NHL Roundup : Gartner Helps Capitals Defeat Nordiques, 4-1

With the return of Mike Gartner, their best offensive player, the Washington Capitals have more than a tough defense.

Gartner, who missed 12 games because of a knee injury, had a goal and an assist Tuesday night at Quebec to help lead the Capitals to a 4-1 victory over the Nordiques. On Sunday, Gartner had 2 goals and an assist.

The return of Gartner, who scored 48 goals last season, has sparked the Capitals’ surge into contention.

A month ago, the Capitals were 6-9-2 and last in the Patrick Division. In their last 14 games, they are 9-3-2 and have moved into a 3-way tie for first place with the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins.

“We have been playing well, lately,” Coach Bryan Murray said. “It really gave us a lift when we played the scoreless tie Saturday night at Montreal. And, now Gartner is starting to move better. Two wins and a tie on the trip is more than you could expect.

“But, it is scary every time he gets bumped on that left knee. He’s taken severe jolts in each of the last 2 games and hasn’t had to come out. That’s a good sign.”

Nordique backup Clint Malarchuk stopped 31 shots. He lost his shutout when Gaetan Duchesne scored early in the last period.

Quebec fans are clamoring for the team to replace Coach Ron Lapointe. In the closing minutes, Nordique fans were yelling, “Perron, Perron, Perron.” They want Jean Perron, who joined the Nordique organization after being fired late last season as Montreal coach, to replace Lapointe.

New Jersey 4, St. Louis 3--Jim Korn and Aaron Broten scored 2 minutes apart in the second period at East Rutherford, N.J., to lead the Devils.

The slumping Blues have lost 3 of their last 4 and have lost 8 of their last 9 against the Devils.

Just 8 seconds into the game, Kirk Muller put the Devils ahead. It was the fastest goal at the start of the game for the Devils.

Detroit 5, Minnesota 4--Paul MacLean scored his second goal of the game at Detroit with just 3:06 remaining to give the Red Wings their third victory in a row.

Steve Yzerman started the winning play with a pass behind the net to Bob Probert. Probert fed the puck in front to MacLean, who jammed it past goaltender Kari Takko for his 17th goal.

The Red Wings increased their Norris Division lead to 10 points.

The game drew a crowd of 19,709, the 80th consecutive game in which the Red Wings have drawn more than 19,000.