NHL ROUNDUP : Flames Return to the Top With Shutout Against Oilers

The Calgary Flames appear to have regained their form.

Last year, the Flames dropped 26 points from the previous season and didn’t make the playoffs.

But on Sunday in Edmonton, Gary Leeman scored two goals and Al MacInnis had a goal and an assist as the Flames moved into first place in the Smythe Division with a 4-0 victory over the Oilers.

The Oilers, off to the worst start in their NHL history at a 1-8-1, were booed by the crowd of 15,046.

Joe Nieuwendyk, Calgary captain, says his team knows what the Oilers are going through.

“We went through it for the most part of last season,” Nieuwendyk said. “But they’re a club that’s going to be back. . . . It’s amazing--as fast as you can get into something like this, that’s how fast you can turn it around.”

Calgary goaltender Jeff Reese was barely tested in getting his third career shutout. The Oilers failed on all eight of their power-play opportunities and managed only three shots on the first four power plays.

Leeman’s first goal, at 14:10 of the first period, was set up by MacInnis, and his second, with 22 seconds to play, was deflected in by Edmonton defenseman Craig Muni.

MacInnis scored a power play goal at 5:54 of the second period.

Boston 5, Vancouver 3--Rookie Dmitri Kvartalnov scored two goals, including the winner during the third period at Vancouver.

It was Bruins’ fourth victory in five road games. The Canucks are 0-3-1 in their last four games.

Glen Wesley, Stephen Heinze and Kvartalnov scored in a span of 4:24 in the final period after the Canucks had taken a two-goal lead.

Kvartalnov’s second goal--his eighth in as many games--broke a 3-3 tie at 13:58 after Vancouver defenseman Jyrki Lumme was penalized for holding.

Chicago 8, Detroit 2--Greg Gilbert got his first two goals of the season, Jeremy Roenick scored twice and Steve Larmer added a goal and three assists for the Blackhawks at Chicago.

The Blackhawks opened the scoring 27 seconds into the game when Roenick circled the Red Wing net and put in a 12-footer. Chicago added two goals within 15 seconds about eight minutes later.