NHL Roundup : Sutter’s Goal Gives Islanders a 2-1 Victory Over Rangers

The latest skirmish in the battle for hockey supremacy in New York went to the Islanders, 2-1, Friday night when Brent Sutter scored with five minutes remaining at Madison Square Garden.

Sutter’s 21st goal of the season broke up a tight goaltending battle between Bob Froese of the Rangers and the well-rested veteran Billy Smith. Froese had 29 saves; Smith, in his first appearance since Dec. 30, had 25.

The newest Ranger, Bobby Carpenter, scored his first goal for his new team early in the second period, but otherwise, Smith was superb. It was the fourth game as a Ranger for Carpenter, a onetime 50-goal scorer, obtained from the Washington Capitals last week.

Richard Kromm of the Islanders tied the score late in the second period. It appeared the teams were headed for overtime until Mikko Makela slipped the puck to Sutter on a two-and-one break.

“They (his teammates) didn’t give up the slot tonight,” the 36-year-old Smith said. “They played well in front of me. I’ve had some bad breaks. Some nights they haven’t played that well in front of me.”

Smith, instrumental in the Islanders four Stanley Cup victories to open the 80s, won for only the second time in his last six starts.

The victory was only the second for the Islanders in their last seven games.

Washington 3, Pittsburgh 2--Mike Ridley, obtained from the Rangers in the Bobby Carpenter deal, scored the winning goal early in the third period at Landover, Md.

Bob Mason, removed from Wednesday’s loss at Pittsburgh, when he gave up five goals in 31 minutes, faced only 21 shots in 60 minutes and stopped 19 to atone for his poor performance.

In four games since joining the Capitals, Ridley has two goals.

Winnipeg 3, Hartford 0--The Jets lost their hot goalie, Pokey Reddick, in the opening minutes at Winnipeg, then came up with a hotter one.

Reddick, who had turned in two victories in a row, twisted his ankle making a sliding save just 4:10 after the opening faceoff.

Rookie Daniel Berthiaume came to the rescue and stopped 23 shots to earn his second shutout of the season.

Edmonton 5, St. Louis 1--Mark Messier, the No. 2 scorer in the NHL, scored twice and had an assist at Edmonton to lead the Oilers.

Messier has 62 points. Teammate Wayne Gretzky, who has 98, failed to score.