Justin Brazeau hat trick powers Penguins blitz of Blackhawks

Justin Brazeau notched a hat trick, Bryan Rust scored twice, and Anthony Mantha had a goal and assist to boost the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins to a 7-3 rout of the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

Pittsburgh seized control with an explosive first period, beating Chicago goaltender Spencer Knight with four of its first seven shots in the opening 12:03.

Idle since Tuesday, the Penguins won for the second time in three games following an 0-4-4 stretch.

Chicago fell to 1-7 in its past eight games.