NHL ROUNDUP : Probert Scores Winner for Detroit

Bob Probert, in only his second game in more than a year, scored the winning goal to lead the Red Wings to a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday at Detroit. However, he may have returned too late for the Red Wing playoff hopes.

Probert drew a one-year suspension by the NHL after he was charged with importing cocaine from Canada into the United States.

After two days of workouts at the end of his suspension, he scored the only Detroit goal in a 5-1 loss to Minnesota Thursday night.

Near the middle of the final period Saturday, with the score tied, 3-3, Probert took a pass from Jimmy Carson and beat goalie Greg Millen from the top of the right faceoff circle. Steve Yzerman scored his 59th into an empty goal in the last minute.

But, with Minnesota winning at Boston, the Red Wing playoff hopes dimmed. With only four games left, Detroit trails the North Stars by three points in the battle for the last playoff spot in the Norris Division.

Minnesota 7, Boston 6--The Broten brothers, Neal and Aaron, ganged up on the Bruins at Boston. Neal had three goals, Aaron two as the North Stars improved their chances of making the playoffs.

The North Stars can clinch a playoff berth, no matter what Detroit does, by picking up five points in their last four games.

New Jersey 5, Philadelphia 2--The Devils are almost in and the Flyers are almost out of the playoffs.

Philadelphia, without goaltender Ron Hextall almost the entire season because of injuries, lost his replacement, Ken Wregget, shortly before the crucial game at home.

Wregget suffered an injured left hamstring in pregame warmups, and Pete Peeters was the only goalie available. If Peeters had been hurt, trainer Dave Settlemyre, a former goalie, would have had to play.

The Flyers are five points behind the Devils and have only four games to play.

Calgary 3, Pittsburgh 3--The tie at Pittsburgh enabled the Flames to clinch the Smythe Division title, and it strengthened the Penguins’ bid for the playoffs.

Hartford 7, Montreal 4--Pat Verbeek had a goal and four assists at Hartford, Conn., and the Whalers prevented the Canadiens from moving into second place in the Adams Division.

New York Islanders 5, Edmonton 5--Pat LaFontaine scored his 51st goal with 44 seconds to play at Edmonton, keeping the Islanders’ playoff hopes alive.

Toronto 4, Quebec 3--Mark Osborne scored 49 seconds into overtime at Quebec to give the Maple Leafs the victory and clinch a spot in the playoffs.