Barzal’s hat trick sparks Islanders

TORONTO — Mathew Barzal scored a natural hat trick in the second period and Valtteri Filppula had a highlight-reel goal as the New York Islanders prevailed 4-0 Saturday night in their first game against former captain John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

New York has won six of seven. Robin Lehner made 36 saves for his second shutout of the season, and Ryan Pulock had two assists.

The Islanders pounded the Maple Leafs in a reunion with Tavares, who signed with Toronto as a free agent July 1. The 28year-old played nine seasons in New York, collecting 272 goals and 349 assists for 621 points in 669 games.

RANGERS 4, PREDATORS 3: Jesper Fast scored two goals, including the game winner, and added an assist as New York snapped a three-game losing streak.

Chris Kreider had a goal and an assist, Marc Stall added a score and Mika Zibanejad had a career-high four assists for the Rangers, who earned their first road win in regulation this season. Henrik Lundqvist made 34 saves.

BRUINS 3, SABRES 2: Sean Kuraly scored 3:44 into overtime to give Boston a win over Buffalo.

Jake DeBrusk and Noel Acciari scored in regulation for Boston. Tuukka Rask made 26 saves.

DEVILS 2, HURRICANES 0: Rookie goalie MacKenzie Blackwood stopped 37 shots for his first shutout and Pavel Zacha scored short-handed for New Jersey.

It was the second straight victory for Blackwood, giving the Devils their first two-game winning streak since Nov. 13-15. Andy Greene added an emptynetter to seal the win.