Saturday, December 5, 2015

2015/16 KHL Season - Day 93

Seven games go today, beginning with...

Avangard Omsk hosting Slovan Bratislava. Barry Brust and Dominik Furch are the goalies. Omsk started in the first period on a Nikolai Lemtyugov goal, assisted by Ilya Dervuk and Denis Parshin. Avangard added on with an Alexander Perezhogin goal, via Valentin Pyanov and Martin Erat. Omsk extended the lead in the second period as Parshin scored, with the help of Ilya Zubov and Sergei Shirokov. Bratislava got on the board with a Lukas Kaspar shorthanded goal, set up by Vaclav Nedorost. Avangard replied on an unassisted Pyanov goal. Slovan got closer in the third period on a Michel Miklik goal, passed from Milan Bartovic and Tomas Surovy. Omsk shot back with an  Perezhogin goal, courtesy of Michal Kempny and Erat. Bratislava chipped back on a David Skokan goal, with a lone helper by Tomas Starosta. The final stood at 5-3, with the three stars going to Perezhogin, Parshin, and Pyanov, while Erat gets an honorable mention.

Down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana welcomes Medvescak Zagreb. Danny Taylor and Pavel Poluektov are in the blue paint. Astana led off in the first period with a Nigel Dawes power play goal, powered by Kevin Dallman. Zagreb tied it on an Andreas Jamtin goal, made possible by Nathan Perkovich. Barys retook the lead in the second period on another Dawes goal, helped along by Mikhail Pashnin. Astana added on with an unassisted Brandon Bochenski goal. Barys extended the lead as Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev scored a power play goal, assisted by Vyacheslav Tryasunov and Roman Starchenko. Astana padded the lead on a Krasnoslobodtsev goal, his second of the game, passed from Maxim Khudyakov and Starchenko. Barys iced it at 6-1 with a Dawes goal in the third period, completing his hat trick with helpers provided by Ilya Lobanov and Dustin Boyd. The three stars went to Dawes, Krasnoslobodtsev, and Starchenko.

Back in Russia, Lada Togliatti brings in Jokerit Helsinki. Henrik Karlsson and Edgars Masalskis make the starts. Helsinki opened in the first period on a Peter Regin goal, via Ville Lajunen. Jokerit added on with a Pekka Jormakka power play goal, powered by Lajunen and Topi Jaakola. Togliatti got on the board with an Alexander Bumagin goal, courtesy of Yefim Gurkin in the second period. Helsinki replied on a Niklas Hagman goal, set up by Petteri Wirtanen and Lajunen, the latter getting a sock trick. This made it 3-1, the eventual final, with the three stars being Lajunen, Karlsson (16 for 17 in saves), and Jormakka.

Down to Sochi, where the Leopards host Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Niklas Svedberg and Dmitry Shikin are between the pipes. Sochi was first to score in the first period on an Andre Petersson power play goal, powered by Andrei Kostitsyn and Ilya Krikunov. The Leopards added on with a Vadim Shchegolkov goal, coming off of Sergei Kuznetsov and Denis Kazionov. Ufa got on the board with a Linus Omark goal, via Denis Bodrov and Igor Grigorenko. Sochi shot back with a Denis Kazionov goal, with a lone assist from Pyotr Schastlivy. The Leopards extended the lead as Petersson scored again, thanks to Ben Maxwell and Evgeny Skachkov. Sochi padded the lead with a Mikhail Anisin goal, helped along by Dmitry Kazionov and Shchegolkov. Salavat Yulaev pulled back in the second period on a Mikhail Vorobyov goal, assisted by Alexander Nesterov. Ufa chipped closer with a Maxim Mayorov goal, guided in by Bodrov and Teemu Hartikainen. The Leopards countered with a Skachkov goal, made possible by Maxwell and Kuznetsov. Sochi continued on a Kostitsyn goal, with a lone helper by Igor Ignatushkin. Salavat Yulaev answered with a Nesterov goal, fueled by Vorobyov. Ufa edged closer on a Zakhar Arzamastsev goal in the third period, courtesy of Nesterov and Anton Lazarev. The final held at 7-5, with the three stars going to Petersson, Skachkov, and Kostitsyn, while Shchegolkov, Kuznetsov, Denis Kazionov, Bodrov, Maxwell, Vorobyov, and Nesterov all get honorable mentions in the wild game.

