NHL ROUNDUP : Vanbiesbrouck Helps Rangers Break Slump

The New York Rangers went into a slump a couple of weeks ago and appeared to be in danger of losing their grip on first place in the Patrick Division.

A major reason for the slump was the sudden ineffectiveness of veteran goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck.

While Vanbiesbrouck was in a five-game losing streak, the Rangers’ lead dropped from eight points to two points.

It appears that the slump is over.

Kelly Kisio scored twice in a five-goal first period at Madison Square Garden Friday night and given the big lead, Vanbiesbrouck helped the Rangers breeze to an 8-1 victory over Vancouver.

Vanbiesbrouck, 0-4-1 in his previous five starts, stopped 27 shots, giving up only a goal to Dan Quinn on a power play in the first period. It came after the Rangers scored their five goals in just over eight minutes.

With Pittsburgh losing at Winnipeg, the Rangers increased their division lead to six points.

Mike Gartner scored his 30th goal, extending his streak to five games in which he has scored a goal. He’s scored 30 goals in consecutive seasons.

The Rangers welcomed back Bernie Nicholls, who missed five games because of a shoulder separation. The Rangers won only two of the five he missed.

Detroit 8, New York Islanders 4--Sergei Federov, the impressive rookie from the Soviet Union, had another big night at Detroit.

The 21-year-old center had two goals and three assists in the rout over the Islanders.

After only one season of major league hockey in the Soviet Union, Federov was drafted by the Red Wings on the fourth round in 1989. He joined them in training camp and has produced 25 goals.

Federov impressed Islander Coach Al Arbour. “He’s a high quality player right now, even as a rookie,” he said. “With experience, he is going to be one of the great ones in our league.”

Washington 6, Edmonton 3--Dino Ciccarelli celebrated his 31st birthday with a hat trick at Landover, Md.

On Tuesday, the high-scoring right wing became the 33rd NHL player to get 400 goals. This was the 17th time he scored three goals in a game.

It was the third loss in a row for the Oilers, who were concluding a four-game trip. The loss dropped them 11 points behind the Kings in the Smythe Division.

Winnipeg 6, Pittsburgh 2--Mario Lemieux scored once and assisted on the other goal for the Penguins at Winnipeg, but the Jets breezed to the victory.

Lemieux, who missed one game because of a groin injury, has played four games in his comeback and has scored three goals.

The big center was out 10 months with a back injury.