Ottawa Rises in the East

Andreas Johansson scored twice Thursday night as the Ottawa Senators moved to the top of the Eastern Conference with a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at Kanata, Canada.

Johansson broke a 13-game scoring slump with his 18th and 19th goals as the Senators moved ahead of the idle Philadelphia Flyers for the top spot in the East and second place overall in the NHL.

“It’s a great feeling,” said center Vaclav Prospal, who set up both of Johansson’s goals only to see his left wing leave in the third period because of a knee injury. “I don’t believe there were many people before the season who would have put us at the top of the conference. We don’t have a lot of superstars, but we have four good lines.”

Ottawa set a franchise record with its 19th home victory, surpassing the 18 of last season.

Johansson’s left knee will be examined Friday. He was hurt when he was checked by Stephane Quintal in the third period.

Pittsburgh 3, Colorado 2--Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka scored third-period goals as the Penguins rallied at Denver.

Toronto 4, N.Y. Islanders 1--Glenn Healy turned aside 27 shots and four players scored for the Maple Leafs at Uniondale, N.Y.

Boston 3, New Jersey 3--Cameron Mann again showed his flair for the dramatic as his third-period goal lifted the Bruins to a tie at Boston.

All of Mann’s four goals, scored in the last three games, have been instrumental in Bruin victories or ties.