Into Moscow, where Dynamo brings in CSKA Moscow from across town. Ilya Sorokin and Alexander Yeryomenko protect the nets. CSKA began in the first period on a Roman Lyubimov goal, via Gennady Stolyarov. Dynamo tied it on a Konstantin Volkov goal, coming off of Denis Kokarev and Andrei Mironov in the third period. The tie went to a shootout, where Artyom Fyodorov gave Dynamo the 2-1 win with his lone tally. The three stars were Yeryomenko (33 for 34 in saves), Sorokin (17 for 18 in saves), and Fyodorov.

Over in Kazan, Ak Bars welcomes Dinamo Riga. Joacim Eriksson and Emil Garipov are in the creases. Kazan struck first in the first period on a Nikolai Belov power play goal, powered by Artyom Lukoyanov and Oscar Moller. Riga tied it on a Tim Sestito goal, via Edgars Kulda. Dinamo took the lead in the second period as Andris Dzerins scored, thanks to Kristaps Sotnieks and Oskars Cibulskis. Ak Bars retied it on a Vladimir Tkachyov goal, assisted by Lukoyanov. Riga retook the lead in the third period on a Vitalijs Pavlovs power play goal, with a lone assist from Lauris Darzins. This stood for a 3-2 win, with the three stars being Pavlovs, Dzerins, and Lukoyanov.

Finally, Vityaz Podolsk hosts Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Harri Sateri guard the cages. Podolsk drew first blood on a Maxim Afinogenov goal, assisted by Denis Yezhov and Roman Horak. Vityaz added on with a Teemu Eronen goal, via Dmitry Tsyganov and Olli Palola. Cherepovets got on the board with a Nikolai Kazakovtsev power play goal in the second period, powered by Yury Trubachyov and Pavel Buchnevich. Severstal tied it again with an Igor Skorokhodov goal, helped along by Vadim Berdnikov. Vityaz won 3-2 in overtime with an Alexei Makeyev goal, passed from Mario Kempe and Igor Golovkov. The three stars went to Makeyev, Eronen, and Afinogenov.

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2015-16 NHL Season - Day 58

Seven games to roll with today, beginning with...

The Buffalo Sabres hosting the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Chad Johnson are the middling goalies. Arizona struck first in the first period on a Max Domi goal, his ninth of the season, guided in by Martin Hanzal and Stefan Elliott. Buffalo tied it in the second period on a Sam Reinhart goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Rasmus Ristolainen and Josh Gorges. The Sabres took the lead with a Jamie McGinn goal, his fifth of the season, assisted by Jack Eichel and Carlo Colaiacovo. Buffalo added on with an Evander Kane in the third period, his fifth of the year, a shorthanded goal set up by Zemgus Girgensons. The Coyotes got one back with an unassisted Domi goal, his second of the game and tenth of the season. The Sabres answered on a Marcus Foligno goal, his second of the year, helped along by Nicolas Deslauriers and David Legwand. Buffalo iced it at 5-2 on a Kane empty net goal, his second of the game and sixth of the campaign, courtesy of Cody Franson and Ryan O'Reilly. The three stars went to Kane, Domi, and Foligno.

Down in New Jersey, the Devils welcome the Philadelphia Flyers. Michal Neuvirth and Cory Schneider man the nets. New Jersey opened in the first period with a Stefan Matteau goal, going in unassisted. Philadelphia tied it on a Wayne Simmonds power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux. The Flyers took the lead on a second period goal by Giroux, his ninth of the year, a power play goal helped along by Voracek and Shayne Gostisbehere. The Devils retied it on a third period power play goal by Kyle Palmieri, his tenth of the season, coming off of Patrik Elias and Mike Cammalleri. Philadelphia regained the lead on a Pierre-Edouard Bellemare goal, his second of the year, with helpers from Chris VandeVelde and Evgeny Medvedev. New Jersey tied it again with a Cammalleri goal, his tenth of the season, guided in by Lee Stempniak and Tyler Kennedy on the power play. The Flyers won 4-3 with a Matt Read goal in overtime, his fourth of the year, with a lone assist by Michael Del Zotto. The three stars went to Giroux, Cammalleri, and Voracek.

