NHL Roundup : Lafleur Scores First Goal in Four Years

It took 4 games to adjust to a 4-year layoff, but Hall of Fame player Guy Lafleur finally scored Sunday night at New York.

The former star of the Montreal Canadiens scored his first goal and an assist to lead the Rangers (2-2-1) to a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.

Lafleur, who retired after the 1984-85 season, was inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer. Shortly thereafter, he contacted the Kings about a comeback. The Kings, however, had just made a deal for Wayne Gretzky and thought Lafleur wanted too much.

Lafleur scored at 7:22 on a power-play on a pass from Marcel Dionne. It was his first goal since Oct. 25, 1984. Later in the period he assisted on a goal by Brian Leetch.

“It really made me feel good,” Lafleur said. “You may think you’re ready to return at 37, but until you get into the real action, you don’t know for sure. I feel good about it now.

“I think it is easier for me to make my comeback here. In Montreal there would have been considerable pressure.”

Quebec 5, Buffalo 3--The Nordiques’ youth movement is paying off. Rookies David Latta and Iiro Jarvi scored third period goals at Buffalo after Buffalo tied the game late in the second period.

The Nordiques retained a portion of first place in the Adams Division with their fourth victory in 6 games.

Edmonton 3, Winnipeg 3--Mark Messier scored on a power play just 51 seconds into the third period to get the Oilers even at Winnipeg and it turned out to be the game’s last goal.

The Oilers are winless in their last 3 games.

Boston 10, Chicago 3--Four minutes into the second period at Chicago, the Blackhawks and Bruins were tied, 3-3. However, the Bruins scored the last 7 goals.

Cam Neely had 3 of the last 7 and assisted on 2 others to enable Andy Moog to breeze to his second victory in 3 starts.