Mike Gartner and Larry Murphy have a combined 34 years of pro hockey experience, but they're playing like kids.
Gartner, 36, in his 18th pro campaign, and Murphy, 34, in his 16th NHL season, scored two goals each last night as the Toronto Maple Leafs scored five times in the first period and coasted to a 6-1 victory over the visiting Washington Capitals.
Gartner's goals were his ninth and 10th this season. With 639 in his career, he's the fifth-leading goal scorer of all time.
"I don't feel like I've lost a step yet," Gartner said. "Someday I will, but I haven't so far."
Murphy, Toronto's top point-getter, leads all NHL defensemen with 19 points - four goals and 15 assists.
"I feel good," Murphy said. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not happy with the way the numbers look."
Dave Andreychuk and Randy Wood added a goal apiece for the Maple Leafs, who improved to 7-5-3, including 3-0-2 in their last five games.
Veteran Toronto defenseman Todd Gill suffered a pulled hamstring and was not scheduled to make the trip to Boston for a game tonight against the Bruins.
Joe Reekie scored for Washington (9-6-0).
In other news:
PENGUINS: LEMIEUX TO SIT
Mario Lemieux was expected to miss the Pittsburgh Penguins' game against the Los Angeles Kings tonight as a health precaution, the team said.
Lemieux was sidelined by back problems and Hodgkin's disease last season. His back has not been hurting him, but he has avoided playing back-to-back games this season and played last night.
He will likely be back in the lineup on Tuesday as the Penguins play host to the Dallas Stars.
