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Boston Bruins' Dennis Seidenberg, center, celebrates in a huddle with teammates Joe Corvo (14) and Tyler Seguin (19) as Florida Panthers' Tomas Kopecky, left, skates away after the Bruins scored their fourth goal in the first period of an NHL hockey game Michael Dwyer, Associated Press
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Boston Bruins' Tyler Seguin (19) celebrates between Florida Panthers' Tomas Kopecky (82) and Brian Campbell (51) after the Bruins scored their fourth goal in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. Michael Dwyer, Associated Press
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Florida Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen, right, deflects the puck on a shot by Boston Bruins' Benoit Pouliot (67) in the second period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. Michael Dwyer, Associated Press
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Boston Bruins' Dennis Seidenberg (44) falls on the ice while battling for the puck with Florida Panthers' Mike Santorelli (13) in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. Michael Dwyer, Associated Press
By Associated Press

BOSTON — Brad Marchand had his first career hat trick and a career-high five points to help Boston beat the Florida Panthers 8-0 on Friday night, giving the Bruins their sixth consecutive victory and their most lopsided of the season.

Marchand scored a short-handed goal to start things off, then added two more and a pair of assists to lead the defending Stanley Cup champions to their 20th win in 23 games. After his third goal, midway through the third period to make it 8-0, fans showered the ice with all kinds of headwear, including a fair number of Santa hats.

Patrice Bergeron had a goal and two assists, and Tuukka Rask made 30 saves for Boston.

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