Devils Enhance Their Chance to Defend Cup, 4-2

Dave Andreychuk scored a goal and set up two others in the first period and the New Jersey Devils improved their playoff chances with a 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Sunday at East Rutherford, N.J.

Bill Guerin, John MacLean and Jason Smith also scored as the Devils (84 points) moved two points ahead of Tampa Bay in the fight for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Only a couple of days ago, the Devils appeared on the verge of becoming the first team since the 1969-70 Montreal Canadiens to win the Stanley Cup and miss the playoffs the next season.

Despite opening a 3-0 first-period lead, the Devils allowed the Rangers, who were playing without Mark Messier, to get back in the game in the second period. New York defenseman Doug Lidster scored on a slap shot and Daniel Lacroix scored to cut the margin to 3-2.

Detroit 4, Chicago 1--The Red Wings moved within one victory of the record for wins in a season, taking advantage of the Blackhawks’ overly aggressive play at Chicago.

Dino Ciccarelli, Igor Larionov and Nicklas Lidstrom had power-play goals for the Red Wings, who can match the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens’ record of 60 victories by defeating Winnipeg at home on Wednesday.

Kris Draper also scored as the Red Wings snapped an 0-1-2 skid, their longest winless streak this season.

Boston 4, Philadelphia 2--Adam Oates’ goal in the third period snapped a 2-2 tie at Philadelphia.

Philadelphia was without leading scorer and captain Eric Lindros, who was scratched before the game because of a bruised right calf.

Colorado 4, Dallas 1--Joe Sakic scored twice as the Avalanche moved within four points of the franchise record at Dallas.