NHL Roundup : Capitals Win Again and Close In on Flyers

Two weeks ago, the Washington Capitals were almost ready to concede that they could not win the Patrick Division--even with the third-best record in the National Hockey League.

A six-game winning streak, combined with a Philadelphia slump, has put them in position to win the division and finish second to Edmonton for the best overall record.

Former King defenseman Larry Murphy scored two power-play goals Saturday at Uniondale, N.Y., to propel the Capitals to a 6-2 victory over the New York Islanders and put them just one point behind Philadelphia.

After losing to Buffalo Feb. 23, the Capitals fell 11 points behind the Flyers and hopes for their first division title seemed slim.

But while the Flyers have been losing five out of six, the Capitals, their defensive corps healthy again, have put together a winning streak.

Coach Bryan Murray has two hot goaltenders, and his key defenseman, Rod Langway, is once again able to play all-out.

Goalies Pete Peeters and Al Jensen each play two games in a row, and the system is working.

Peeters has played in four of the six victories. He has yielded eight goals in four games. Jensen, who figures to play tonight at home against the Islanders, gave up only two goals in consecutive wins over the New York Rangers last week.

“It has become an interesting battle again,” Murray said. “To win the Patrick, as tough as it is, would be quite an accomplishment.

“In the last couple of seasons, other teams have realized we are a good hockey team. But this year, with all the talk about Edmonton and the Flyers battling for the best record, there was a tendency to overlook us.

“Of course, it took four losses in a row by the Flyers to get us back in contention. Now, it’s up to us to make the most of the opportunity.”

Murphy opened the scoring midway through the first period, and a few minutes later, another Capital defenseman, Scott Stevens, made it 2-0.

The Islanders tied the score early in the second period, but Washington responded with three goals in just over three minutes, and the outcome was decided.

Mike Bossy scored the Islanders’ second goal. It was his 47th and gave him 100 or more points for the sixth consecutive season.

New Jersey 7, Philadelphia 3--Pat Verbeek scored a hat trick, and for the first time in their history, the Devils have won four in a row at home. It was their 21st victory, tying the club’s season record.

The Devils scored goals on five of their first 10 shots against goalie Darren Jensen. Verbeek scored one and assisted on another. Seven minutes into the second period, Bob Froese replaced Jensen, but it was too late to make a difference.

Winnipeg 4, Minnesota 2--Laurie Boschman scored early in the third period at Bloomington, Minn., to break a 2-2 tie, and the Jets made it 2-0 under the coaching of General Manager John Ferguson. The Jets, who gave other duties to deposed coach Barry Long, moved ahead of the Kings into third place in the Smythe Division.

Quebec 6, Hartford 3--Michel Goulet had a hat trick at Hartford, Conn., to give him 46 goals for the season and keep the Nordiques within two points of first place in the Adams Division. Goulet has scored 42 goals against the Whalers in 45 games.

Montreal 8, Boston 3--Chris Nilan scored twice in a five-goal second period at Montreal to carry the Canadiens to victory.

Goals by Ken Linseman and Raymond Bourque gave Boston a 2-1 lead in the first period before Nilan started Montreal’s rally.

Toronto 4, Chicago 3--Defenseman Borje Salming, returning after missing three games because of a concussion, scored the winning goal at Toronto on a 30-foot wrist shot.

St. Louis 7, Vancouver 3--Bernie Federko and Mark Hunter scored on breakaway passes from Kevin LaVallee in the second period at St. Louis as the Blues moved within two points of Chicago in the Norris Division battle for first place.