The Washington Capitals extended their lead atop the NHL's Southeast Division with a 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Wednesday's clash between two of the Eastern Conference's title contenders. Nicklas Backstrom had two goals, and Alex Ovechkin added a goal and two assists for Washington, which has lost just twice in regulation in 16 games on home ice this season. Mike Green had a goal and an assist, and Brendan Morrison also scored for the Capitals. Buffalo, whose lead in the Northeast Division was cut to four points, got goals from Paul Gaustad and Tim Connolly. Penguins 8, Senators 2: In Pittsburgh, the hosts dominated Ottawa to ensure they go to Christmas equal top of the NHL standings. Evgeni Malkin had his fourth career hat trick, while Bill Guerin added two goals and two assists for the Penguins, who joined Atlantic Division rival New Jersey as the league leaders, though the Devils have three games in hand. Guerin and Chris Kunitz tied a club record with four points apiece during Pittsburgh's five-goal second period, when Ruslan Fedotenko also scored. Sergei Gonchar also netted for the Penguins, who tied a season high for goals. Anton Volchenkov and Chris Kelly scored for Ottawa. Blackhawks 3, Red Wings 0: In Detroit, Antti Niemi made 33 saves for his fourth shutout of the season and his career, beating Detroit. Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist, while Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews also scored for Chicago. Detroit has gone 2 hours, 21 minutes without a goal. It was also Marian Hossa's first game in Detroit after leaving the Red Wings last summer to sign a 12-year, $62 million free agent contract with the Blackhawks. He hit the crossbar on a breakaway in the first period and assisted on Sharp's goal. Coyotes 4, Ducks 0: In Glendale, Arizona, Phoenix made it eight straight home wins by cruising past Anaheim. Ilya Bryzgalov made 21 saves for his NHL-leading fifth shutout of the season. Bruins 6, Thrashers 4: In Boston, Marc Savard, Daniel Paille and Vladimir Sobotka scored within 68 seconds of the first period, and Savard added two assists as Boston beat Atlanta. Elsewhere it was: Blues 2, Flames 1, SO; Rangers 4, Panthers 1; Stars 3, Blue Jackets 1; Wild 3, Oilers 1; Islanders 3, Maple Leafs 1; Flyers 5, Lightning 2; Canadiens 5, Hurricanes 1.
