Penguins Lose Again, 9-4

Dan Hamhuis had a goal and four assists, and the Nashville Predators built a five-goal lead early in the second period in beating Pittsburgh, 9-4, on Thursday, extending the Penguins’ home winless streak to 16 games.

About a minute after the game ended, the teams traded pushes, shoves and a few punches as they tried to leave the ice, but the skirmish was quickly broken up.

Toronto 6, New York Islanders 2 -- Newcomer Brian Leetch had three assists at Toronto for the Maple Leafs, who have won three in a row with No. 1 goalie Ed Belfour back in net.

Boston 3, New York Rangers 1 -- Sergei Gonchar scored in his debut at Boston, and Joe Thornton had two goals for the Bruins, who ended a four-game winless streak.

Edmonton 1, St. Louis 1 -- Chris Osgood made 31 saves at St. Louis, including a penalty shot by Ryan Smyth, to help the Blues, who earned only their second point in five games under new Coach Mike Kitchen.

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Three teams fighting for playoff position acquired centers Thursday. The Bruins got Michael Nylander from Washington, Jim Dowd went from Minnesota to Montreal and St. Louis obtained Mike Sillinger from Phoenix.... An arbitrator ruled Columbus Blue Jacket forward Nikolai Zherdev can keep playing in the NHL and does not have to return to Russia. Zherdev’s former club, CSKA Moscow, claimed he was obligated to serve in the military there.