NHL ROUNDUP : Murray’s Three Goals Lead Blackhawk Win

Mike Keenan is accustomed to coaching winning teams. So, it was a surprise when the Chicago Blackhawks did not respond quickly when he was hired last season.

The Blackhawks won only two of their first 11 games and won only 27 of their 80 regular-season games. They had to win their last game simply to qualify for the playoffs.

But they began to resemble a Keenan team in the playoffs. They made it through the first two rounds before losing to Stanley Cup champion Calgary.

The Blackhawks seem to have remained in spring form this season.

They took over first place in the Norris Division Tuesday night, when they beat the Red Wings, 5-3, at Detroit.

Troy Murray scored two of his three goals as the Blackhawks (6-4-1) dominated the first two periods, taking a 3-0 lead. But, 2 1/2 minutes into the third period, Steve Yzerman sparked the Red Wings, scoring a goal and setting up Borje Salming for another.

Murray responded two minutes later when he scored his eighth goal, increasing the lead to 4-2.

“The players came to camp with an idea of what they wanted to accomplish this season,” Keenan said. “They have a new set of goals and they act as if they plan on reaching them.”

Blackhawk goalie Alain Chevrier improved his record against Detroit to 8-1-1.

Edmonton 3, New York Islanders 3--The Islanders blew a 3-1 lead in the third period to remain winless at home. They are 0-2-2 at Nassau Coliseum.

Jari Kurri got the Oilers close with his second goal of the game at 7:39, then set up Martin Gelinas on a power play with 4:26 left in regulation.

Philadelphia 6, St. Louis 1--Ilkka Sinisalo scored twice and had an assist at Philadelphia as the Flyers ended a three-game losing streak with their second victory in nine games.

Former Flyer Peter Zezel spoiled Ken Wregget’s shutout bid when he scored at 5:42 of the final period.