NHL ROUNDUP : Puppa and Sabres Are Both Looking Sharper

Daren Puppa, an all-star goaltender a year ago, battled injury and an early slump and the Buffalo Sabres suffered. Three weeks ago they were having trouble staying ahead of weak Quebec in the Adams Division.

But Puppa has regained his form and the Sabres are on the move.

The Sabres, with Pierre Turgeon and Alexander Mogliny leading a potent offense, routed the Maple Leafs, 9-3, Monday night at Toronto.

Puppa, given a 4-1 cushion in the first period, had two assists and stretched his unbeaten string to seven games (6-0-1). The Sabres are 7-1-3 in the past 11 games and have climbed over .500.

Turgeon and Mogliny each had two goals and three assists.

The Sabres spoiled a big night for Toronto goalie Peter Ing. Before the game the youngster was honored as the top rookie in December.

But Ing, starting his 16th consecutive game, gave up seven goals on 20 shots and was gone after two periods.

Boston 6, Detroit 1--The Bruins, who scored only one goal on 26 shots in losing to Philadelphia at Boston Saturday, made amends in a hurry in this home game.

Dave Christian and defenseman Ray Bourque scored power-play goals on the Bruins’ first two shots and they went on to score an easy victory.