Over in Columbus, the Blue Jackets bring in the Florida Panthers. Al Montoya and Sergei Bobrovsky make the starts. Florida got going in the second period on a Vincent Trocheck goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Brian Campbell and Steven Kampfer. Columbus tied it on a Michael Chaput goal, coming off of Andrew Bodnarchuk and Gregory Campbell. The tie went to the shootout, where Cam Atkinson of the Blue Jackets was matched by Jonathan Huberdeau and topped by Aleksander Barkov of the Panthers, who won 2-1. The three stars went to Montoya (22 for 23 in saves), Bobrovsky (31 for 32 in saves), and Barkov.

Back in Brooklyn, the New York Islanders host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Thomas Greiss are the backups in goal. St. Louis started in the first period on a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, his third of the season, made possible by Vladimir Tarasenko. Paul Stastny. New York tied it on a Mikhail Grabovski goal, his fifth of the year, via Ryan Strome and Nikolay Kulemin. The tie went to a shootout, where Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo won it for the Islanders by a 2-1 score. The three stars were Greiss (31 for 32 in saves), Elliott (24 for 25 in saves), and Grabovski.

Out west, the Calgary Flames bring in the Boston Bruins. Jonas Gustavsson and Karri Ramo are the poor goalies. Calgary was first to score in the first period on a Johnny Gaudreau goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by David Jones. The Flames added on with a Mark Giordano goal, his sixth of the year, courtesy of T.J. Brodie and Gaudreau. Boston got on the board with a Matt Beleskey goal, his third of the campaign, made possible by Zdeno Chara and Loui Eriksson. The Bruins tied it in the second period on a Brad Marchand goal, his eleventh of the season, guided in by Brett Connolly and Zach Trotman. Calgary retook the lead on a Gaudreau goal, his second of the game and eighth of the year, via Jiri Hudler and Dennis Wideman. Tuukka Rask replaced Gustavsson. Boston tied it again on a Chara goal, his fifth of the campaign, fueled by Beleskey and Eriksson. The Bruins gained the lead in the third period on a Marchand shorthanded penalty shot goal after Dougie Hamilton slashed him, his second of the game and twelfth of the season. The Flames retied it late on a Hudler goal, his fifth of the year, helped along by Sean Monahan and Joe Colborne. Calgary won 5-4 in overtime on a Gaureau goal, completing his hat trick on his ninth of the campaign, with assists provided by Hamilton and Brodie. The three stars were awarded to Gaudreau, Chara, and Marchand, while Beleskey, Brodie, Eriksson, and Hudler get the honorable mentions.

Staying in Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers welcome the Dallas Stars. Antti Niemi and Anders Nilsson are between the pipes. Edmonton drew first blood in the first period on a Taylor Hall goal, his tenth of the season, going in unassisted. Dallas tied it on a Mattias Janmark goal in the second period, his fifth of the year, via Jamie Oleksiak and Vernon Fiddler. The Oilers won 2-1 in overtime on a Jordan Eberle goal, his fourth of the campaign, with a lone assist by Leon Draisaitl. The three stars went to Nilsson (42 for 43 in saves), Eberle, and Hall.

Finally, there's a Battle of California with the Anaheim Ducks hosting the San Jose Sharks. Martin Jones and John Gibson are the young goalies. Anaheim dented the scoreboard on a Mike Santorelli goal, his fourth of the season, helped along by Nate Thompson and Chris Stewart. The final was 1-0, and the three stars were Gibson (23 save shutout), Santorelli, and Jones (25 for 26 in saves).

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Friday, December 4, 2015

2015/16 KHL Season - Day 92

Six games on for the league today, beginning with...

Amur Khabarovsk hosting Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. Jakub Kovar and Juha Metsola are the masked men. Khabarovsk got going in the second period on a Vladimir Pervushin goal, assisted by Vitaly Shulakov and Pavel Dedunov. Amur added on with a Vladislav Ushenin goal, passed from Shulakov and Oleg Li. Yekaterinburg got on the board with an Artyom Gareyev goal in the third period, going in unassisted. The final stood at 2-1, with the three stars going to Metsola (37 for 38 in saves), Shulakov, and Kovar (41 for 43 in saves).

