MONTREAL (Interstat) — Alex Ovechkin recorded a hat trick and the Washington Capitals erupted for four second-period goals in an 8-4 rout of the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night at Bell Centre.

The Capitals broke open a 1-1 tie with the dominant middle frame. Ethen Frank scored twice and added two assists in the period, while Sonny Milano also scored two goals for Washington. Dylan Strome contributed three assists.

Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson scored for the Canadiens, who were outmatched despite being pregame favorites. The Capitals improved to 11-10, while Montreal fell to .500 at 10-10.