The defense-tough Toronto Maple Leafs played one of their typical games at home, holding the opposition to only one goal. The problem was, they didn't score any themselves.
"You've got to give them credit," Maple Leafs coach Pat Burns after losing a 1-0 decision to the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. "They play well on the road, and that's why they beat good teams. One mistake and the puck's in the net."It was a night of firsts for the Ducks, and not only the first time they won in Maple Leafs Gardens. The shutout by goaltender Guy Hebert was the first for the Ducks, as was their shorthanded goal by Tim Sweeney.
"It's about time, I guess," Sweeney said after scoring the Ducks' first shorthanded goal after 31 games.
Hebert made 38 saves and Sweeney scored his goal in the third period.
Hebert made several brilliant stops in the last two periods. He also helped keep Toronto scoreless on nine power-play chances, including a 5-on-3 advantage.
Rangers 5, Whalers 2
Goaltender Mike Richter tied a 54-year-old Rangers record as he extended his unbeaten streak to 19. Richter (16-0-3) tied Davey Kerr's club record of 14-0-5 set in the 1939-40 season, when the Rangers last won the Stanley Cup.
Canadiens 3, Panthers 3
Brian Bellows had two goals and an assist as the Canadiens rallied to tie Florida.
Bruins 5, Devils 4
Defenseman Glen Wesley woke up a slumping Boston attack with his first NHL hat trick and the Bruins ended a five-game winless streak by beating New Jersey.
Lightning 4, Senators 3
Petr Klima scored twice and Brian Bradley had three assists as the Lightning defeated Ottawa.
Blackhawks 3, Stars 2
Joe Murphy had a goal and an assist and the Blackhawks handed the Stars only their second home loss of the season.
Oilers 7, Canucks 2
Steve Rice scored two goals in the first period and later had two assists as Edmonton beat Vancouver.
Blues 3, Sharks 1
Brendan Shanahan scored twice and goaltender Curtis Joseph stopped 37 shots as the Blues defeated the Sharks.