NHL Playoffs Roundup : Flyers Get Even by Routing Rangers, 7-1

Peter Zezel scored three goals and Tim Kerr added two Sunday night as the Philadelphia Flyers routed the New York Rangers, 7-1, at New York, tying their best-of-five Patrick Division semifinal series at two games apiece.

Game 5 will be played Tuesday night at Philadelphia, with the winner advancing to the second round of Stanley Cup playoffs against the Washington Capitals.

The Flyers, leading 2-1 after one period, broke the game open with five goals in the second period--including two on their first two shots, 45 seconds apart.

Dave Poulin scored 16 seconds into the period and Kerr scored unassisted to make it 4-1. Zezel’s third goal, making it 5-1 at 5:17, kayoed New York goalie John Vanbiesbrouck. Glen Hanlon played the rest of the way.

Rick Tocchet beat Hanlon for a goal at 6:24 and Kerr followed with a power play at 17:20.

The Flyers took their 2-1 first-period lead on a pair of goals by Zezel 2:52 apart in the first period.

Pierre Larouche gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead during a power play at 4:15 of the first period.

Minnesota 7, St. Louis 4--Brian Bellows and Neal Broten each scored two goals and the North Stars evened their Norris Division semifinal series at two games each by stopping the Blues at St. Louis.

Game 5 will be played Tuesday night at Minneapolis.

The North Stars broke a 3-3 tie with three straight goals in the second period.

The Blues were successful on just one of eight power-play opportunities. St. Louis had a two-man advantage for 1:48 in the second period and still could not score.

Bellows scored on a power play 2:54 into the second period to put the North Stars ahead lead for good, 4-3.

Dirk Graham gave Minnesota a 5-3 advantage with a short-handed goal at 6:50 and Tony McKegney beat goalie Rich Wamsley at 15:35.