Lemieux’s Streak Ends at 46 Games

Mario Lemieux’s scoring streak ended at 46 games, five short of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record, in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 4-3 overtime victory over the New York Rangers at New York Wednesday night.

Lemieux, the Penguins’ center, saw limited ice time because of a back injury. After playing sparingly in the first two periods, Lemieux failed to come out for the third period.

“It was tough,” Lemieux said. “I didn’t get a chance to really handle the puck tonight. My back has really been bothering me a lot the past couple of days.

“I’m obviously disappointed to have the streak broken. But now at least I’ll be able to rest my back a little bit.”

Coach Craig Patrick said: “The Rangers didn’t stop him--his back did. You have to admire him for what he’s done the last two months because he’s played hurt.”

Lemieux was in the training room after the second period and a team spokesman said Lemieux was “too sore” to continue.

Lemieux’s point-scoring streak was the second longest in NHL history--behind the 51 by Gretzky when he played for the Edmonton Oilers in 1983-84.

“That’s the crazy thing about streaks,” Gretzky said. “You can’t have any off nights or any injuries. That’s what makes streaks so tough. If he lost it on his injury, that’s tough. I said a week ago, I didn’t see him have any problems breaking the streak.”

The last time Lemieux didn’t score a point was in a 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens Oct. 28 at the Montreal Forum. In his 46-game streak, Lemieux compiled 39 goals and 64 assists for 103 points. He leads the NHL with 121 points.

Lemieux, who has a herniated disk that will probably need surgery at the end of the season, was ineffective in a scoreless first period, when he wasn’t able to get a shot off. The teams had only 11 shots between them in the first 20 minutes.

In the second period, Lemieux saw limited action. He appeared for one 54-second shift early in the period and then for two Pittsburgh power plays.

As for penalty-killing, Lemieux played in the first period but that was it for the game.

Montreal 10, Vancouver 1--Stephane Richer set a club record with two goals and three assists in a six-goal first period as the Canadiens routed the Canucks at Montreal.

Hartford 6, Toronto 6--Pat Verbeek’s 30th goal with 2:03 left in regulation earned the Whalers a tie with the Maple Leafs at Toronto.

Winnipeg 3, Boston 2-- Mark Kumpel scored what proved to be the winning goal in the second period as the Jets beat the Bruins at Winnipeg.

Washington 4, Edmonton 3--Dino Ciccarelli scored the tying goal and set up the winner as the Capitals rallied to beat the Oilers at Edmonton. Geoff Courtnall scored two goals, including the winner, against his former teammates.