NHL Roundup : Calgary Ends Edmonton’s Win Streak at Seven, 5-4

Even when they are playing well, the Edmonton Oilers can’t handle the Calgary Flames. Most people thought it was a fluke last spring when the Flames knocked the Oilers out of the playoffs and spoiled their bid for a third consecutive Stanley Cup.

There are few doubters now. Throughout this season the Flames have dominated the Oilers. The Oilers went into Calgary Thursday night working on a seven-game winning streak and a stronger hold on first place in the Smythe Division.

Instead, the Flames moved to within five points of the Oilers when Lanny McDonald converted John Tonelli’s centering pass with 7:24 to play into a 5-4 victory.

It was the fifth time in six meetings this season that the Flames have prevailed. Mike Vernon, a rookie when he starred in the nets against the Oilers in the playoffs, has been the goalie for the Flames in all six games.

He gave up Wayne Gretzky’s 61st goal of the season in the first period and blew a 4-2 lead in the third period before McDonald’s 14th goal of the season saved him.

Gretzky set up goals by Charlie Huddy and Jari Kurri to get the Oilers even with 9:20 remaining.

New York Islanders 3, Detroit 2--Pat LaFontaine scored his second goal of the game with just four seconds left in regulation at Detroit to end the Red Wings’ home unbeaten streak at nine games.

The Red Wings, with a chance to increase their lead in the Norris Division to eight points, led, 2-1, after two periods.

But, on a major penalty to Detroit’s Lee Norwood for boarding, Bryan Trottier tied it with a power-play goal at 6:52. Just when it appeared the teams were headed for overtime, LaFontaine beat Greg Stefan with a quick wrist shot from the faceoff circle.

Boston 6, Minnesota 2--Charlie Simmer scored twice within five minutes in the second period at Boston as the Bruins prevented the North Stars from jumping from fourth to second in the Norris Division.

With the victory, the Bruins moved within one point of Montreal in the fight for second place in the Adams Division.