Brett Hull had scored three goals in a game 22 times, four goals in a game zero times. His 23rd hat trick Sunday broke that streak.
Hull scored four goals for the first time in his career Sunday to help the St. Louis Blues beat the Detroit Red Wings 6-5.Hull is third among active players in hat tricks behind Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux . On Sunday, he got his 23rd against the team with the best record in the NHL.
Hull scored consecutive goals in the first period to put St. Louis ahead 3-1. Goal No. 3 - giving Hull a hat trick - coincidentally came on hat giveaway day, and the crowd showered the ice with hats, delaying play for about five minutes. His fourth goal, and 28th of the season, came at 14:14 of the second and snapped a 4-4 tie.
Rangers 3, Islanders 2
At Uniondale, N.Y., Sergei Zubov scored two third-period goals, leading the Rangers to a come-from-behind victory as New York won its third straight.
Panthers 4, Lightning 1
At Miami, Brian Skrudland had 2 goals and an assist as Florida broke out of its offensive slump and moved 2 points ahead of Tampa Bay.
Stars 2, Blackhawks 0
At Dallas, Mike Donnelly and Dave Gagner scored power-play goals and Andy Moog stopped 24 shots for his 21st career shutout.
Flyers 4, Penguins 3, OT
At Philadelphia, Rod Brind'Amour's goal at 1:30 of OT capped a wild finish as Philadelphia rallied past Pittsburgh.
Sharks 2, Kings 0
At San Jose, Calif., Arturs Irbe shut out Los Angeles for the second time this season, stopping 22 shots as San Jose took over the eighth playoff spot.
Sabres 2, Senators 1
At Buffalo, N.Y., Pat LaFontaine scored one goal and set up another as Buffalo broke a four-game losing streak.
Devils 3, Whalers 2
At East Rutherford, N.J., Scott Stevens scored with 1:03 remaining in the third period to give New Jersey the victory.
Nordiques 4, Capitals 2
At Quebec, Bob Bassen had a goal and an assist and Quebec extended its unbeaten streak to five games and improved its league-best home record.