A Numbers Game for Wesley in Carolina Win Over Boston

Glen Wesley always wanted to be No. 2, but he had run into retired-jersey problems in Boston, where Eddie Shore had worn it, and Hartford, where Rick Ley would forever be No. 2 in the hearts of Whaler fans.

But in Carolina, where the Hurricanes don’t even have home ice yet, much less a tradition long enough to retire a jersey, Wesley was able to wear No. 2 on Monday night against his old team for the first time.

He scored two goals, including the winner in Carolina’s 3-1 victory over the Bruins.

“It’s always nice to score against a former team,” said Wesley, who was traded by Boston to Hartford in 1994, then made the trip south when the Whalers went out of business. “It’s always a plus. I was just happy to get the points tonight. Any time I can jump up in the offense and create things, I’m going to jump up.”

His first goals after a 24-game drought brought his total to three for the season and gave him 12 points in 14 games against the Bruins.

Pittsburgh 1, Montreal 0--Jaromir Jagr’s goal at 4:02 of the third period gave the Penguins a win at Montreal and extended Pittsburgh’s unbeaten streak to eight games.

The win allowed Pittsburgh to move ahead of the Canadiens into first place in the Northeast Division. The Penguins are 7-0-1 in their last eight games.

Pittsburgh goalie Tom Barrasso stopped 25 shots for his fourth shutout this season.

Phoenix 3, Florida 2--Keith Tkachuk scored all three goals for the Coyotes, who won in Miami and extended the Panthers’ home record to 3-10-3, worst in the NHL.

Tkachuk scored a goal in each period for the fifth hat trick of his career, and his third goal snapped a 2-2 tie at 5:37 of the third period.

Craig Janney had assists on all three goals.

Philadelphia 1, Buffalo 1--Brian Holzinger’s third-period goal earned Buffalo a tie at Philadelphia.

Goalie Garth Snow stopped a shot by Donald Audette, but the rebound went to Holzinger at the side of the net, and his backhander from a sharp angle just crossed the goal line.

Calgary 3, San Jose 2--German Titov scored 1:22 into overtime, giving the Flames a win at Calgary.

Michael Nylander intercepted a clearing attempt along the San Jose boards and found Titov uncovered in the slot, where he beat goaltender Mike Vernon between the pads.

Detroit 3, Vancouver 3--Goals by Brendan Shanahah and Martin LaPointe in the third period brought the Red Wings back from a 3-1 deficit to a tie at Vancouver.