NHL ROUNDUP : Lemieux Fuels Penguins, 4-2

The New York Rangers were on the verge of lethargy less than a month ago. There simply wasn’t any team in the Patrick Division able to issue a challenge.

That all changed recently when Mario Lemieux returned to form and the Pittsburgh Penguins became a formidable foe.

Lemieux, returning to form after being sidelined 10 months because of back problems, had two goals and an assist Sunday at New York and the Penguins beat the slumping Rangers, 4-2.

The Penguins, 6-0-1 in their last seven games, moved into first place--one point ahead of the Rangers, who lost their sixth in a row.

The Rangers, who led the division for 147 days, were 12 points ahead of the Penguins March 4. Kevin Stevins, who had the other two Pittsburgh goals, is convinced the Penguins will win the division.

“They’re (the Rangers) not playing well, and with the roll we’re on, it’s not likely to make any difference, anyway,” Stevens said.

The Penguins have seven games remaining, the Rangers only six. The teams meet Thursday at Pittsburgh and at New York in the last game of the season.

Chicago 6, St. Louis 4--In a game marred by several brawls at Chicago, the Blackhawks all but knocked the Blues out of a chance to win the Norris Division.

There were 12 players ejected as the Blackhawks completed a back-to-back sweep and took a five-point lead over the Blues. Both teams have seven games remaining.

Boston 3, Philadelphia 1--Veteran goaltender Reggie Lemelin dealt a blow to the Flyers’ playoff hopes by stopping 23 shots at Philadelphia to hand the Flyers their fifth loss in six games.

The Flyers are one point ahead of Washington and New Jersey in the Patrick Division.

Buffalo 6, Hartford 1--Rookie Darrin Shannon scored twice and Dale Hawerchuk had a goal and four assists and the Sabres ended a 12-game home winless streak.

The Sabres had been 0-7-5 at Buffalo since Jan. 22. Darcy Wakaluk had 20 saves to earn the victory.

Edmonton 4, Montreal 2--Esa Tikkanen had a goal and two assists and the Oilers nearly ended the Canadiens’ division title hopes at Montreal.

The loss dropped the Canadiens seven points behind Boston in the Adams Division.

Minnesota 4, Toronto 3--Mike Modano scored early in the third period at Bloomington, Minn., to give the North Stars the victory. Minnesota is 11-0-2 in its last 13 home games.