NHL : Savard’s Hat Trick Helps Chicago Beat Devils, End Winless Streak

Center Denis Savard had a hat trick and the Blackhawks had a nine-minute power play opportunity Sunday night at Chicago as they ended a seven-game winless streak with a 5-3 victory over New Jersey.

The Blackhawks had not won since they scored four goals in the third period Nov. 11 to beat Minnesota, 4-2.

The Devils scored the only goal in the first period, but the Blackhawks scored three in a row in the first 12 minutes, including one by Savard, of the second period.

Savard also scored early in the final period, then completed the hat trick when the Blackhawks had the manpower edge for nine minutes.

Although they were a man short for 17 minutes during the game, the Devils had 50 shots to 36 for the Blackhawks.