Heatley hat-trick takes down Flyers

• Last Updated: November 21. 2009 4:00PM UAE / November 21. 2009 12:00PM GMT

SAN JOSE // Dany Heatley bagged his second hat-trick of the season to inspire the Pacific Division-leading San Jose Sharks to a 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Heatley, who was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators in September, is now the leading goalscorer in the NHL with 17 while San Jose (15-5-4) improved to 7-0-2 at home.

The Flyers (12-6-1) entered the night having won eight of nine contests but again failed to defeat the Sharks, a losing record now spanning back to 2000.

Claude Giroux scored twice for Philadelphia and Dany Briere gave the visitors a 1-0 lead with a goal 9mins 16secs into the game.

San Jose’s other goals were scored by Manny Malhotra, Ryane Clowe and Patrick Marleau, while Joe Thornton recorded four assists, including the 600th of his career.

* Reuters