Antropov’s Hat Trick Lifts Toronto

Growing up in Russia, Nik Antropov didn’t follow the NHL career of countryman Pavel Bure.

On Monday night, Antropov upstaged him.

Antropov, 19, notched his first career hat trick as the Toronto Maple Leafs rallied to a 6-4 victory over the Florida Panthers at Sunrise, Fla.

The Maple Leafs, who trailed 4-2, scored four unanswered goals in the third period--the final two by Antropov.

“My first hat trick in the NHL,” Antropov said. “Unbelievable. I’m so happy.”

The loss ended Florida’s four-game winning streak and was only the Panthers’ third defeat at home. Toronto won its third in a row.

Montreal 5, Pittsburgh 1--Karl Dykhuis had a goal and two assists as the Canadiens defeated the Penguins at Montreal. The Canadiens, who scored only five times in four games, ended a two-game losing streak.

Colorado 4, Carolina 2--Brian Rolston poked in a rebound with 5:27 left and Sandis Ozolinsh scored twice as the Avalanche defeated the Hurricanes at Raleigh, N.C.

Detroit 4, San Jose 3--Brendan Shanahan scored twice to lift the Red Wings past the Sharks at San Jose for their sixth victory in seven games.

Around the League

Philadelphia Coach Roger Neilson began chemotherapy treatment for a rare form of bone cancer. Doctors made a small incision in Neilson’s chest and installed a compact pump to deliver timed doses of three chemotherapy drugs and an anti-inflammatory steroid pumped into his system. Having to wear a pump shouldn’t interfere with Neilson’s daily life. The outpatient treatment will continue through Thursday. He will have one or two more four-day sessions before a bone-marrow transplant in February or March. . . . The Pittsburgh Penguins signed an $18 million, 10-year agreement to rename the Civic Arena to Mellon Arena after the Pittsburgh-based bank. Built in 1961, it’s the oldest arena in the league.