NEW YORK — The Chicago Blackhawks embarked on their upcoming seven-game road trip on a positive note as they routed the San Jose Sharks 5-1 Sunday. A pair of goals by left wing Patrick Sharp, as well as single tallies from rookie sensation and center Brandon Pirri, center and team captain Jonathan Toews and recently reacquired right wing Kris Versteeg led Chicago (14-3-4) to its eighth win in its last 10 games. The loss, which ended a five-game road trip, snapped a three-game winning streak for the Sharks (13-3-5). All told, however, the Sharks have now lost six of their last nine, including four in overtime. Capitals 4, Blues 1: Alex Ovechkin scored two goals, leading the Capitals to a win over the St. Louis Blues. Ovechkin moved into a tie with Blues center Alexander Steen for the NHL lead in goals with his 16th and 17th of the season. Center Mikhail Grabovski and defenseman John Carlson also scored for the Capitals, and center Nicklas Backstrom picked up three assists as Washington (12-8-1) won for the third consecutive time and moved into first place in the Metropolitan Division, one point ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins (12-8-0). The Blues (13-3-3) received a goal from center Vladimir Sobotka. Kings 1, Rangers 0: Ben Scrivens recorded his third shutout of the season and second straight, leading the Los Angeles Kings to a win over the New York Rangers. Scrivens stopped 37 shots, while improving to 4-1-1 on the season, and Tyler Toffoli scored the game's only goal in the second period. Scrivens, who played 16 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, was thrust into the starting role when Jonathan Quick suffered a groin injury on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres in the Kings' first game of a four-game road trip. The Rangers (10-10-0) played their second game in as many nights after beating Montreal Saturday. Wild 2, Jets 1: Center Mikko Koivu scored his second goal of the game late in the third period, snapping a 1-1 tie and lifting the Minnesota Wild to a win over the Winnipeg Jets. Stars 2, Canucks 1: Right wing Erik Cole's early third-period goal gave the Dallas Stars a victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The Stars (11-7-2) posted their sixth win in seven games. The Canucks (11-8-3) suffered their fourth consecutive loss despite playing well upon return from a tough four-game road trip against Pacific Division opponents. Blue Jackets 4, Senators 1: The Columbus Blue Jackets scored three power play goals and cruised to a victory over the Ottawa Senators. The Blue Jackets' goals came from center Derek MacKenzie, center R.J. Umberger, center Ryan Johansen and defenseman Fedor Tyutin. — Agencies
