Bruins Lose, 3-1; Littler Leads Open

The second-place Buffalo Sabres cut the Bruins' division lead to three points as they slipped past Boston, 3-1, last night in Buffalo.

Sabre captain Danny Gare extinguished the Bruins' hopes as he flipped in an open net tally at 19:08 in the third period for the insurance goal.

The close contest opened with the Bruins drawing first blood, as John Wensink scored at 4:44 in the first period. Buffalo's Danny Gare returned the favor when he rapped in a goal less than two minutes later.

Boston out-shot Buffalo, 10-9, in the first stanza, but the well-fought period ended deadlocked at one all. Neither team could capitalize on its power-play opportunities.

The second period proved to be a hardhitting defensive battle until the Sabres' Jim Lorenz converted on a power play at 10:12 into the period.

A power play at 5:33 left in the second stanza gave Boston a chance to even the score, but the Bruins were denied and the period ended with Buffalo leading 2-1. Quick skating and end-to-end action marked the second period. Sabre goalie Don Edwards and Bruin netminder Gerry Cheevers exchanged some spectacular saves in the opening minutes.

Defense versus defense, the third stanza showed hard forechecking on both ends of the rink. Only after Bruin coach Don Cherry pulled Cheevers could Buffalo's Gare race in for his second goal of the night.

*****

Gene Littler captured the first round of the Hawaiian Open golf tournament yesterday, registering a seven-under-par 65.

Littler recorded five birdies, one eagle and no bogies en route to the first round lead on the Waialae Country Club course.

John Schroder trails in second place with a 66 and Mark Hayes, Eddie Pearce, Dave Stockton and Bob Wynn are tied for third at 67. Tom Watson, Bobby Cole, Mike Morley and Lon Hinkle shared the first round's fourth position with scores of 68.

*****

In the NBA: Cleveland 110-Washington 93, San Antonio 123-New York 113.

In the NHL: Philadelphia 3-Colorado 0, Islanders 5-Atlanta 2.