NHL ROUNDUP : Canadiens Slow Capitals’ Run

The Montreal Canadiens have faltered on the road this season and find themselves in third place in the Adams Division.

But there are nights when the Canadiens’ chief offensive threat, Stephane Richer, makes himself at home anywhere.

Such was the case Friday night at Landover, Md. Richer scored two goals to lead the Canadiens to a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals.

The Capitals, trying to clinch a playoff spot in the Patrick Division, missed a chance to pull into second place in the division.

In the Patrick, only the New York Rangers have clinched a playoff spot. The other five teams are all in contention for the other three berths.

Richer, a 50-goal scorer in 1987-88, has 48 goals.

Canadien goalie Patrick Roy, in winning his 30th game, faced 20 shots and only four in the first period.

The Capitals might have to win three of their last five games to be assured of postseason play.

Vancouver 4, Winnipeg 2--Craig Coxe scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:14 left to lead the Canucks at Winnipeg.

A victory would have put the Jets two points out of second place in the Smythe Division. The Edmonton Oilers have 85 points and the Jets have 81.