NHL: Boston return to form

Reigning champions Boston snapped a two-game losing streak in the NHL on, while Eastern Conference leaders New York Rangers also won.

Bruins' goaltender Tim Thomas was in top form in his side's 4-1 win at Washington on Sunday.

Thomas, who rejected an invitation to the White House two weeks ago to celebrate Boston's Stanley Cup triumph to make a political statement, was just as stubborn in goal, making 35 saves and keeping the Capitals scoreless until the third period.

But Boston did not make any ground on New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers scored three third-period goals to beat Philadelphia 5-2, their fourth-straight win over the Flyers this season.

Artem Anisimov scored for New York in the first period to break an 18-game run without a goal. It was the Russian centre's eighth goal of the season.

New Jersey also won 5-2 in their game against Pittsburgh with Ilya Kovalchuk the key player for the Devils.

The left winger scored a goal and had two assists as New Jersey won their fourth game in a row, a perfect run since the All-Star break.

In Montreal, the Canadiens' goalkeeper Carey Price achieved his third shutout of the season to end his side's three-game losing streak.

Montreal beat Winnipeg 3-0, with Czech centre Tomas Plekanec scoring one goal and setting up another.