NHL

Kovalchuk scores 3 in Devils 4-1 win over Sabres

BUFFALO — Ilya Kovalchuk had three goals and an assist, and Martin Brodeur stopped 29 shots in leading the New Jersey Devils to a 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.

Petr Sykora broke a 1-1 tie 1:44 into the third period, and the Devils extended their road winning streak to five — their best stretch since winning five straight last February.

The Devils, sixth in the Eastern Conference, are 6-1-2 in their past nine games. They are one point behind division rivals Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Kovalchuk completed his hat trick with an empty-netter with 9 seconds left.

Jason Pominville scored for the Sabres, who have lost two straight following a 5-0-1 run.

-AP