NHL ROUNDUP : Flames Move Closer to Oilers With Win

Defensemen Brad McCrimmon and Al MacInnis scored second-period goals and Mike Vernon made 28 saves as the streaking Calgary Flames moved closer to first-place Edmonton by beating the Oilers, 3-1, Sunday night at Edmonton.

The win moved the Flames, who are 3-0-1 in their last four games, within three points of the Oilers in the Smythe Division.

The loss snapped the Oilers’ 14-game unbeaten streak at home, a club record. Edmonton had not lost in the Northlands Coliseum since a 3-1 defeat to Pittsburgh on Nov. 4.

During the streak, the Oilers were 11-0-3. But in their last five games, including a three-game road trip, they are 1-3-1.

The Oilers were unable to get much going offensively and when they did, Vernon stopped them. He stopped Jarri Kurri, Glenn Anderson and Esa Tikkanen, who all had point-blank shots from close in.

Boston 2, Buffalo 1--Cam Neely and Bobby Carpenter scored 32 seconds apart in the second period as the Bruins moved past the Sabres into first place in the Adams Division.

Boston’s fourth straight victory gave the Bruins 53 points, one more than the Sabres, who have lost five in a row. The win was Boston’s third straight in Buffalo this season.

Montreal 5, Vancouver 3--Stephane Richer had a goal and two assists at Montreal to help the Candiens beat the Canucks, who have won only twice in their last 12 games.

Richer got his 23rd of the season in the second period and set up goals by rookies Stephan Lebeau and Mathieu Schneider as Montreal won for the second time in as many nights at home.