NHL Roundup : Black Hawks’ 5-0 Win Keeps Title Bid Alive

Rookie goaltender Warren Skorodenski turned aside 34 shots Wednesday night at Chicago to lead the Black Hawks to a 5-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils and keep their hopes alive for the Norris Division title.

The victory put the Black Hawks just two points behind St. Louis, which has led the division most of the season. The Blues have an added edge because they have three games remaining, the Black Hawks only two.

When General Manager Bob Pulford replaced Orval Tessier as coach 53 games into this season, the Black Hawks were not even certain they could finish as high as second in the division.

But Pulford has transformed the troubled Hawks into a formidable aggregation. Since he took over they are 15-7-3. They long ago assured themselves of second place and the home ice advantage in the first round of Stanley Cup action.

Pulford has instilled so much confidence in his club that the Black Hawks expect to challenge for the Stanley Cup.

“This club has a lot of character,” Pulford said. “It is not going to give up. We need a break (to finish first). Hopefully, we’ll get one.

“Even if we don’t, these guys have come together as a team. They want to win. They want to work, and when you do that you’ll win your share. They have a lot of pride.”

Although they outshot the Hawks, 17-8, in the first period, the Devils fell behind when Troy Murray scored his 26th goal and that was all Skorodenski needed.

The Black Hawks finish the season with games at Detroit on Saturday and at home against the New York Rangers Sunday. The Blues are at home against the Rangers tonight, play at Minnesota Saturday and finish Sunday at home against Detroit.

Detroit 3, Pittsburgh 2--Greg Gallant scored his sixth goal of the season with 6:50 left at Pittsburgh and it was the score that clinched third place in the Norris Division for the Red Wings.

The Penguins, who were eliminated from the playoffs Tuesday night, had nine power-play opportunities and failed to cash in on one of them.

Rookie Mario Lemieux scored his 42nd goal and assisted on Pittsburgh’s other goal. He has 98 points, a league record for a rookie.

Calgary 5, Vancouver 3--Rookie Carey Wilson had two goals and an assist at Calgary as the Flames came from behind to beat the Canucks.

Two goals in the second period by Cam Neely enabled the Canucks to take a 3-2 lead. But Paul Baxter, getting a pass from Wilson, tied the score at 7:42 of the third period. Doug Risebrough then put Calgary in front two minutes later and Wilson completed the scoring at 14:27.

The Flames moved within a point of Winnipeg in the battle for second place in the Smythe Division. Both teams have two games remaining.

Minnesota 9, Toronto 7--Dino Ciccarelli had a goal and three assists at Bloomington, Minn. to lead the North Stars to victory in a fight-filled battle.

There were fights in each period. In the second there were 60 minutes in penalties from a brawl that lasted 15 minutes.

By losing Toronto clinched the worst record and first choice in the amateur draft.