NHL ROUNDUP : Rangers Get Boost From Sheppard

Ray Sheppard, trying to play his way into the lineup, scored twice to support Mike Richter’s strong game in goal as the New York Rangers beat the Minnesota North Stars, 4-2, at Bloomington, Minn., Thursday night to take over the points lead in the NHL with 30.

Because the Rangers have 23 healthy players but can dress only 20 for games, Coach Roger Neilson can’t play three men per night. Sheppard has been one of the odd men out four times, including Tuesday night at Philadelphia.

Richter made 14 of his 33 saves in the first period for the Rangers, who are 3-0-2 in their past five games.

New York Islanders 4, Calgary 3--Brent Sutter scored on a power play with 42 seconds remaining in overtime for the Islanders’ first victory in Calgary’s Olympic Saddledome.

The Islanders had been 0-8-2 at the Saddledome since it opened in 1983. Their last victory in Calgary was a 6-4 victory at the Stampede Corral in October, 1982.

Philadelphia 4, Montreal 1--Rick Tocchet and Murray Craven each had a goal and an assist to lead the Flyers past the Canadiens at Montreal.

Montreal’s Brian Skrudland gave the Canadiens their only goal with 10 seconds left in the second period.

Boston 6, Quebec 0--Dave Christian scored twice in a three-goal first period and Reggie Lemelin recored his 12th career shutout at Boston as the Bruins handed the Nordiques a club-record 12th consecutive defeat.

Hartford 4, New Jersey 2--Rookie goaltender Daryl Reaugh made 29 saves and Paul Cyr scored two goals to lead the Whalers at East Rutherford, N.J.