins goal in the third period, going in unassisted. Avangard tied it again with an Ivan Lekomtsev goal, coming off of Popov and Anton Kuryanov. The tie went to a shootout, where Mikelis Redlihs and Kaspars Saulietis scored to top a lone tally by Ilya Zubov for a 3-2 Riga win. The three stars were Saulietis, Popov, and Darzins.

Into Kazakhstan, where Barys Astana brings in Jokerit Helsinki. Henrik Karlsson and Jan Laco are in the creases. Astana was first to score in the first period on a Dustin Boyd goal, via Nigel Dawes and Brandon Bochenski. Barys added on with a Roman Savchenko power play goal, powered by Vyacheslav Tryasunov and Maxim Khudyakov. The three final remained at 2-0, with the three stars handed to Laco (33 save shutout), Boyd, and Savchenko.

Back east, Sibir Novosibirsk hosts Amur Khabarovsk. Juha Metsola and Alexander Salak are the masked men. Khabarovsk started in the first period on a Danil Faizullin goal, coming off of Vitaly Atyushov. Amur added on with a Tomas Zohorna goal, going in unassisted. Khabarovsk extended the lead as Vladimir Pervushin scored, thanks to Nikolai Skladnichenko. Salak was pulled for Nikita Bespalov for the second period. Amur padded the lead on a Vladislav Ushenin third period goal, going in unassisted. Khabarovsk kept going with a Vyacheslav Ushenin power play goal, powered by Vladislav Ushenin and Maxim Veryovkin. Amur continued on a Ruslan Bashkirov goal, helped along by Faizullin. Khabarovsk iced it at 7-0 with a Vitaly Shulakov goal, assisted by Vladislav Ushenin and Vyacheslav Ushenin. The three stars went to Vladislav Ushenin, Faizullin, and Vyacheslav Ushenin, while Metsola (27 save shutout) gets an honorable mention.

Over in Khanty-Mansiysk, Yugra welcomes Traktor Chelyabinsk. Pavel Francouz and Georgy Gelashvili are the goalies. Khanty-Mansiysk got going in the second period with an Alexander Ugolnikov goal on the power play, powered by Evgeny Lapenkov and Konstantin Panov. Yugra added on with an Oleg Yashin goal, via Andrei Ankudinov. Khanty-Mansiysk extended the lead on a Panov goal, made possible by Igor Bortnikov and Kirill Rasskazov. Chelyabinsk avoided a shutout with an Anton Glinkin goal, assisted by Maxim Yakutsenya and Andrei Popov in the third period. The final held at 3-1, with the three stars going to Panov, Gelashvili (33 for 34 in saves), and Yashin.

Along to Yekaterinburg, with Avtomobilist bringing in Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Igor Ustinsky received the starting nods. Nizhnekamsk led off in the first period with a Jeff Taffe goal, courtesy of Evgeny Ryasensky. Neftekhimik added on with another Taffe goal, assisted by Evgeny Grigorenko and Dan Sexton. Nizhnekamsk extended the lead as Yegor Milovzorov scored, with the help of Alexander Yevseyenkov. Neftekhimik iced it at 4-0 with an empty net goal in the third period from Nikita Shchitov and Milovzorov. The three stars belonged to Taffe, Sudnitsin (29 save shutout), and Milovzorov.

West to Togliatti, with Lada hosting Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Vladimir Sokhatsky and Edgars Masalskis are set to start in goal. Togliatti began in the first period on a Martin Zatovic goal, assisted by Yefim Gurkin. Lada added on with an Alexander Streltsov goal, fueled by Tobias Viklund and Vasily Streltsov. Togliatti iced it at 3-0 in the third period with an unassisted Anton Shenfeld goal. The three stars were awarded to Masalskis (42 save shutout), Zatovic, and Alexander Streltsov.

Into Yaroslavl, with Lokomotiv welcoming CSKA Moscow. Ilya Sorokin and Alexei Murygin are the overrated goalies. Moscow struck first in the first period on a Dmitry Kugryshev power play goal, powered by Bogdan Kiselevich and Igor Ozhiganov. CSKA added on in the second period with an Alexander Radulov goal, with a lone assist by Geoff Platt. This stood for a 2-0 win, with the three stars being Sorokin (27 save shutout), Kugryshev, and Radulov.

