National Hockey League
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Carolina 2, Toronto 1
When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, February 20, 2015
Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
Referees: Kelly Sutherland, Graham Skilliter
Linesmen: Pierre Racicot, Shane Heyer
Attendance: 12563

Hurricanes 2, Maple Leafs 1: Captain Eric Staal and brother Jordan scored while Cam Ward turned aside 23 shots as host Carolina continued its surge.

Eric Staal added an assist and Jiri Tlusty recorded a pair for the Hurricanes, who improved to 11-7-3 since the beginning of January. Carolina has won four straight meetings with the Maple Leafs, outscoring them 16-4 in the process.

Brandon Kozun's first NHL goal provided the lone offense for the Maple Leafs, who are winless in a franchise-record 14 straight road games. David Booth and Peter Holland assisted on Kozun's milestone tally while James Reimer made 24 saves in defeat.

Eric Staal opened the scoring 13:55 into the opening period, skating through the slot in time to tip defenseman Justin Faulk's point shot past Reimer during a power play. Kozun responded with 2:07 remaining in the session, pouncing on a loose puck with Ward out of his crease and banging home the rebound after Hurricanes center Brad Malone blocked his initial attempt.

Jordan Staal put the Hurricanes back in front just 16 seconds later, driving to the net and deftly redirecting his brother's feed past Reimer's glove from the low slot. Ward took over from there, stopping Nazem Kadri on a second-period breakaway and turning aside all six shots he faced in the third to prevail in his 499th career game.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Toronto has mustered just 15 goals during its road skid. ... Eric Staal has scored 20 goals in 38 career games against the Maple Leafs. ... Toronto is just 2-17-2 in its last 21 games.
Top Game Performances
 
Toronto   Carolina
Brandon Kozun 1 Points Eric Staal 2
Brandon Kozun 1 Goals Eric Staal 1
David Booth 1 Assists Jiri Tlusty 2
N/A Power Play Goals Eric Staal 1
N/A Short Handed Goals N/A
James Reimer .923 Save Percentage Cam Ward .958
James Reimer 24 Saves Cam Ward 23
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Shots Goals Power Play Penalty Kill Penalty Mins Face Offs Won
Toronto 24 1 0-4 1-2 4 21
Carolina 26 2 1-2 4-4 8 30
Upcoming Games
  • Carolina will play their next game on the road against New Jersey. The Hurricanes have a W/L % of .350 after a win and .378 after a loss.
  • Toronto will play their next game at home against Winnipeg. The Maple Leafs have a W/L % of .500 after a win and .314 after a loss.