NHL ROUNDUP : Lemieux Sets March as Target for Return

The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t saying when. Mario Lemieux is saying March.

The Penguins said Lemieux’s surgically repaired back is improving, but they wouldn’t speculate Tuesday when he would play again. Lemieux, however, told reporters before the Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers played to a 4-4 tie at Pittsburgh that he probably won’t be back until March.

By returning in March, Lemieux would have three to four weeks of practices and games to get into shape for the playoffs in April.

Lemieux, a four-time NHL scoring champion, has played in only four games after undergoing off-season back surgery. He has been on a rest-and-rehabilitation program since last playing in early November.

Previously, Lemieux and the Penguins had guessed he might return in January, but neither set any definite timetable.

Against the Flyers, the Penguins gained a tie when former King Marty McSorley scored his first goal in 28 games at 13:46 of the third period, but they again lost goaltender Tom Barrasso.

Barrasso, who had sat out 13 games because of a hip injury, made his first start since Nov. 18, but left in the first period because of a sprained knee. He is expected to be sidelined at least seven days.

Tampa Bay 4, Quebec 1--Danton Cole scored two goals to lead the Lightning at Quebec.

Washington 3, Florida 3--John Slaney and Dimitri Khristich scored in a 42-second span of the second period to help the Capitals gain a tie at Landover, Md.

New Jersey 4, Hartford 2--John MacLean became the Devils’ all-time scoring leader with a third-period goal that broke a 2-2 tie at East Rutherford, N.J.

San Jose 3, Calgary 3--Ray Whitney’s third-period goal pulled the Sharks even at San Jose.