NHL ROUNDUP : Canucks Pretenders in 5-2 Loss

The Vancouver Canucks have made believers of the teams in the West, but they still can’t convince the New York Rangers they are Stanley Cup contenders.

The Canucks, who lead the Smythe Division by 11 points, were no match Wednesday night at New York for the leaders of the Patrick Division.

Mark Messier scored the Rangers’ first goal and assisted on two more in a 5-2 romp. New York extended its unbeaten string against the Canucks to 11 games (10-0-1).

John Vanbiesbrouck stopped 29 shots and extended his domination of the Canucks to 13 games. Lifetime, the Rangers’ No. 2 goalie is 14-1-0 against Vancouver.

Messier started the Rangers on their way with his 26th goal before the game was two minutes old. When Vancouver cut the lead to 2-1 in the second period, Messier set up goals by Per Djoos and Adam Graves to settle the issue.

The Rangers’ 36-18-3 record is the best in the NHL. Their 75 points are three more than the total for Montreal, leader of the Adams Division.

Detroit 9, Buffalo 4--The Sabres, after playing good hockey for a month, have reverted to the early-season form that got former coach Rick Dudley fired.

Steve Yzerman scored goals 57 seconds apart--once when his team was shorthanded--in the second period to turn a close game into a rout.

The Sabres, who were 9-2-4 until they lost to hapless Hartford Tuesday night, have given up 14 goals in the last two games.

It was more than just the second defeat in a row. Pat LaFontaine, who sparked the recent surge, suffered bruised ribs in the second period and may miss several games.

Kevin Miller had a hat trick for the Red Wings, who lead the Norris Division by nine points.

Montreal 6, San Jose 1--Stephan Lebeau had a hat trick to help Montreal fans welcome back their all-time penalty leader.

A crowd of 16,696 roared when winger Chris Nilan skated onto the Forum ice. Nilan got no points and no penalty minutes.