NHL ROUNDUP : Blackhawks Beat Rangers, Move Back Into First Place

The Chicago Blackhawks did not waste their chance this time.

A day after letting an opportunity to reclaim first place in the Norris Division slip through their hands, the Blackhawks rode a strong 39-save performance by Ed Belfour and two goals by Brian Noonan to a 3-1 victory Friday over the Rangers at New York.

Thursday night, Chicago was beaten by the Buffalo Sabres, 6-4.

“I don’t think we were happy about the way we played last night,” Noonan said. “We weren’t happy with the way we were playing defensively. Tonight, Eddie (Belfour) made some great saves. We played good defensive hockey, the way we wanted.”

The victory gave Chicago 92 points, one more than the idle Detroit Red Wings.

While the Blackhawks compete for a division title, the Rangers struggle to qualify for the playoffs. They are in fourth place in the Patrick Division, three points ahead of the New York Islanders. The Rangers have won once in their last five home games.

Winnipeg 4, St. Louis 2--Rookie Keith Tkachuk knocked in a rebound at 16:12 of the third period for the game-winner as the Jets rallied to victory at Winnipeg.

Alexei Zhamnov scored on a deflection four minutes earlier to tie the game, 2-2. The Blues were ahead, 2-0, early in the second period.

Phil Housley and Teemu Selanne, with his 68th goal into an empty net, also scored for the Jets.

Calgary 3, Vancouver 1--The Flames got goals from Al MacInnis, Brent Ashton and Theoren Fleury in winning at Vancouver to close within three points of the Canucks for the Smythe Division lead.

Fleury added an assist.

Jeff Reese had plenty of help from the Calgary defense, facing only 24 shots, with that of Jiri Slegr on a third-period power play breaking up the shutout.