North Stars Beat Toronto, Close In on Playoff Berth

Gaetan Duchesne ignited a four-goal first-period and the Minnesota North Stars held off the Toronto, 5-4, Monday night to move within one point of a playoff berth.

The victory gives the North Stars a five-point lead over the Detroit Red Wings for the final playoff spot in the Norris Division. Each team has three games left.

Brian Bellows’ 53rd goal extended his goal-scoring streak to a club-record eight games.

It may have been the North Stars’ final regular-season game in the Met Center. Owners George and Gordon Gund have applied to move the team to the San Francisco Bay Area next season.