Down in Vladivostok, Admiral welcomes Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Georgy Gelashvili and Ivan Nalimov are the goalies. Vladivostok led off with an Alexander Gorshkov goal in the first period, coming off of Dmitry Lugin. Admiral added on in the second period with an Alexei Ugarov goal, with a lone assist by David Booth. Khanty-Mansiysk got on the board as Pavel Medvedev scored, thanks to Artyom Bulyansky. Yugra tied it on an Igor Bortnikov goal, assisted by Denis Gorbunov. Vladivostok retook the lead with a Nikita Lisov goal, made possible by Lugin and Gorshkov. Khanty-Mansiysk tied it again on a Bulyansky goal, via Andrei Taratukhin and Medvedev. Admiral pulled ahead in the third period on a Kirill Voronin goal, coming off of Dmitry Sayustov and Viktor Alexandrov. The three stars of the 4-3 game went to Gorshkov, Bulyansky, and Lugin, while Medvedev gets an honorable mention.

Out west, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod brings in Sibir Novosibirsk. Nikita Bespalov and Mikhail Biryukov are in the blue paint. Nizhny Novgorod began in the first period on an Alexei Potapov goal, courtesy of Carl Klingberg and Vadim Khomitsky. Torpedo added on with a Carter Ashton power play goal, powered by Vladimir Galuzin and Nikolai Zherdev. Novosibirsk got on the board with an Alexei Kopeikin goal, via Sergei Gimayev. Ilya Proskuryakov replaced an injured Biryukov in the middle of the second period. Sibir tied it in the second period on a David Ullstrom goal, made possible by Calle Ridderwall and Tomas Vincour on the power play. In the shootout, Sergei Kostitsyn and Galuzin tallied to lift Torpedo to a 3-2 win. The three stars were Galuzin, Bespalov (31 for 33 in saves), and Ashton.

In Moscow, Spartak hosts Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Alexander Sudnitsin and Evgeny Ivannikov are between the pipes. Moscow started in the first period on a Konstantin Glazachev power play goal, powered by Charles Genoway and Vyacheslav Belov. Nizhnekamsk tied it on an Alexander Kitarov goal, courtesy of Pavel Poryadin. Spartak retook the lead in the second period on an Alexander Vasilyev goal, passed from Glazachev and Belov. Ivan Lisutin replaced Sudnitsin. Neftekhimik tied it again with a Poryadin goal, assisted by Kitarov. Moscow took the lead with a Glazachev goal, his second of the game, with a lone helper by Alexander Mereskin. Nizhnekamsk tied it again in the third period with Poryadin's second of the game helped along by Kitarov and Pavel Kulikov. Neftekhimik took the lead on a power play goal by Kirill Lyamin, with assists provided by Andrei Sergeyev and Dan Sexton. Nizhnekamsk iced it at 5-3 with a Kitarov empty net goal, set up by Kulikov. The three stars went to Poryadin, Kitarov, and Glazachev, while Belov and Kulikov get the honorable mentions.

Out in Belarus, Dinamo Minsk welcomes Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Andrei Kareyev and Jeff Glass draw the starts. Novokuznetsk opened in the first period on an Alexei Razumov goal, passed from Andrei Karavayev and Stanislav Butuzov. Minsk tied it on a Nick Bailen goal, via Nikita Komarov. Dinamo took the lead on a Sergei Drozd goal, courtesy of Andrei Stepanov and Alexander Materukhin. Minsk added on with a Matt Ellison goal, with a lone helper by Bailen. Dinamo extended the lead in the second period as Andrei Mikhalyov scored, thanks to Alexander Pavlovich. Metallurg answered on a Kirill Lebedev goal, assisted by Alexander Romanov and Artur Amirov. Novokuznetsk pulled closer on a Nikita Lyamkin goal, guided in by Romanov and Robert Kousal. Metallurg tied it in the third period on another Lebedev goal, made possible by Cade Fairchild. In the shootout, two goals by Ryan Vesce sent Minsk to a 5-4 win over a lone tally from Ignat Zemchenko of Novokuznetsk. The three stars went to Lebedev, Bailen, and Vesce, while Romanov gets an honorable mention.

Finally, SKA St. Petersburg brings in Traktor Chelyabinsk. Vasily Demchenko and Mikko Koskinen are the experienced goalies. Chelyabinsk drew first blood with an Alexei Petrov goal, courtesy of Alexander Sharov and Semyon Afonasyevsky. St. Petersburg tied it on a Jarno Koskiranta goal, via Joakim Lindstrom and Evgeny Ketov. Traktor retook the lead on an unassisted Maxim Yakutsenya goal in the second period. SKA tied it again with a Vadim Shipachyov goal, fueled by Nikita Gusev and Ilya Kovalchuk on the power play. St. Petersburg won 3-2 in overtime on an Alexander Kadeikin goal, passed from Yegor Yakovlev and Kovalchuk. The three stars were handed to Kovalchuk, Kadeikin, and Shipachyov.