Back to Nizhny Novgorod, where Torpedo brings in Medvescak Zagreb. Gasper Kroselj and Ilya Proskuryakov have the green light to play goal. Nizhny Novgorod opened in the first period on a Linus Videll goal, coming off of Carter Ashton and Artyom Alyayev. Torpedo added on with a Daniil Ilyin goal, via Kaspars Daugavins and Alyayev. Nizhny Novgorod extended the lead as Sergei Kostitsyn scored, thanks to Ashton and Videll. Torpedo padded the lead with an Alexander Budkin goal, fueled by Ashton, who got a sock trick, and Oleg Piganovich. Zagreb got on the board with a Shaone Morrisonn goal, passed from Jesse Saarinen and Tomas Mertl. Medvescak pulled closer in the second period on a Mertl goal, assisted by Geoffrey Kinrade and Morrisonn. Nizhny Novgorod replied in the third period on a Daugavins empty net goal, set up by Vyacheslav Kulyomin. This made it a 5-2 win, with the three stars going to Videll, Ashton, and Alyayev, while Daugavins, Mertl, and Morrisonn get the honorable mentions.

Down in Kazan, Ak Bars hosts Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Vasily Koshechkin and Jussi Rynnas are in the blue paint. Kazan started in the first period with a Dmitry Arkhipov goal, assisted by Dmitry Obukhov and Stepan Zakharchuk. Magnitogorsk tied it on a Sergei Mozyakin power play goal, with a lone assist by Chris Lee. Ak Bars took the lead again in the second period on a Fyodor Malykhin goal, passed from Mikhail Varnakov and Mikhail Glukhov. Metallurg tied it in the third period on an Oskar Osala goal, guided in by Danis Zaripov. In the shootout, Zaripov and Jan Kovar scored to win it for Metallurg by a 3-2 score. The three stars went to Zaripov, Kovar, and Koshechkin (36 for 38 in saves).

Further south to Sochi, as the Leopards welcome Severstal Cherepovets. Sergei Magarilov and Konstantin Barulin protect the nets. Jakub Stepanek took over for an injured Magarilov in the first period. Sochi was first to score on a first period power play goal by Ben Maxwell, powered by Ziyat Paigin and Renat Mamashev. The Leopards added on in the second period on a Pyotr Schastlivy goal, via Roman Lyuduchin and Mikhail Anisin. Sochi extended the lead on another Schastlivy goal, courtesy of Lyuduchin. Cherepovets got on the board in the third period on a Maxim Trunyov goal, assisted by Anatoly Nikontsev and Eduard Gimatov. The Leopards replied on an Andre Petersson goal, helped along by Maxwell and Evgeny Skachkov on the power play. This made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars being Schastlivy, Maxwell, and Lyuduchin.

Northwest to St. Petersburg, with SKA bringing in Vityaz Podolsk. Harri Sateri and Mikko Koskinen are the Finnish goalies. St. Petersburg led off in the first period on a Jarno Koskiranta goal, passed from Alexander Barabanov and Joakim Lindstrom. SKA added on with a Nikita Gusev power play goal, powered by Vadim Shipachyov and Maxim Chudinov. Podolsk got on the board in the second period on a Vyacheslav Solodukhin goal, with a lone assist by Anton Korolyov. Vityaz tied it with a Yury Koksharov goal, made possible by Solodukhin and Pavel Lukin. St. Petersburg retook the lead in the third period on another Gusev power play goal, with helpers from Yegor Yakovlev and Evgeny Dadonov. Podolsk retied it as Nikita Vyglazov scored, thanks to Roman Horak and Teemu Eronen on the power play. SKA answered with a Shipachyov goal, guided in by Andrei Kuteikin and Gusev. St. Petersburg finished it at 5-3 on a Dadonov empty net goal, set up by Ilya Kablukov. The three stars went to Gusev, Shipachyov, and Solodukhin, while Dadonov gets an honorable mention.

Out in Belarus, Dinamo Minsk hosts Slovan Bratislava. Barry Brust and Jeff Glass are the North Americans in goal. Minsk began in the first period on a Jonathan Cheechoo power play goal, powered by Matt Ellison and Ryan Vesce. Dinamo added on with an Ellison goal in the second period, helped along by Cheechoo and Vesce. Bratislava got on the board in the third period with a Rok Ticar power play goal, assisted by Ivan Svarny and Ziga Jeglic. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars handed to Ellison, Cheechoo, and Glass (38 for 39 in saves), while Vesce gets an honorable mention. 

