NHL notes: Surging Penguins hammer floundering Capitals

Hat trick for Penguins: Chris Kunitz scored a hat trick in the Pittsburgh Penguins' Super Bowl Sunday visit to the nation's capital, leading a 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals. Kris Letang, Paul Martin and Matt Cooke also scored, and Sidney Crosby had three assists for the Penguins (6-3), who have won three straight and four of five to lead the Atlantic Division. The Capitals have lost seven of nine to start the season under new coach Adam Oates.

Ovechkin struggling: Two-time league MVP Alex Ovechkin, who said before the game against the Penguins that he was somewhat embarrassed to have only three points on the season, contributed a secondary assist on a third-period power-play goal for Washington.

Hedberg sparkles: Johan Hedberg made 22 saves for his 22nd career shutout, as New Jersey beat the New York Islanders 3-0 to help the Devils snap a four-game winless streak (0-1-3).

Quick healer: Only eight days after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty found the puck in the slot and slid it to the net for David Desharnais to tip in for a goal that helped the Canadiens to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Pacioretty was expected to be out for three to four weeks. The Canadiens have won five straight at home.

One way to look at it: Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell is learning to like getting booed in Buffalo. "When they boo you, it means they miss you, I think," Campbell said after playing a key role in rallying the Panthers to a 4-3 win over the Sabres on Sunday. The one-time Sabres star, who spent his first eight NHL seasons playing for Buffalo, capped the Panthers' three-goal surge by scoring the decisive goal on the power play with 10:33 remaining.

Saturday night heist: Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery made a career-high 45 saves, and the Blackhawks -- on a shootout goal by Patrick Kane -- beat the Calgary Flames 3-2 on Saturday night. "That was criminal," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. "They've got to call the cops after that performance. [Emery] stole two points. He was spectacular. I've never ever been outplayed, outchanced like that in my life. That was a special performance and it continued on in the shootout."

-- From wire reports

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