NHL Roundup : Islanders Win, Look a Bit Like Their Old Selves, 7-5

For many years, Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy were the best 1-2 offensive punch in hockey. They led the New York Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cup championships.

In the last couple of seasons, Trottier has been battling a series of injuries, and the Islanders have slowly deteriorated. This season, the club is in a tough battle just to make the playoffs.

For the last two games, at least, the 1-2 punch is working again, and the Islanders have beaten two of the best teams in the Patrick Division.

Trottier had a hat trick, while Bossy had a goal and three assists Friday night at Landover, Md., as the Islanders beat the Washington Capitals, 7-5.

Tuesday night in a 7-3 win over Philadelphia, Bossy had two goals and two assists, while Trottier had a goal and three assists.

The victories left the Islanders 17 points behind division-leading Philadelphia, but with Trottier and Bossy working together again, they may be a club to contend with in the playoffs.

Bossy’s assist on Trottier’s third goal gave him 1,000 points in an illustrious career. He also has 34 goals in 47 games on his way to his ninth consecutive 50-goal season.

Chicago 5, Buffalo 3--Marc Bergevin scored on a two-on-one break midway through the third period to give the Black Hawks their first win at Buffalo in six years.

It was the first loss after three victories for the Sabres since Scotty Bowman returned as coach.

The Sabres fired 38 shots at former teammate Bob Sauve but beat him only three times.

Edmonton 7, New Jersey 6--Wayne Gretzky stole the puck and went in alone on goalie Craig Billington to score the winning goal at 1:29 of overtime in Edmonton.

Gretzky, who extended his scoring streak to 38 games, also assisted on Mike Krushelnyski’s goal that tied it with 5:39 left in regulation.

The surprising Devils twice grabbed two-goal leads over the two-time champions, who managed to end a two-game home losing streak.

Gretzky assisted on two goals early in the game as the Oilers jumped in front, 3-0. He now has 37 goals and 93 assists for 130 points in 48 games.

If he continues on the same pace, Gretzky will break his own record for points (212) and assists (135). He projects to 221 points and 159 assists.

Vancouver 4, Pittsburgh 3--The Canucks took the lead on a goal by Thomas Gradin late in the second period at Vancouver, and goaltender Richard Brodeur made it stand up.

The Penguins had only eight shots on goal in the last period, but several were from point blank--and Brodeur stopped them.