Finally, back in Moscow, Spartak hosts rivals Dynamo from across town. Alexander Yeryomenko and Evgeny Ivannikov are all padded up. Dynamo drew first blood on a first period Martins Karsums goal, passed from Maxim Karpov. Dynamo added on in the second period as Maxim Pestushko scored, thanks to Alexei Tereshchenko and Dmitry Vishnevsky. Dynamo iced it at 3-0 on a Karpov empty net goal in the third period, going in unassisted. The three stars were given to Yeryomenko (19 save shutout), Karpov, and Karsums.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

2015-16 NHL Season - Day 36

Today, we have two games of hockey, down from yesterday's 25 across two leagues. We begin in...

Pittsburgh, with the Penguins welcoming the Montreal Canadiens. Mike Condon and Marc-Andre Fleury are in the creases. Pittsburgh led off in the first period on a Pascal Dupuis goal, his second of the season, assisted by Sidney Crosby and Beau Bennett. Montreal tied it on an Andrei Markov power play goal, his second of the year, powered by P.K. Subban and Tomas Plekanec. Jeff Zatkoff relieved Fleury later in the opening frame after an errant high stick cut the latter. Fleury returned shortly thereafter. The Penguins took the lead on an Olli Maatta goal, his second of the season, via Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin. The Canadiens tied it in the second period on a Brendan Gallagher goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Max Pacioretty. Montreal took the lead as Brian Flynn scored his second of the season, coming off of Torrey Mitchell and Subban. Pittsburgh tied it in the third period on a Patric Hornqvist goal, his third of the year, helped along by Crosby and Kris Letang. In the shootout, David Perron and Crosby lifted the Penguins to a 4-3 win. The three stars went to Crosby, Subban, and Hornqvist.

The other game sees the Anaheim Ducks bringing in the Edmonton Oilers. Anders Nilsson and Frederik Andersen draw the starts in goal. Anaheim began in the first period on a Corey Perry power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Rickard Rakell and Hampus Lindholm. Edmonton tied it on a Leon Draisaitl power play goal in the second period, his fourth of the year, guided in by Benoit Pouliot and Darnell Nurse. The Ducks took the lead back in the third period on a Shawn Horcoff goal, his second of the season, fueled by Cam Fowler and Chris Stewart. The Oilers tied it again as Oscar Klefbom scored his third of the year, with the help of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Draisaitl. Anaheim retook the lead on a Perry goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, helped along by Rakell and Sami Vatanen. Edmonton got an equalizer on a Nugent-Hopkins goal, his sixth of the year, made possible by Draisaitl and Taylor Hall. The Oilers won with a Teddy Purcell goal in overtime, taking the 4-3 game on his third of the campaign, courtesy of Andrej Sekera and the goalie Nilsson. The three stars belonged to Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, and Perry, while Rakell gets an honorable mention.

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2015-16 NHL Season - Day 35

Twelve games in a busy day today. We begin with...

The New Jersey Devils hosting the St. Louis Blues. Jake Allen and Cory Schneider are the young goalies. St. Louis got going in the second period on a Martin Havlat goal, fueled by Scott Gomez and Troy Brouwer. The Blues added on in the third period with a Magnus Paajarvi goal, via Dmitrij Jaskin and Alex Pietrangelo. This made it 2-0, the final, with the three stars going to Allen (24 save shutout), Havlat, and Paajarvi.

Over in New York, the Rangers welcome the Carolina Hurricanes. Cam Ward and Henrik Lundqvist are the veteran goalies. New York was first to score in the first period on a Jesper Fast goal, his third of the season, fueled by Emerson Etem and Keith Yandle. The Rangers added on with a Rick Nash goal, his second of the year, via Mats Zuccarello and Dan Girardi. New York extended the lead on a third period Ryan McDonagh goal, with a lone assist from Nash. This produced the 3-0 final, with the three stars given to Nash, Lundqvist (33 save shutout), and Fast.

West a bit to Philadelphia, with the Flyers bringing in the Colorado Avalanche. Reto Berra and Michal Neuvirth are the backups in goal. Colorado led off in the first period on a Jarome Iginla goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Nick Holden and Carl Soderberg. The Avalanche added on in the second period on a Matt Duchene goal, his fifth of the year, guided in by Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. Colorado extended the lead as Duchene scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, fueled by Holden and Tyson Barrie. The Avalanche padded the lead with a third period power play goal by Cody McLeod, his third of the year, powered by Duchene and Soderberg. The final held at 4-0, with the three stars going to Duchene, Berra (25 save shutout), and Holden, while Soderberg gets an honorable mention.

