Evgeni Malkin tallied a hat-trick to steer Pittsburgh to a 4-1 win over the New York Rangers on Monday, their sixth consecutive home victory.

Ty Conklin made a career-best 43 saves, while Sidney Crosby assisted on Malkin`s first two goals to tie the NHL points lead with Tampa Bay`s Vincent Lecavalier on 63.

Malkin collected his second hat-trick of January on an empty-netter with 24 seconds remaining, prompting fans to flip dozens of hats onto the Mellon Arena ice.

Sergei Gonchar also scored for the Penguins, who won for the ninth time in 10 games. Netminder Conklin remains undefeated in regulation, posting his 10th win.

Jaromir Jagr spoiled Conklin`s shutout bid with a powerplay goal 9:16 into the third period.
sections: Sport