NHL ROUNDUP : Richer Shows Up Just in Time for Devil Playoff Bid

Missing, though still in action most of the season, Stephane Richer stepped up Tuesday night at a good time for the New Jersey Devils.

Richer, struggling through the worst season of an 11-year NHL career, scored three times at St. Petersburg, Fla., Tuesday night and led the Devils to a 6-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“It’s always great to score and see your team win a big game,” said Richer, who had only 16 goals and 24 points in 63 games before Tuesday’s. “This was a great game to win. Everybody was intense and ready.”

New Jersey Coach Jacques Lemaire said Richer, who scored an important goal against the New York Islanders on Saturday, has been a different person on the ice in recent games.

“The way he talks and the way he acts, he seems more confident,” Lemaire said. “I don’t know if it’s the time of year or what, but I hope he continues to play like he is.”

The defending Stanley Cup champion Devils moved up to sixth place in the East, and Tampa Bay fell to a tie with Boston for eighth, the final playoff spot, with 77 points.

Brian Bradley scored twice for Tampa Bay, which had its eight-game home unbeaten streak snapped.

Washington 7, New York Islanders 1--Peter Bondra scored three goals in a 4:21 span late in the third period for the Capitals, who blew open a close game with a five-goal third period at Uniondale, N.Y.

Jim Carey stopped 25 shots for Washington, which continues to seesaw with New Jersey, Boston and Tampa Bay for the final three East playoff spots.

Todd Krygier, Sergei Gonchar, Steve Konowalchuk and Pat Peake also scored for the Capitals.

Washington has 78 points, one fewer than New Jersey and one more than Boston and Tampa Bay.

NHL Note

Chicago Blackhawk goaltender Jeff Hackett will sit out the next two games because of a broken finger.