NHL: Pittsburgh 5, Columbus 3

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- James Neal scored his fourth career hat trick Sunday, powering the Pittsburgh Penguins over Columbus 5-3.

Neal also distributed two assists for the streaking Penguins, who notched a ninth win in 10 games.

Chris Kunitz and Sidney Crosby each logged a goal and two assists.

Jeff Zatkoff earned the victory with 25 saves.

Corey Tropp, Brandon Dubinsky and Nikita Nikitin each scored for the Blue Jackets, who lost for the first time in four games.

Curtis McElhinney stopped 25-of-30 shots.