NHL Roundup : Francis and Whalers Beat Clock and Nordiques, 2-1

Ron Francis took a backhand pass from linemate John Anderson and scored with just two seconds left at Hartford, Conn., Wednesday night to give the Whalers a 2-1 victory over the Quebec Nordiques.

After winning only one of their first four games this season, the Whalers have battled back to make the Adams Division the tightest race in the National Hockey League.

With the stirring finish, the Whalers (12-7-3) moved within three points of the division-leading Nordiques and are two points behind the Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens.

“Andy didn’t see me coming down the slot,” Francis said after scoring his eighth goal, “but he knew someone would be there at that stage. Luckily for us, the puck bounced the right way, and we won. It was a big win for us after we came out flat Monday night and lost at Quebec.”

It was the first time in four tries this season that the Whalers have beaten the Nordiques.

As usual, the Whalers received a superlative performance in the nets from Mike Liut. After giving up a goal to Randy Moller a minute into the game, Liut stopped the last 17 shots to gain the victory.

The Whalers tied the game at 4:18 of the second period when Dana Murzyn’s low slapshot went between the legs of Nordique goalie Clint Malarchuk.

Montreal 4, St. Louis 3--After giving up the tying goal with just 32 seconds left in regulation at Montreal, the Canadiens ended a five-game losing streak when Bobby Smith jammed the puck into the net at 1:24 of overtime.

“I didn’t like the way things looked, “ Smith said. “We had been in a slump, and then to blow a three-goal lead made everyone nervous.

“After the red light went on, we felt a lot better. I think this win will make a big difference. Now, we can concentrate on playing hockey instead of wondering how we are going to lose again.”

Washington 3, Winnipeg 3--Defenseman Larry Murphy scored with just 2:35 left in regulation at Winnipeg, Canada, to give the Capitals a tie.

Dave Christian, who scored 41 goals last season, scored his sixth in 27 games in the opening minute for the Capitals’ only lead.

Edmonton 7, New York Islanders 1--Glenn Anderson and Mike Krushelnyski scored on a five-minute power play in the first period at Edmonton, Canada, and the Oilers went on to stage one of their most impressive performances of the season.

Pat LaFontaine of the Islanders went off for high-sticking on a major penalty, and the team never recovered.

Wayne Gretzky scored his 22nd goal for the Oilers and also had two assists.

The victory put the Oilers one point out of first place, behind Winnipeg, in the Smythe Division.

--DAN HAFNER