NHL: Buffalo 5, Ottawa 1

OTTAWA, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Thomas Vanek posted his first career hat trick Tuesday and the Buffalo Sabres scored four goals in the third period in a 5-1 win over Ottawa.

Clarke MacArthur and Jason Pominville picked up a goal and one assist each for the Sabres, who are 7

Randy Robitaille got the lone goal for the Senators, who have lost four of their last six games. Ottawa remains atop the Eastern Conference with 72 points, three ahead of idle Pittsburgh.

Ray Emery allowed all five goals on 39 shots.