Sidney Crosby pulled his third career hat trick Wednesday night, helping his Pittsburgh Penguins (10-2-0) become the first NHL team to 10 victories this season with a 6-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens, who are no longer enjoying a four-game winning streak.

A few hours later, the Colorado Avalanche spoiled the party by also reaching 10 wins, beating the Calgary Flames 3-2 to improve to 10-1-2.

Crosby, tied for fifth in the league with nine goals, impressed with his third multiple-goal game in 12 starts this season for a total of 36 in his past 55 games (yes, including the playoffs). He’s averaged just about twice as many assists as goals over his career but is on a pace for 62 this season.

The Pens center completed the hat trick (on the third anniversary of his first one) in the first 36 minutes while Chris Kunitz also scored and assisted on all three of Crosby’s goals.

Crosby had nine shots on the net, as well as going 16-for-24 in the faceoff circle. All those hockey experts who were wondering what the hell was wrong with him early on in the season? Biting their tongues right about now.

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