McDavid’s hat trick propels Oilers

Connor McDavid recorded his third hat trick of the season and the ninth of his career, leading visiting Edmonton to a 61 win over Winnipeg on Monday night that lifted the Oilers past the Jets and into second place in the North Division.

Leon Draisaitl had a goal and an assist and Alex Chiasson and Darnell Nurse also scored for Edmonton, which has two games in hand on the Jets. Mike Smith made 36 saves.

McDavid, who leads the NHL in scoring with 81 points, also had an assist and is second to Toronto’s Auston Matthews in goals scored.

Playing his 46th game of the season, McDavid is the fastest player to 80 points in a season since Mario Lemieux hit the mark in 45 games in 199697. In eight games against the Jets in 2021, McDavid has 19 points.

The Oilers improved to 620 against Winnipeg and have won five straight versus the Jets.

Blues 4, Avalanche 1: David Perron had a goal and two assists as host St. Louis beat Colorado.

Canadiens 2, Flames 1: Tyler Toffoli’s goal in the second period was the winner as visiting Montreal beat Calgary.

Senators 2, Canucks 1: Drake Batherson scored a tiebreaking goal midway through the second period and host Ottawa defeated Vancouver.

Stars 4, Hurricanes 3: Jamie Benn scored the overtime winner for the second straight game and assisted on Dallas’ three regulation goals in a win over visiting Carolina.

Predators 4, Panthers 1:

Juuse Saros made 39 saves, and host Nashville beat Florida to hold onto the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division.

Kings 4, Ducks 1: Dustin Brown scored a goal and added an assist as host Los Angeles shot to a 20 lead in the first period and did not look back.