Continuing to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets host the Vancouver Canucks. Jacob Markstrom and Sergei Bobrovsky draw the starts in goal. Columbus began in the first period on a Boone Jenner power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Scott Hartnell and Ryan Johansen. Vancouver tied it on a Jannik Hansen goal, his fourth of the year, courtesy of Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin. The Canucks took the lead on a Daniel Sedin goal, his fifth of the season, with a lone helper by Hansen. The Blue Jackets retied it with a Jack Johnson power play goal, his second of the year, coming off of Jenner and Johansen. Columbus pulled ahead in the third period on a shorthanded Cam Atkinson goal, his fourth of the season, set up by David Savard. Vancouver tied it on a Henrik Sedin goal, his fourth of the year, with assists provided by Hansen and Daniel Sedin. The Canucks took the lead again on a Brandon Sutter goal, his fourth of the season, made possible by Hansen, who got a sock trick, and Matt Bartkowski. Vancouver iced it at 5-3 on a Henrik Sedin empty net goal, his second of the game and fifth of the year, passed from Ben Hutton and Daniel Sedin. The three stars were handed to Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, and Hansen, while Jenner and Johansen get the honorable mentions.

Up in Detroit, the Red Wings welcome the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Petr Mrazek protect the nets. Detroit dented the scoreboard in the third period on an unassisted goal by Andreas Athanasiou. This was it for the scoring, with the three stars going to Mrazek (38 save shutout), Athanasiou, and Holtby (26 for 27 in saves).

South to Florida, where the Panthers bring in the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo and Roberto Luongo are in the blue paint. Florida struck first in the first period on a Vincent Trocheck power play goal, his sixth of the season, powered by Jussi Jokinen and Brian Campbell. Calgary tied it on a David Jones goal, his fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Joe Colborne. The Panthers retook the lead on a Reilly Smith goal, his fifth of the season, coming off of Jokinen and Alex Petrovic. Florida added on in the second period on an Aaron Ekblad goal, his second of the year, guided in by Jaromir Jagr and Jonathan Huberdeau. The Flames answered with a Jones goal, his second of the game and fifth of the season, helped along by Matt Stajan and Deryk Engelland. Calgary tied it as Sean Monahan scored his fourth of the year, a power play goal made possible by Jiri Hudler and T.J. Brodie. The Panthers regained the lead in the third period on an unassisted Jagr goal, his seventh of the campaign. This stood for a 4-3 win, with the three stars handed to Jagr, Jones, and Jokinen.

Staying in the state, the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Buffalo Sabres. Chad Johnson and Andrei Vasilevskiy are the little-known goalies. Buffalo opened in the first period on a Jack Eichel goal, his sixth of the season, assisted by Cody Franson on the power play. Tampa Bay tied it on a Steven Stamkos power play goal, his eighth of the year, powered by Nikita Kucherov. The Sabres took the lead back on a Franson goal, via Eichel and Tyler Ennis. Buffalo added on with a Marcus Foligno goal in the third period, courtesy of David Legwand and Nicolas Deslauriers. The Sabres iced it at 4-1 with a Rasmus Ristolainen empty net goal, his fourth of the campaign, set up by the goalie Johnosn. The three stars went to Eichel, Franson, and Johnson (30 for 31 in saves).

Westward to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Antti Niemi are the masked men. Toronto started in the first period on a Peter Holland goal, his second of the season, passed from Jake Gardiner and Tyler Bozak on the power play. Dallas tied it with a Patrick Sharp goal in the second period, his seventh of the year, fueled by Jason Demers and Johnny Oduya. The Stars took the lead on a Vernon Fiddler goal in the third period, his second of the season, with a lone assist by Demers. The Maple Leafs retied it on a P.A. Parenteau goal, his third of the year, coming off of Morgan Rielly and Shawn Matthias. Toronto took the lead on a Gardiner goal, his second of the campaign, helped along by James van Riemsdyk and Leo Komarov. This made it 3-2, the eventual final, with the three stars awarded to Gardiner, Reimer (36 for 38 in saves), and Demers.

