NHL ROUNDUP : Panthers Move Closer to Playoffs

The Florida Panthers are the winningest expansion team in NHL history, and they aren’t through yet.

The Panthers beat the New York Islanders, 3-1, Saturday at Uniondale, N.Y., a record 32nd victory for an expansion franchise. They also strengthened their hold on the eighth and final Eastern Division playoff spot.

The Panthers are four points ahead of Philadelphia and six ahead of the Islanders for the last playoff spot.

“It was a real big win for us,” Panther Coach Roger Neilson said. “If we stay above .500, I think we’ll be all right.”

Toronto 6, Quebec 3--The Nordiques’ slim playoff chances were reduced with the loss at Toronto. With 10 games left, the Nordiques are 10 points behind eighth-place Florida.

Toronto’s Mike Gartner scored twice, giving him 30 goals. It’s the 15th consecutive year he has at least 30.

Boston 6, Montreal 3--Adam Oates had two goals and two assists at Boston as the Bruins moved to within one point of the Canadiens in the battle for home ice in the playoffs.

New Jersey 7, Philadelphia 2--Bill Gurein, Tommy Albelin and Bob Carpenter scored second-period goals as the Devils set a club record with their 25th home victory.

Calgary 5, Pittsburgh 3--Gary Roberts’ second goal of the game, at 15:27 of the third period at Calgary, broke a tie and helped the Flames extend their unbeaten streak to 2-0-1.