Whalers’ Hard-Earned Tie Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

Keith Primeau’s second goal of the game rescued Hartford from a Mario Lemieux- and Ron Francis-led rally as the Whalers avoided a second costly loss in as many nights, tying host Pittsburgh 5-5 Thursday night.

The Whalers, in danger of missing the playoffs in their final season in Hartford, trail Ottawa - a 4-0 winner over Washington - by two points for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Elsewhere on the ice

Brendan Shanahan and Tim Taylor scored third-period goals, lifting Detroit to a 2-2 tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Red Wings’ fifth consecutive overtime game. The tie clinched the third spot for Detroit in the Western Conference.

Mark Messier scored a goal and assisted on two others in leading the New York Rangers to a 5-4 victory over the visiting Boston Bruins and within two points of of fourth place in the East.