NHL Roundup : LaFleur’s Goal Is Key for Rangers

Guy Lafleur set up the tying goal with one of his two assists and then scored the game-winner at 2:51 of the third period as the New York Rangers beat the New York Islanders, 5-3, Sunday night at Madison Square Garden to sweep a weekend series.

The Rangers trailed, 3-2, before scoring the last 3 goals of the game, much like their performance Saturday night when they came back with three goals to beat the Islanders, 6-4, at the Nassau Coliseum.

“I’m not surprised we came back,” Lafleur said. “The last half of last year, the Rangers had a pretty good season. This year, the guys just keep on working. That is why we are in first place.”

Bryan Trottier of the Islanders, with two assists, became only the eighth player in NHL history to reach the 1,300 points.

The game marked the return of Ranger defenseman David Shaw, who was suspended for 12 games because of an Oct. 30 slashing incident at Madison Square Garden involving Pittsburgh’s Mario Lemieux.

Washington 4, Detroit 3--Yvon Corriveau, 21-year-old forward, scored his first two goals of the season to lead the Capitals at Detroit.

Bob Probert, in his first game this season with the Red Wings since being suspended on Sept. 23 for disciplinary reasons, played a regular shift, but had no points and 2 penalty minutes.

“I thought Bob played very well for a guy who hasn’t played in a few months,” Detroit Coach Jacques Demers said. “He hit and showed some enthusiasm.”

Steve Yzerman scored his 23rd goal of the season for the Red Wings.

Buffalo 7, Philadelphia 3--The Sabres got five goals from five different players in the third period, including John Tucker’s game-winner at 2:19 at Buffalo.

Tucker, who had four points, scored the game-winner when he slapped in a pass from Benoit Hogue, who was positioned behind the Philadelphia net.