NHL ROUNDUP : Sparked by Muller, Surging New Jersey Bounces Bruins

The New Jersey Devils are usually in the Patrick Division cellar or close to it, but this season they are closer to first than last.

Kirk Muller had a goal and an assist Sunday night at East Rutherford, N.J., to lead the Devils to a 3-1 victory over the Boston Bruins.

The fourth consecutive victory put the third-place Devils at .500 (15-15-3) and just three points behind division-leading Philadelphia.

Another brilliant performance by goaltender Chris Terrerri contributed to the victory. Terrerri, who has played in three of the four games during the streak, stopped 30 shots. He made several brilliant saves.

Buffalo 4, Philadelphia 3--The surprising Sabres continue to have the best record in the NHL.

Pierre Turgeon broke a 3-3 tie early in the third period at Buffalo and the Sabres improved their record to 21-9-4.

The Sabres improved their home record to 14-1-1, best in the NHL. They lead the Adams Division by two points over Montreal.

Chicago 6, Edmonton 5--Greg Gilbert had two goals, including the tiebreaker early in the third period at Chicago and the Blackhawks ended the Oilers’ nine-game unbeaten string.

Montreal 2, New York Rangers 0--Canadien goaltender Brian Hayward had to stop only 21 shots to get the shutout at New York and extend the Rangers’ winless streak to five games (0-4-1).

Vancouver 2, Quebec 2--Tony Tanti scored two goals at Vancouver as the Canucks extended the Nordiques’ winless streak to 11 games. The Canucks are unbeaten in their last four games, a stretch that includes three ties.