NHL ROUNDUP : Lemieux Scores Three Goals in 7-5 Win

After five National Hockey League games last season, Mario Lemieux was already being called the new Great One, better than Wayne Gretzky.

He had nine goals and in one game he scored eight points. He went on to win the scoring title and help the Pittsburgh Penguins finally reach the playoffs.

In his first five games this season the big, powerful center had only one goal and nine points. Lemieux said he was a step behind a year ago.

The Lemieux of last season showed up Tuesday night at Pittsburgh, scoring three goals and assisting on another to lead the Penguins to a 7-5 victory over the weak Toronto Maple Leafs.

“It’s coming slowly,” Lemieux said after getting his 22nd hat trick. “I still have a ways to go.”

Coach Gene Ubriaco, who seemed to be the only one not concerned about Lemieux’s slow start, said: “The big guy has been right at the doorstep of doing this. He’s ready now.”

Calgary 8, Quebec 8--In the wildest finish of the early season, the defending champion Flames tied a league record by scoring short-handed goals four seconds apart at Quebec to tie the Nordiques.

The Flames trailed, 8-6, when Gary Roberts was penalized for roughing with just 19 seconds left in regulation. The Flames pulled their goalie. At 19:45, Doug Gilmour scored with a quick shot from the left faceoff circle. Then at 19:49, Gilmour fed Paul Ranheim off the ensuing faceoff for the tying goal.

Earlier in the final period the Flames pulled into contention by scoring three goals in 27 seconds.

Minnesota 6, New York Islanders 3--Former King defenseman Larry Murphy assisted on five goals at Uniondale, N.Y., as the surprising North Stars remained the only unbeaten team in the league.

Minnesota, which won only 27 of 80 games last season, are 5-0-1.

Chicago 3, New York Rangers 3--Greg Gilbert’s wrist shot off a pass from Troy Murray with 3:21 left in regulation play at New York gave the Blackhawks a tie.