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2015-16 NHL Season - Day 57

Eight games on tonight, beginning with...

The Carolina Hurricanes hosting the New Jersey Devils. Keith Kinkaid and Eddie Lack are the backups in goal. New Jersey opened in the first period on a Mike Cammalleri goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Tyler Kennedy. The Devils added on with an Adam Henrique power play goal in the second period, his twelfth of the year, powered by Lee Stempniak and John Moore. New Jersey extended the lead as Stephen Gionta scored, thanks to Brian O'Neill and Kennedy. Carolina got on the board with a Brad Malone goal, his second of the season, made possible by Jay McClement. The Devils replied with a Jacob Josefson goal, via Cammalleri. New Jersey padded the lead with a Cammalleri goal in the third period, his ninth of the year and second of the game, coming off of Patrik Elias and Moore. The three stars of the 5-1 game went to Cammalleri, Kennedy, and Moore.

Up in New York, the Rangers welcome the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov faces a lesser foe in Antti Raanta in goal. Colorado got going in the second period on a Chris Wagner goal, his third of the season, made possible by Jack Skille and Tyson Barrie. The Avalanche added on with a Matt Duchene goal, his fourteenth of the year, passed from Gabriel Landeskog and Carl Soderberg. New York got on the board with a third period Oscar Lindberg goal, his tenth of the campaign, assisted by Derick Brassard and Rick Nash. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Duchene, Varlamov (24 for 25 in saves), and Wagner.

Over to Detroit, with the Red Wings hosting the Arizona Coyotes. Mike Smith and Jimmy Howard are the underrated goalies. Detroit led off in the first period on a Justin Abdelkader goal, his eighth of the season, courtesy of Dylan Larkin. The Red Wings added on with a Niklas Kronwall goal, his second of the year, coming off of Tomas Tatar and Pavel Datsyuk. Detroit extended the lead as Gustav Nyquist scored his ninth of the season, thanks to Darren Helm and Mike Green. Anders Lindback replaced Smith for the second period. Arizona got on the board with a Jordan Martinook goal, his third of the year, passed from Steve Downie and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Red Wings replied on a Danny DeKeyser goal, his second of the campaign, helped along by Jonathan Ericsson and Datsyuk. Detroit finished it at 5-1 with a Helm goal in the third period, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Helm, Howard (26 for 27 in saves), and Datsyuk.

Into Montreal, with the Canadiens bringing in the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby and Mike Condon draw the starts. Washington started in the first period on a Tom Wilson goal, his second of the season, guided in by Brooks Laich. Montreal tied it on a second period goal by Lars Eller, his seventh of the year, via Alex Galchenyuk and Tomas Plekanec. The Capitals retook the lead on a T.J. Oshie goal, his seventh of the season, assisted by Nicklas Backstrom and Matt Niskanen. The Canadiens tied it again with a Brian Flynn shorthanded goal in the third period, his third of the year, set up by Paul Byron and Jeff Petry. Washington took the lead again with Oshie's second of the game and eighth of the campaign, coming off of Karl Alzner and Alex Ovechkin. The final stood from here at 3-2, with the three stars being Oshie, Holtby (33 for 35 in saves), and Flynn.

Along to Ottawa, with the Senators hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. Corey Crawford and Craig Anderson are the goalies. Ottawa began in the first period on a Mike Hoffman goal, his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Kyle Turris and Bobby Ryan. The Senators added on with a Ryan power play goal, his ninth of the year, powered by Erik Karlsson and Hoffman. Chicago got on the board with a Patrick Kane power play goal, his sixteenth of the season, assisted by Duncan Keith and Artemi Panarin. The Blackhawks tied it on a Panarin goal, his eighth of the year, made possible by Kane and Artem Anisimov. Ottawa regained the lead on a Mark Stone goal, his sixth of the season, fueled by Karlsson and Ryan on the power play. Chicago retied it on an Anisimov goal, his eleventh of the year, with assists provided by Kane and Panarin. The Senators won 4-3 with a Hoffman goal in overtime, his second of the game and thirteenth of the campaign, with a lone helper by Karlsson, who got a sock trick. The three stars were Hoffman, Kane, and Karlsson, while Panarin, Ryan, and Anisimov get the honorable mentions.

