Maltby’s Chest Is a Treasure to Red Wings

Detroit forward Kirk Maltby scored a most unusual goal during the Red Wings’ 7-5 victory over the skidding Vancouver Canucks.

Maltby scored two goals as Detroit handed the Canucks their fourth consecutive loss. The second goal, which gave the Red Wings a 6-3 lead in the second period, came when the rebound of teammate Mathieu Dandenault’s shot caromed off Maltby’s chest and past Vancouver goalie Kirk McLean.

“It was a lucky bounce,” Maltby said. “I was trying to get it on my stick at first, but it was too high. It hit me in the chest kind of like self-defense. I guess I was rewarded for going to the net.”

Steve Yzerman scored a goal and an assist and Larry Murphy had a goal and two assists for the Red Wings. Vyacheslav Kozlov, Brent Gilchrist and Darren McCarty scored Detroit’s other goals.

Marcus Naslund scored two goals for the Canucks, who are winless in their last five games.

Calgary 3, New York Islanders 1--German Titov’s power-play goal with 1.7 seconds left in the first period helped the Flames pick up only their second road victory of the season.

Rick Tabaracci made 20 saves for Calgary, whose other road victory was 2-1 at Florida on Nov. 20. Jarome Iginla and Theoren Fleury also scored for Calgary, whose three-game losing streak ended.

NHL Notes

The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Scott Stevens to a multiyear contract extension. Stevens, 33, has six assists and 27 penalty minutes in 28 games during his seventh season with the Devils. . . . New York Ranger center Wayne Gretzky probably won’t miss any time after suffering a bruised left knee during Monday’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes. “It’s just a little bit sore,” said Gretzky, who has played in 115 consecutive games. “In a couple of days I should be better.”