NHL Roundup : Kerr’s Three Goals Help Flyers Defeat Blues, 7-6

Most of the time, the Philadelphia Flyers rely on tough defensive play and their awesome rookie goaltender, Ron Hextall.

But, on the rare occasion when they need the offense, there is always Tim Kerr. The 6-3, 225-pound center is as deadly as any shooter in the league from close range.

With Hextall being bombed for five goals in two periods Sunday night at Philadelphia, the Flyers turned to the big man for help. Kerr responded with the hat trick and the Flyers rallied for four goals in the last period to beat the St. Louis Blues, 7-6.

Despite goals five minutes apart by Kerr in the second period, the Flyers trailed, 5-3, because the Blues connected on five of 12 shots against Hextall in the second period.

Glenn Resch rescued Hextall in the third period and the Flyers broke through to improve their record to 25-7-2, best in the NHL.

Kerr’s 30th goal of the season tied the game at 6-6 halfway through the final period and Dave Poulin then scored his 12th to win it.

The Blues wouldn’t mind if they never played again at the Spectrum. Since their last victory in Philadelphia, on Jan. 6, 1972, the Blues are 0-29-3 at the Spectrum.

All three Kerr goals were from 10 feet or closer. He is well on his way to a fourth consecutive 50-goal season.

Hartford 4, New York Rangers 3--Just when it appeared the Rangers were going to get a much-needed victory at New York, right wing Kevin Dineen took charge for the Whalers.

With 76 seconds remaining in regulation, Dineen took a pass from Dave Semenko and beat John Vanbiesbrouck for his second goal of the third period.

There were almost three minutes gone in overtime when Dineen picked up a loose puck, skated almost the length of the ice and fired in a 10-footer to give the Whalers the victory and first place in the Adams Division.

The Rangers were without new Coach Tom Webster, who is in a hospital with an inner ear problem. General Manager Phil Esposito assumed the coaching duties.

Quebec 4, Winnipeg 4--The Nordiques, playing their fourth game in five nights, tired in the third period at Winnipeg and had to settle for a tie.

The Nordiques jumped in front, 2-0, and were holding on, 4-3, with 8:51 left when Dave Ellett’s second goal of the game tied it for the Jets.

Chicago 7, Detroit 4--Wayne Presley scored goals just 65 seconds apart in a four-goal first period burst at Chicago that enabled the Blackhawks to score their third consecutive victory.

Although the Blackhawks are in last place in the Norris Division, they are only three points out of first place.