Down in Nashville, the Predators welcome the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo and Pekka Rinne tend the twines. Florida struck first in the first period on a Quinton Howden goal, his third of the season, assisted by Connor Brickley and Willie Mitchell. The Panthers added on with a Jonathan Huberdeau power play goal in the second period, his second of the year, powered by Aleksander Barkov and Steven Kampfer. Nashville got on the board with a Roman Josi goal, his fifth of the campaign, helped along by Craig Smith and Colin Wilson. The scored held at 2-1, with the three stars going to Luongo (32 for 33 in saves), Huberdeau, and Howden.

North to Minnesota, with the Wild hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Devan Dubnyk are the reliable goalies. Minnesota dented the scoreboard in the second period on a Matt Dumba power play goal, his third of the season, powered by Jared Spurgeon and Charlie Coyle. The final was 1-0, with the three stars being Dubnyk (28 save shutout), Dumba, and Reimer (27 for 28 in saves).

Finally, the Vancouver Canucks bring in the Dallas Stars. Kari Lehtonen and Ryan Miller protect the nets. Vancouver was first to score in the first period on an Alexander Edler goal, his fifth of the season, guided in by Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Dallas tied it on a Valeri Nichushkin goal, his third of the year, via Patrik Nemeth. The Stars took the lead in the second period on a Tyler Seguin goal, his fourteenth of the campaign, assisted by Nichushkin and Alex Goligoski. The Canucks retied it in the third period with a Jannik Hansen goal, his eighth of the season, passed from Henrik Sedin. Dallas took the lead again with a Patrick Sharp goal, his ninth of the year, coming off of Goligoski. The Stars won 4-2 on an unassisted empty net goal by Jason Spezza, his eleventh of the campaign. The three stars were Nichushkin, Henrik Sedin, and Goligoski.

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Thursday, December 3, 2015

2015/16 KHL Season - Day 91

Five games are on the slate here today, beginning with...

Avangard Omsk hosting Medvescak Zagreb. Danny Taylor and Dominik Furch are in goal. Omsk led off in the first period on an Valentin Pyanov goal, passed from Denis Kulyash and Alexander Perezhogin. Avangard added on with an Alexander Chernikov goal, via Yury Petrov and Valery Vasilyev. Omsk extended the lead in the second period as Jonas Ahnelov scored, thanks to Perezhogin and Martin Erat. Gasper Kroselj replaced Taylor in goal at this time. Zagreb got one back on a Gilbert Brule goal, with a lone helper by Patrick Bjorkstrand. Avangard replied on another Pyanov goal, assisted by Perezhogin, who got a sock trick, and Erat. Omsk padded the lead with a third period goal by Ilya Zubov, helped along by Denis Parshin. Medvescak replied with an unassisted Brule goal, his second of the game. Zagreb got closer on a Tomas Mertl goal, with a lone assist provided by Edwin Hedberg. Avangard iced it at 6-3 on a Chernikov goal, going in unassisted. The three stars went to Pyanov, Perezhogin, and Chernikov, while Brule and Erat get the honorable mentions.

Down in Kazakhstan, Barys Astana welcomes Slovan Bratislava. Michael Garnett and Jan Laco are in goal. Bratislava began in the first period with a Ziga Jeglic power play goal, powered by Lubomir Visnovsky and Rok Ticar. Astana tied it on a Maxim Khudyakov goal, passed from Brandon Bochenski and Alexander Lipin. Barys took the lead on an Ilya Lobanov goal, via Ilya Solarev. Slovan tied it on a Vaclav Nedorost goal, guided in by Lukas Kaspar. Astana retook the lead in the second period on a Kevin Dallman power play goal, assisted by Nigel Dawes and Bochenski. Bratislava replied with a Pavol Skalicky goal, with a lone assist from David Skokan. Barys took the lead again on a Roman Starchenko power play goal, fueled by Khudyakov and Konstantin Pushkaryov. Slovan tied it again with a Tomas Starosta goal, helped along by Visnovsky and Ticar. In overtime, Astana won 5-4 on a Khudyakov goal, coming off of Dawes. The three stars went to Khudyakov, Dawes, and Bochenski, and Visnovsky and Ticar get the honorable mentions.

