NHL Roundup : Trailing, 4-1, Flyers Storm Back to Beat Islanders, 5-4

The amazing Flyers spotted the New York Islanders a 4-1 lead Sunday night at Philadelphia, then fought back to gain a 5-4 victory on Murray Craven’s goal at 3:42 of overtime.

It was the 13th victory in a row for the Flyers. The Flyers are only two wins away from the record set by the Islanders in 1982.

For the third game in a row, rookie Darren Jensen was in the net for the Flyers. When Pat LaFontaine scored at 13:47 of the second period Jensen trailed, 4-1.

But Tim Kerr’s second power-play goal less than two minutes later signalled the start of the Flyers’ rally. With 4:25 remaining in regulation, Dave Poulin scored the tying goal on a pass from Brian Propp.

There were only 68 seconds left in the extra session when Craven fired into a melee in front of the net from a sharp angle. The puck caromed off goalie Billy Smith’s stick into the net.

The Flyers can tie the record by beating the Islanders on the road Tuesday night and beating Hartford at home Thursday night. If they tie the record, they can break it in a day game Saturday at Boston.

Toronto 5, Buffalo 3--Miroslav Frycer and Peter Ihnacak scored goals eight seconds apart in the third period at Buffalo to hand rookie goaltender Darren Puppa his first loss after three victories.

Ihnacak scored earlier in the third period to tie the score and the Maple Leafs went on to win their second in a row after a 13-game winless streak. The Maple Leafs fought back from a 3-1 deficit, scoring the last four goals.

Edmonton 3, New York Rangers 2--Wayne Gretzky is so talented he can fit in with any set of wings. After regular linemate Jari Kurri suffered an injury early in the game at New York, Gretzky was paired with Mark Messier and Mark Napier.

Gretzky’s passes were on the mark to both of them. He fed Messier a pass early in the third period for the tying goal, then found Napier at 2:06 of overtime to set up the victory.

Napier came down the right side on a two-on-one break after getting the pass from Gretzky. He faked a pass, got goalie John Vanbiesbrouck out of position and lifted the puck into the open net. In defeat, Vanbiesbrouck was fantastic. He made 30 saves, including one on a Gretzky breakaway.

Chicago 5, Minnesota 5--Denis Savard scored on a 15-foot shot with just five seconds remaining in regulation at Chicago to give the Black Hawks a tie.

Less than six minutes earlier, Tony McKegny had given Minnesota an apparent victory.

Calgary 5, Winnipeg 4--Colin Patterson had two goals and an assist at Winnipeg to help the Flames build a 5-0 lead which barely withstood a furious rally by the Jets.

Shortly after Dale Hawerchuk scored to cut the lead to 5-4 with 4:46 left to play, there was a brawl involving 10 players. It was continued in the penalty box when Winnipeg’s Perry Turnbull took a swing at Jim Peplinski.