Broadway Tough on Great One

Wayne Gretzky’s Broadway debut was not a success because John Vanbiesbrouck stole the show.

“I had some good chances, I just didn’t cash in,” Gretzky said after the Florida Panthers spoiled his first game as a New York Ranger at Madison Square Garden with a 5-2 victory.

The major reason was the play of Vanbiesbrouck. The former Ranger continued his strong goaltending with 34 saves as New York outshot Florida, 36-29.

Gretzky, the NHL’s career scoring leader who signed a two-year, $10-million contract with the Rangers this summer, could manage only one assist before a disappointed sellout crowd of 18,200.

Calgary 3, Buffalo 0--Rookie defenseman Chris O’Sullivan ended the Flames’ power-play frustration with a goal midway through the second period and goalie Rick Tabaracci made 19 saves as the Flames beat the Sabres at Calgary.

O’Sullivan’s first NHL goal at 13:57 ended an 0-for-10 streak by Calgary on the power play.

Chicago 4, St. Louis 1--Chris Chelios had a goal and an assist to lead the Blackhawks at St. Louis.

“We’re a tired team,” said Chicago’s Jeff Hackett, who stopped 36 shots. “We didn’t get in until 2 a.m. and the Blues had the night off.”

Edmonton 2, Vancouver 0--Curtis Joseph made 35 saves, 17 in the third period, for the Oilers at Edmonton.

Dean McAmmond scored on a power play with 1:47 left in the first period and Rem Murray scored his first career goal with 26 seconds left in the period.

Alex Mogilny of the Canucks nearly ended Joseph’s shutout bid early in the third period, but his shot bounced off the far post.