NHL Roundup : Even Without Gretzky, Oilers Top Islanders, 5-1

Although there were more than 120 members of the media on hand at the Forum Thursday night when Wayne Gretzky made an auspicious debut as a King, that was not the case Friday night at Edmonton when the Oilers began the post-Gretzky era with an equally auspicious performance.

In their first National Hockey League game without Gretzky on their roster, the Oilers skated to an easy 5-1 victory over the New York Islanders.

Jimmy Carson, obtained from the Kings in the Gretzky deal, was outstanding in his first game as an Oiler. He scored 2 goals, including one 50 seconds into the second period that put the Oilers in front to stay.

Jari Kurri, better known for his shooting when he played with Gretzky, had 3 assists for the Oilers.

Pittsburgh 6, Washington 4--In a league that has all but 5 of the 21 teams qualify for postseason play, the Penguins have gone the longest without participating in the playoffs--six seasons.

Last spring, the Penguins (36-35-9) were one of 12 teams to finish above .500 and had a better record than 6 teams that made the playoffs.

Under new Coach Gene Ubriaco, the Penguins vowed to end their frustration. With Randy Cunneyworth scoring goals less than 6 minutes apart in the third period at Landover, Md. the Penguins came from behind to earn a season-opening victory over the Capitals.