OTTAWA, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Alex Kovalev snapped a 16-game dry spell Saturday with a hat trick that powered the Ottawa Senators to 4-2 win over Carolina.
Kovalev had not scored in 16 consecutive games and had not hung up a hat trick since 2003.
Brian Elliott made 23 saves in a game in which the Senators outshot Carolina 39-25. The Hurricanes managed only five shots in the first period, but came to life with a dozen in the third period.
Ray Whitney scored both Carolina goals in the second period. After he cut the Ottawa lead to 2-1 with a slap-shot score just 21 seconds into the period, Jason Spezza scored to make it 3-1.
Kovalev responded with two goals in the third period, including an empty-net goal with 29 seconds to play to notch his 11th career hat trick.
