NHL Capsules

NEWARK, N.J. - Patrick Sharp scored three goals and the Chicago Blackhawks avoided a rare second straight loss with a 5-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night.

Sharp, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa scored in a span of 4:04 early in the third period to give the Blackhawks a 4-1 lead. Sharp added his 25th of the season and capped his hat trick with less than 2 minutes to play after New Jersey had pulled to 4-3.

Duncan Keith had three assists and fellow defenceman Brent Seabrook two in the four-goal third period against Martin Brodeur. Antti Raanta made 24 saves for Chicago.

Marek Zidlicky scored twice and fellow defenceman Andy Greene once for New Jersey, which lost in regulation for only the second time in nine games (5-2-2). Both defeats have come against the defending Stanley Cup champions, who lost in overtime to the Islanders on Thursday.

PENGUINS 5, RANGERS 2

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby scored his 23rd goal and added two assists as Pittsburgh beat New York for its 11th straight home win.

Marc-Andre Fleury made 33 saves for Pittsburgh and Jussi Jokinen ended a long scoring drought with two goals. Chris Kunitz also scored twice for the Penguins, who won for the 10th time in their last 12 meetings with the Rangers.

Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma earned his 231st victory, leaving him one shy of Eddie Johnson's franchise record.

Mats Zuccarello scored a pair of third-period goals for New York. Rangers captain Ryan Callahan returned after missing nine games with a knee injury.