Avs Thump Dallas – NHL Roundup For Dec. 17th

UNDATED (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to pad their lead in both the Eastern Conference and Metropolitan Division races.

Sidney Crosby's 19th goal of the season broke a tie with just over six minutes remaining in the Pens' 3-1 triumph over Toronto. Chris Conner and Brandon Sutter also scored while Penguins No. 2 scorer Evgeni Malkin sat out with a leg injury. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 25 shots in securing Pittsburgh's fourth consecutive victory and ninth in 10 games.

The Pens now top the East by three points over Boston.

Elsewhere on ice:

— Colorado thumped Dallas 6-2 behind Paul Statsny's (STAS'-neez) two goals and two assists. Stastny got his goals while the Avalanche were tallying four straight times to take a 5-1 lead in the second period.

— Ottawa beat St. Louis 3-2 on Cody Ceci's goal at 3:59 of overtime. Chris Stewart scored twice during a three-minute span to put the Blues up 2-1 late in the second period, but the Senators forced overtime on Bobby Ryan's goal early in the third.

— Evander Kane provided a goal and an assist in Winnipeg's 3-2 win at Columbus. Mark Schiefele (SHYF'-lee) and Bryan Little also tallied, while Al Montoya turned back 22 shots for the Jets.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins report that forward Evgeni Malkin is listed as day-to-day with a left leg injury. The NHL's third-leading scorer left Saturday's game after sliding hard into the end boards.

The club has also placed defenseman Kris Letang (leh-TANG') on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Coach Dan Bylsma (BIHLZ'-muh) said Letang could return after Christmas.