NHL Roundup : Sabres’ Ruuttu Scores 4 Points for the Second Game in a Row

Christian Ruuttu needed a season to adjust to the National Hockey League after an outstanding career in Finland.

In his second season, the 23-year-old center is leading the Buffalo Sabres’ drive into contention in the Adams Division.

Ruuttu had his second four-point game in a row Friday night at Buffalo to lead the Sabres to a 7-3 romp over the New Jersey Devils.

With Ruuttu their leading scorer, the Sabres have won 3 in a row and 8 of their last 10 to take a firm grip on third place in the division.

Ruuttu, who had 22 goals and 65 points as a rookie, has 19 goals and 49 points in 47 games.

Phil Housley of the Sabres had a hat trick, scoring the game’s first two goals and the last one with four minutes to play.

It was the fourth consecutive loss for the Devils, who had been battling for first place in the Patrick Division until the slump that has dropped them below .500 for the first time.

New York Rangers 6, Vancouver 3--Tomas Sandstrom scored twice in the first period at Vancouver, and the Rangers went on to end a four-game losing streak.

Joe Paterson added a goal and two assists for the Rangers, who had been winless in their last seven games.

Walt Poddubny scored his 30th goal of the season for the Rangers.