NHL Roundup : MacLean, Devils Stop Capitals, End 8-Game Winless Streak

John MacLean scored 2 of his 3 goals in the second period Wednesday night as the New Jersey Devils snapped an 8-game winless string with a 5-1 victory over the Washington Capitals at East Rutherford, N.J.

The win, which ended an 0-7-1 drought, was the first for New Jersey since a 4-2 victory over St. Louis on Nov. 15. Washington was 8-2-1 in its previous 11 games.

MacLean put the Devils ahead to stay at 11:19 of the second period, 2-1, when he got the rebound of Aaron Broten’s shot and slid it under goalie Clint Malarchuk.

Defenseman Randy Velischek extended the lead to 3-1 with 1:36 left in the period, and MacLean struck again with 5 seconds left on a power play.

MacLean finished his second career hat trick with his 14th goal of the season in the final period.

Minnesota 2, Montreal 2--Dave Gagner scored on a rebound of his own shot with 8:03 left in regulation to lift the North Stars into the tie at Bloomington, Minn.

Gagner took a deflected pass from Stewart Gavin and shot on Montreal goalie Brian Hayward, who kicked the rebound right back to Gagner in front. It was Gagner’s 17th goal, most on the team, but his first in 7 games.

Edmonton 8, Quebec 3--Jari Kurri scored 3 goals in the second period and Mark Messier had 2 goals and 2 assists to lead the Oilers at Edmonton, Canada. It was the Nordiques’ ninth straight loss there, dating to November, 1982.