Washington Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer (31), of Germany, stops the puck against Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in Washington. Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner (27) looks on. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer (31), of Germany, stops the puck against Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in Washington. Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner (27) looks on. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) Credit: Nick Wass

Washington — Justin Williams and Matt Niskanen each scored two goals and Philipp Grubauer stopped all 24 shots he faced and the Washington Capitals extended their winning streak to nine in authoritative fashion by crushing the Philadelphia Flyers, 5-0, on Sunday.

The Capitals lead the NHL with 63 points.

Despite a sluggish start, the Capitals came alive with four goals on seven shots in the first seven minutes of the third period to turn the game into a laugher.

Washington has outscored its opponents 40-11 during the streak and passed the Columbus Blue Jackets for first place in the Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference and the league.

Andre Burakovsky also scored a power-play goal for the Capitals, who haven’t allowed an even-strength goal in six games.

Making his first start of 2017 in place of Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby, Grubauer was sharp especially early and on five successful penalty kills.

The Flyers outshot the Capitals 13-5 in the first period, but couldn’t crack Grubauer, who picked up the second shutout of the season and his career.

Burakovsky took advantage of a brutal turnover by Philadelphia defenseman Michael Del Zotto to score the first goal midway through the second period.

Williams and Niskanen each beat Flyers starter Steve Mason twice in the first 6:36 of the third period to make it a blowout.

Wild 3, Blackhawks 2

Chicago — Jason Pominville scored in the third period, Devan Dubnyk made 33 saves and Minnesota beat Chicago to grab sole possession of the top spot in the Western Conference.

Nino Niederreiter and Chris Stewart also scored as Minnesota earned its fourth straight win and improved to 17-1-1 since Dec. 4. The Wild also beat the Blackhawks for the eighth straight time.

Minnesota (28-9-5) jumped in front for good when Marco Scandella shot the puck behind the net and it caromed right to Pominville standing all alone on the right side of the crease. He knocked it into the open net for his sixth of the season at 5:08.

Devils 2, Canucks 1 (ot)

Vancouver, British Columbia — Taylor Hall scored 1:28 into overtime to lift New Jersey to a victory over Vancouver.

Skating on a 2-on-1 with Damon Severson, Hall chose to hold the puck and beat Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom through the legs.

Kyle Quincey scored the tying goal with 3:03 left in the second period and Cory Schneider stopped 21 shots to help the Devils win their second straight after losing four in a row.

Loui Eriksson scored for the Canucks and Markstrom finished with 20 saves for the Canucks.