Leafs Scalp Blackhawks, 3-1

CHICAGO--Mike Ridley scored with 12:39 to play and Felix Potvin made 28 saves last night as the Toronto Maple Leafs extended Chicago's losing streak to eight with a 3-1 victory over the punchless Blackhawks.

Toronto passed Chicago in the NHL standings for the first time since the season's opening week, moving into third place in the Central Division by two points.

If the playoffs started now, the Maple Leafs would be the fourth Western Conference seed and would have home-ice advantage in their opening series against the Blackhawks.

Chicago has scored only nine goals during its 0-8 April, its longest losing streak since a nine-game skid in 1988. The slide coincides with a season-ending injury suffered by top player Jeremy Roenick.

The Blackhawks are 0-9-1 since March 29, the tie coming against Toronto on March 31. They have 13 goals during the winless string, their longest in 13 years.

Canadiens 5, Capitals 2

MONTREAL--Pierre Turgeon, continuing his strong play since joining the Canadiens, scored three goals. Turgeon, acquired in a trade with the New York Islanders earlier this month, scored on a power play in the first period. He also connected twice in the third period, including an empty-net goal with 21 seconds remaining.

Since being acquired by the Canadiens, Turgeon has scored eight goals. He has 11 career hat tricks.

The victory moved Montreal within two points of the Rangers and Whalers, who are tied for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Stars 2, Canucks 2 OT

DALLAS--Kevin Hatcher scored with 10:48 to go in regulation and the Stars tied the Canucks for the fourth time in as many meetings this season. It was the first time in Stars history a season series resulted in nothing but ties.

The Stars, playing the second of a season-long six-game homestand that will most likely decide Dallas' playoff fate, maintained their grip on the seventh playoff spot in the conference with 37 points, three behind sixth-place Vancouver.

Dallas was without tough guy Shane Churla, serving the first of a four-game suspension handed out by the league Monday. Churla began punishment for his role in a brawl during Sunday's 2-0 victory over Chicago.