NHL ROUNDUP : Canadiens Turn Tables on Blackhawks

The Blackhawks, playing a team they already had beaten twice this season, failed to close in on first place in the Norris Division Wednesday night at Chicago.

Montreal turned on the Blackhawks with three goals in the last period to win, 5-3. The Blackhawks had beaten the Canadiens, 2-1, at Chicago and 8-3 at home.

Stephane Richer scored goals four minutes apart to put Montreal in charge and prevent the Blackhawks from cutting St. Louis’ lead in the division to one point. Richer has 25 goals.

The victory pulled the Canadiens to within six points of Adams Division-leading Boston.

Guy Carbonneau completed the scoring with his 15th into an empty net.

Goaltender Patrick Roy, in only his second game back after an injury, stopped 49 shots in a spectacular performance.

Minnesota 5, Edmonton 1--Brian Bellows had a goal and an assist at Bloomington, Minn., and the North Stars moved closer to a playoff berth.

The two points gave Bellows 60 points, a club-record seventh consecutive season he has had at least that many.

The North Stars dominated from start to finish. Goaltender Jon Casey stopped 23 shots and lost his shutout when Esa Tikkanen scored near the middle of the second period.

New Jersey 3, Buffalo 3--Although he is winless in two games since returning as coach of the Devils, even Tom McVie couldn’t feel bad about the outcome at Buffalo, N.Y.

Brendan Shanahan knocked in a rebound with nine seconds left in regulation to get the Devils the tie. Tuesday night the New York Islanders rallied to beat the Devils in the closing minutes.

Goalie Chris Terreri had been removed shortly before Shanahan poked his 25th goal from just outside the crease.