NHL ROUNDUP : Trottier in Old Form, Leads Penguins, 4-3

A decade ago Bryan Trottier was generally acknowledged as the best all-round hockey player in the NHL. He was a center who could do everything.

The New York Islanders dominated the sport in those days and Trottier led them to four Stanley Cups. He spent 15 seasons with the team before joining the Pittsburgh Penguins this season.

At 34 it was felt Trottier was on his way out. But there still is life in this player.

Trottier had the first goal and an assist Friday night at Buffalo to lead the Penguins to a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. It was the fourth loss in a row for the Sabres.

The Penguins, fighting to stay out of the cellar in the Patrick Division, have won back-to-back games with the help of Trottier. They outscored New Jersey, 9-5, Thursday night and Trottier, always an outstanding playmaker, set up three of them.

“There was never a time when I didn’t think I could help this club,” Trottier said. “I just didn’t expect it to take so long. I’m starting to skate pretty well again.”

Trottier has three goals in 20 games this season.

Joe Mullen scored the winning goal seven minutes into the final period.

New York Rangers 5, Vancouver 3--Brian Leetch and Brian Mullen scored goals 32 seconds apart late in the third period to give the Rangers a victory at Vancouver.

Leetch tied the score with his ninth goal at 14:06 and assisted on the winner by Mullen at 14:38.

Mullen’s goal came on a blast from the right circle that beat goaltender Kirk McLean. John Ogrodnick added an empty-net goal with one second remaining.