Backtracking to Nashville, with the Predators bringing in the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Pekka Rinne have the green light to play goal. Ottawa struck first in the first period on a Milan Michalek power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Bobby Ryan and Erik Karlsson. The Senators added on with a Zack Smith goal, his third of the year, via Jared Cowen and Chris Neil. Nashville goal on the board with a Colton Sissons goal, with a lone assist by Ryan Ellis. Ottawa replied with a Smith goal, his second of the game and fourth of the season, going in shorthanded and unassisted. The Predators answered in the second period on a Shea Weber power play goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by James Neal and Filip Forsberg. Nashville tied it with an unassisted Roman Josi goal, his fourth of the season. The Predators took the lead as Austin Watson scored his second of the year, thanks to Seth Jones and Gabriel Bourque. The Senators retied it on a Karlsson goal, coming off of Mika Zibanejad and Ryan. Ottawa edged ahead on a Curtis Lazar power play goal, his second of the season, fueled by Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone. Nashville pulled even with a Mattias Ekholm goal in the third period, his second of the year, passed from Ellis and Watson. The Predators gained the lead with a Barret Jackman goal, guided in by Jones and Mike Ribeiro. Nashville won 7-5 with a Bourque goal, helped along by Watson and Ekholm. The three stars landed with Watson, Smith, and Ekholm, while Bourque, Karlsson, Ryan, Ellis, and Jones get the honorable mentions.

Up in Minnesota, the Wild host the Winnipeg Jets. Ondrej Pavelec and Devan Dubnyk are the inconsistent goalies. Minnesota was first to score in the first period on a Nino Niederreiter goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Mikko Koivu and Jason Zucker. Winnipeg tied it on a Bryan Little goal, his seventh of the year, passed from Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd. The Wild took the lead back in the second period on a Thomas Vanek goal, his fifth of the season, courtesy of Christian Folin and Nate Prosser. Minnesota added on with an Erik Haula shorthanded goal, his second of the year, set up by Jared Spurgeon and Charlie Coyle. The Wild extended the lead as Vanek scored his second of the game and sixth of the season, thanks to Mikael Granlund. Pavelec was pulled for Michael Hutchinson. Minnesota padded the lead on a Chris Porter goal, made possible by Spurgeon and Ryan Suter. The Jets pulled back in the third period on a Blake Wheeler power play goal, his seventh of the year, powered by Little and Ladd. Winnipeg chipped closer on a Little goal, his second of the game and eighth of the campaign, helped along by Wheeler and Toby Enstrom. They got no closer, losing 5-3, with the three stars belonging to Vanek, Little, and Wheeler, while Ladd and Spurgeon get the honorable mentions.

Out in Los Angeles, the Kings welcome the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jonathan Quick are between the pipes. Los Angeles led off in the first period on a Dustin Brown goal, coming off of Drew Doughty and Tanner Pearson. Arizona tied it on a Martin Hanzal goal, going in unassisted. The Kings took the lead back in the second period on a Tyler Toffoli power play goal, his tenth of the season, powered by Jamie McBain and Alec Martinez. The Coyotes retied it with Hanzal's second of the game, assisted by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Tobias Rieder. Arizona took the lead in the third period on a Brad Richardson goal, his second of the year, guided in by Jordan Martinook and Shane Doan. The final held at 3-2, with the three stars going to Hanzal, Richardson, and Smith (33 for 35 in saves).

Finally, the San Jose Sharks bring in the New York Islanders. Thomas Greiss and Martin Jones are the middling goalies. New York began in the first period on a John Tavares goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Brock Nelson and Nick Leddy. The Islanders added on with a Mikhail Grabovski goal, his third of the year, via Nikolay Kulemin and Steve Bernier. Alex Stalock relieved Jones at this time. San Jose got on the board in the second period with a Joel Ward goal, his eighth of the campaign, coming off of Tomas Hertl and Justin Braun. New York replied in the third period on a Johnny Boychuk goal, his third of the season, assisted by Calvin de Haan and Grabovski. The Sharks shot back on a Brent Burns goal, his fifth of the year, passed from Hertl and Ward. The Islanders capped it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by Tavares, his second of the game and seventh of the campaign, set up by Nelson and Travis Hamonic. The three stars went to Grabovski, Tavares, and Ward, while Hertl and Nelson get the honorable mentions.

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