WHO ELSE? Boyle notches hat trick on ‘Hockey Fights Cancer’ night

PITTSBURGH — Devils forward Brian Boyle wants to serve as a role model in the fight against cancer.

He certainly was inspiring on Monday night.

The cancer sur- vivor scored three times for his first career hat trick, leading the Devils to a 5-1 victory over the slumping Penguins.

Boyle got his natural hat trick on “Hockey Fights Cancer” night in Pittsburgh. It included two power-play goals and two redirections in front of the net.

“I love these nights, I really do,” Boyle said. “Just the initiative and seeing the survivors on the ice and being recognized. Sometimes you feel kind of alone. It can be a dark place at times during a cancer fight. But to be seen, the support everybody shows and the money raised, it’s just a phenomenal thing.” The 33-year-old Boyle was diagnosed with a form of bone marrow cancer at the beginning of training camp last season. He underwent treatment, returned to the lineup last November and won the NHL’s Masterton Trophy for best exemplifying qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

“There’s ups and downs, just like life,” Boyle said. “The worst kind of part of it was when people felt sorry for you. They don’t know what to say, and you want them to feel comfortable around you. I think it’s important to reach out and ask questions if you need help.”

Will Butcher notched a goal and two assists for the Devils, and Travis Zajac scored his fourth goal. Jean-Sebastien Dea, who spent the last two seasons in Pittsburgh, had two assists. The Devils stopped a three-game slide. They were outscored 15-6 during the losing streak.

Keith Kinkaid made 35 saves for the Devils who have won four of their last five against Pittsburgh.

“It’s an easy game to get up for (with Pittsburgh winning) two championships in the past three years,” Kinkaid said. “They’re a good team, but I think we match up well against them.”