NEWARK, N.J. – Ilya Kovalchuk capped New Jersey’s three-goal first period with his NHL-leading fourth short-handed goal, and the Devils beat the mistake-prone Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 on Wednesday night.

Patrik Elias and Adam Henrique, who scored twice, also tallied in the opening period as the Devils beat the Flyers for the third time in three games this season. Andrei Loktionov had the prettiest goal for New Jersey, with a toe-drag move that left Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov at his mercy.

Johan Hedberg had 23 saves for New Jersey, which has won two straight and three of four after a six-game losing streak.

Jakub Voracek and Scott Hartnell scored for the Flyers, who have lost four of five.

The Flyers gave up two goals with bad pinches, another that went in off the skate of Matt Read, and another on a giveaway behind their net.

The Devils, who defeated the Flyers in the second round of last season’s playoffs, are 3-0 against Philadelphia this season.

CANADIENS 4, SENATORS 3, SO: In Montreal, Alex Galchenyuk and Lars Eller scored shootout goals as the Canadiens won their fourth straight by beating Ottawa.

Eller also scored in the first period and Brendan Gallagher and P.K. Subban added power-play goals in the second for Montreal (18-5-4), which played loosely in its first home game after a five-game trip. Carey Price made 29 saves.

Mika Zibanejad and Daniel Alfredsson had power-play goals for Ottawa (13-8-6), and Patrick Wiercioch also scored for the Senators, who are 1-2-4 in their last seven.