Back in Russia, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hosts Severstal Cherepovets. Jakub Stepanek and Vitaly Kolesnik are the veteran goalies. Cherepovets struck first in the first period on an Anatoly Nikontsev goal, via Ondrej Nemec. Yaroslavl tied it in the second period on a Vladislav Kartayev power play goal, powered by Pavel Koledov and Emil Galimov. Lokomotiv took the lead with another Kartayev power play goal in the third period, made possible by Vladislav Gavrikov and Galimov. Yaroslavl added on with a Jiri Novotny goal, courtesy of Denis Mosalyov and Andrei Loktionov. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Kartayev, Kolesnik (18 for 19 in saves), and Galimov.

Down to Kazan, where Ak Bars brings in Jokerit Helsinki. Henrik Karlsson and Emil Garipov man the nets. Kazan was first to score in the first period on an Alexander Svitov goal, passed from Dmitry Arkhipov. Helsinki tied it on a Brandon Kozun goal, via Jesse Joensuu in the second period. Ak Bars took the lead back with an Albert Yarullin power play goal, powered by Yakov Rylov. Kazan added on as Svitov scored his second of the game, with the help of Vasily Tokranov. Ak Bars capped it at 4-1 with a Mikhail Varnakov empty net goal in the third period, set up by Justin Azevedo. The three stars belonged to Svitov, Garipov (27 for 28 in saves), and Yarullin.

Finally, the Sochi Leopards host Dinamo Riga. Joacim Eriksson faces a lesser foe in Dmitry Shikin in goal. Riga got going in the second period on an unassisted goal by Gunars Skvorcovs. Sochi tied it on a Denis Kazionov goal, guided in by Vadim Shchegolkov and Dmitry Kazionov. Dinamo retook the lead in the third period as Guntis Galvins scored a power play goal, powered by Ville Leino. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being Eriksson (34 for 35 in saves), Galvins, and Skvorcovs.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

2015-16 NHL Season - Day 56

Four games on today, beginning with...

The Winnipeg Jets hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. Garret Sparks and Connor Hellebuyck are the young goalies. Toronto was first to score in the first period on a Michael Grabner goal, assisted by Daniel Winnik and Nick Spaling. Winnipeg tied it on a Drew Stafford goal, his eighth of the season, coming off of Mark Scheifele and Mathieu Perreault. The Jets took the lead on a Stafford power play goal, his second of the game and ninth of the year, powered by Nikolaj Ehlers and Scheifele. Winnipeg added on with a Scheifele goal in the third period, his ninth of the campaign, courtesy of Perreault and Ben Chiarot. The Jets extended the lead as Andrew Ladd scored his seventh of the season, with the help of Tyler Myers. Winnipeg padded the lead on a Bryan Little goal, his tenth of the year, made possible by Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien. The Jets iced it at 6-1 on an Anthony Peluso goal, passed from Andrew Copp and Jacob Trouba. The three stars were Stafford, Scheifele, and Perreault.

Back east, the New York Islanders welcome their rivals from Manhattan, the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist and Jaroslav Halak tend the twines. The Islanders dented the scoreboard in the second period on a John Tavares power play goal, his twelfth of the season, assisted by Kyle Okposo and Johnny Boychuk. The Rangers tied it on a Viktor Stalberg goal, his third of the year, guided in by Marc Staal and Dominic Moore. The tie went to a shootout, where Okposo's tally gave the Islanders a 2-1 win. The three stars were awarded to Okposo, Halak (33 for 34 in saves), and Lundqvist (36 for 37 in saves).

Out west, the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Boston Bruins. Tuukka Rask and Anders Nilsson are the Scandinavian goalies. Edmonton got going in the second period on a Mark Letestu shorthanded goal, his third of the season, set up by Matt Hendricks and Andrej Sekera. Boston tied it on a Torey Krug goal, his second of the year, via Patrice Bergeron and Adam McQuaid. The Oilers retook the lead in the third period on a Hendricks goal, his second of the season, courtesy of Letestu and Lauri Korpikoski. The Bruins retied it on a Zdeno Chara goal, his fourth of the year, assisted by David Krejci and Loui Eriksson. In the shootout, a tally by Jordan Eberle gave the Oilers the 3-2 win. The three stars were Hendricks, Letestu, and Nilsson (38 for 40 in saves).

