NHL Roundup : Gretzky Breaks Own Assist Mark

Wayne Gretzky broke his own record for assists Friday night at Edmonton, but it was Craig MacTavish who scored the decisive goal in the Oilers’ 5-3 victory over the stubborn Pittsburgh Penguins.

Gretzky assisted on two goals, and with 13 games remaining, he has 136 assists, one more than he had all last season.

But it was a 3-3 tie midway through the third period when MacTavish banged in his 19th goal of the season.

Jari Kurri scored his 52nd and 53rd goals for the Oilers.

Hartford 6, Buffalo 2--The Whalers would be out of the race for a playoff spot in the Adams Division except for their success at Buffalo.

The Whalers won in Buffalo for the fourth time this season and moved to within four points of the fourth-place Sabres.

Gil Perreault of the Sabres scored his 499th career goal.