NHL ROUNDUP : Playing the Maple Leafs Is No Longer a Joke

Early in the season, it seemed every team was pushing the Toronto Maple Leafs around. They were the butt of jokes around the NHL.

Playing in Toronto is no laughing matter these days. The Maple Leafs have toughened.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, who had won eight of their last nine and were leading the league with 4.2 goals a game, found that out Saturday night.

Mike Krushelnyski scored twice to lead the Maple Leafs to a 6-3 victory, their fourth in the last five games.

“We seem to have a renewed feeling,” Krushelnyski said. “We’re ready to play anybody. We were ready for these guys.”

Calgary 8, Hartford 2--The Flames were only 9-7-1 at home before Al MacInnis, Theoren Fleury and Doug Gilmour each scored twice to lead the rout of the Whalers.

Chicago 3, New York Islanders 1--Goaltender Ed Belfour stopped 34 shots at Uniondale, N.Y., and gained his league-leading 23rd victory.

The Islanders spoiled his shutout on Wayne McBean’s goal with 13:44 to play.

Quebec 4, Washington 3--Mike Hough scored twice and assisted on another goal at Quebec, and the Nordiques extended the Capitals’ winless streak to 0-7-1.

New Jersey 4, Buffalo 4--With 2:06 to play in regulation, Brendan Shanahan scored to give the Devils a tie at home.

Philadelphia 3, St. Louis 1--Goaltender Ron Hextall stopped 34 shots at St. Louis and Keith Acton scored twice on power plays to lead the Flyers.

Boston 4, Minnesota 4--Goals by Ulf Dahlen and Dave Gagner 20 seconds apart brought the North Stars even with 2:03 to play.