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ben Bishop and John Gibson are in goal. Tampa Bay got started in the second period with a Jonathan Drouin goal, his second of the season, fueled by Vladislav Namestnikov and Jason Garrison. Anaheim tied it on a Corey Perry goal, his ninth of the year, via Ryan Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell. The Lightning took the lead back on a Jonathan Marchessault goal, his second of the season, a power play goal made possible by Drouin and Valtteri Filppula. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Drouin, Marchessault, and Bishop (32 for 33 in saves).

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The Problem(s) With All-Star Game Fan Voting

If the post title didn't make it explicitly clear, I can't stand fan votes for All-Star games. This is rooted in my history of playing a lot of fantasy sports, and knowing who is statistically deserving or undeserving on a year-to-year basis, rather than which under-performing and marketable star will occupy the spot. I've seen a lot of bad choices for the NHL, MLB, and MLS, but this is the cost that comes with giving the fans a hand in the process. You're going to get lousy results because the casual or moderate fan will not take their time to make a choice. I may have no right to complain about any of this, because I rarely cast a vote myself in All-Star votes. Still, there are three major problems with these votes.

1. The fans do not pick the most deserving players
As mentioned above, a lot of times the players who are definite stars in the league get in the All-Star Game, regardless of worthiness. This year, it wouldn't be a shock to see Sidney Crosby representing the Metropolitan Division despite having arguably the worst statistical season of his career, just because he's the face of hockey. Ditto Anze Kopitar in the Pacific Division. While there are better choices on their own teams and certainly in the division at large, fans vote for big names whether they should or not.

2. Joke Votes
There have been joke votes in probably every balloting system in human history. From Mickey Mouse for President of the United States to the poor kid who didn't realize what a can of laughter his election to the Homecoming Court at my high school was, there will always be people who advance a candidate for the sole purpose of being a clown. This year, the King of the Clowns is John Scott, face-puncher extraordinaire. I don't ask for much out of the All-Star Game, especially in the NHL, but if you can't propose a player without smirking, maybe you shouldn't vote for that player. If being at least an arguable star is no longer a requirement for the All-Star Game, the branding needs to be updated to reflect that. Might I propose "Game of Random Players Who Had Nothing Better to Do This Weekend."

3. The League is a better judge of which players should participate
Rare is it for a fan to have actual faith in their favorite league's decision-making process, but here we go. I think the NHL can fill out all the rosters just fine without any help from the fans. At the very least, let the general managers or coaches, who see these players on a day-to-day basis, make the majority of the decisions for the teams. It seems like a novel concept, but people will have a central target to whine about when their favorite player is left off the teams. As far as I see it, nothing will ever replace the Fantasy Draft system in creating teams, so the league doing all of the work is the next best option. I understand they already do most of it. It's more that that fan vote stirs up so much emotion for so little of the game that it would be better off for the league to do it all themselves.

If we're going to participate in this as it is, it would be fair if I gave my opinion of who deserved to be in the All-Star Game. Here's how I see it breaking down.

Metropolitan Division
Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Mike Cammalleri, Claude Giroux, John Tavares, John Carlson, Justin Faulk, Keith Yandle, Henrik Lundqvist, Braden Holtby.

Atlantic Division
Max Pacioretty, Patrice Bergeron, Tomas Plekanec, Brad Marchand, Dylan Larkin, Mike Hoffman, Erik Karlsson, P.K. Subban, Dion Phaneuf, Ben Bishop, Roberto Luongo. 

Central Division
Patrick Kane, Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Nathan MacKinnon, Vladimir Tarasenko, James Neal, John Klingberg, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Suter, Jake Allen, Devan Dubnyk.

Pacific Division
Daniel Sedin, Taylor Hall, Joe Pavelski, Jeff Carter, Henrik Sedin, Corey Perry, Brent Burns, Drew Doughty, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Martin Jones, Jonathan Quick.

The three teams here that are not represented are Calgary, Columbus, and Buffalo. In the case of Calgary, their best bet would be Johnny Gaudreau replacing Jeff Carter, which would also make the 3-on-3 aspect more exciting. The Buffalo Sabres could make a case for Rasmus Ristolainen to be included over Dion Phaneuf, but that would take away the Maple Leafs representative. Columbus really doesn't have anyone that should be in the All-Star Game, as I see it. Let me know what you think in the comments.