NHL Roundup : Haworth’s String Runs Out, but Capitals Still Win, 5-3

The Washington Capitals were so intent on trying to get a goal for Alan Haworth, they almost lost the game to the Vancouver Canucks Friday night at Landover, Md.

The Capitals, 9-3-2 in their last 14 games, built a 5-0 lead, then gave up three goals in the last period, but won, 5-3.

Haworth had scored goals in nine consecutive games, but managed only an assist, although his teammates kept trying to set him up in the third period.

“I think that’s an indication of what happens when you try to work to an individual,” Capital Coach Bryan Murphy said. “We gave up three goals because of it.”

The Capitals held only a 1-0 early in the second period when Dave Christian scored on a power play. The Canucks had killed off 31 penalties in seven games before Christian broke the string.

Only 12 players in NHL history have scored goals in 10 or more consecutive games. Haworth has the satisfaction of knowing that he has accomplished one feat that has eluded Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky’s best is eight games in a row.

Winnipeg 5, New Jersey 3--Laurie Boschman scored a goal and assisted on another at Winnipeg to help the Jets end their five-game winless string.

The Jets held only a 3-2 lead going into the final period. But one minute after the faceoff opening the period, Robert Picard took a pass from Dave Silk and scored his second goal of the season. A few minutes later, Dave Babych scored to put the game out of reach.

It was a goal by Silk at 13:11 of the second period that gave the Jets (7-8-2) the lead for good. The Devils are 6-8-1.