Predators are no match for Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins were eager to take on the Nashville Predators and see how they matched up against the NHL’s top team. If they keep playing this way, opponents might have to start comparing themselves to the Penguins.

Mark Recchi scored and set up rookie Evgeni Malkin for the go-ahead goal, and the Penguins defeated the Predators, 4-1, Tuesday night at Pittsburgh behind another strong effort by goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

Fleury, who hasn’t lost in regulation in 10 games since Jan. 9, turned aside 25 shots as the Penguins won their ninth in 11 games. Pittsburgh is the NHL’s most improved team with a 27-17-9 record and 63 points -- 29 points more than they had at this time last season.

Vancouver 5, Edmonton 2 -- Daniel Sedin scored a career-high three goals at Edmonton, Canada, and the Canucks won their fourth in a row over the Oilers.

Chicago 3, Calgary 2 -- Martin Havlat scored twice in the final three minutes and again in the shootout as the Blackhawks won at Calgary, Canada.

Dallas 4, Minnesota 2 -- Sergei Zubov scored a tiebreaking goal on a power play with 4:41 left and the Stars overcame a two-goal deficit to beat the Wild at Dallas.

New Jersey 3, New York Rangers 2 -- Brian Gionta scored the lone shootout goal and Martin Brodeur stopped all three attempts by the Rangers to lead the Devils to victory at East Rutherford, N.Y. The Rangers have lost four in a row and eight of 11.

Colorado 5, Florida 4 -- Joe Sakic scored a power-play goal 25 seconds into overtime at Denver and the Avalanche rallied to beat the Panthers.

Phoenix 3, Columbus 0 -- Curtis Joseph made 28 saves for his 50th career shutout and the Coyotes won a game delayed 35 minutes because the Phoenix team bus was stuck in traffic during a snow storm that blanketed Columbus, Ohio.

Buffalo 4, Atlanta 3 -- Daniel Briere scored two goals in regulation and another in the shootout, leading the Sabres past the Thrashers at Atlanta.

Carolina 2, Montreal 1 -- Frantisek Kaberle scored midway through the third period at Montreal, helping the Hurricanes end a four-game losing streak.

Toronto 2, St. Louis 1 -- Alex Steen ended a tie late in the second period and Andrew Raycroft made it stand up with strong third-period play in goal, helping the Maple Leafs to victory at St. Louis.

Boston 3, Washington 2 -- Phil Kessel scored the winning shootout goal for the Bruins at Washington.