NHL Roundup : Capitals Score Rare Victory at Spectrum, Defeating Flyers, 4-1

The Washington Capitals have always had trouble winning at the Philadelphia Spectrum. Until Thursday night, they had only 8 wins in 35 games.

Greg Adams scored two goals, and Kelly Miller broke a second-period tie as the Capitals beat the Flyers, 4-1, for their first win at the Spectrum since 1984.

The victory raised the Capitals’ record to 5-2-0, the best start in their history, and gave them sole possession of first place in the Patrick Division.

The Flyers, trying to stay afloat until their top goaltender, Ron Hextall, completes his suspension, fell to 3-3-1. Hextall was forced to sit out the first eight games of this season after slashing Glenn Anderson of the Edmonton Oilers in the final round of the Stanley Cup last spring. He will return Monday night against the New York Rangers.

The Capitals fired 32 shots at Hextall’s replacement, Wendell Young, who kept the Flyers even for more than half the game. In the second period, he stopped a hard shot by Paul Cavallini, but the rebound came out to Miller, who scored at 14:36.

Clint Malarchuk, beaten in his four previous starts against the Flyers, stopped 21 shots. Doug Crossman ruined his shutout bid early in the second period.

Minnesota 5, Quebec 3--Brian Bellows scored two power-play goals in the third period at Quebec to lead the North Stars to their second win in seven games.

Bellows snapped a 2-2 tie at 3:52 of the final period, then scored his sixth goal of the season three minutes later.