National Hockey League
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Carolina 4, Nashville 3
When: 7:00 PM ET, Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Where: PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
Referees: Stephane Auger, Paul Devorski
Linesmen: Tony Sericolo, Jay Sharrers
Attendance: 13595


HURRICANES 4, PREDATORS 3: Captain Eric Staal had a goal and two assists and Jeff Skinner added a pair of helpers as Carolina outlasted visiting Nashville in a wild affair.

Defenseman Bryan Allen, who had just exited the penalty box, gave the Hurricanes a 4-2 lead at 1:28 of the third period with his first goal in 95 games.

Rookie Gabriel Bourque scored for Nashville less than a minute later but a comeback was ultimately squashed by stellar goaltending from Cam Ward. The netminder made 26 saves – including 15 in the third period - for his 22nd win of the season.

Tim Brent gave the Hurricanes a 3-2 lead with his ninth of the season to cap a three-goal second period for Carolina.

Staal made it 2-2 when he extended his point streak to nine games - also on a power play - with his 19th of the season.

Earlier in the frame, Jamie McBain tied the game at 1-1 when his point shot deflected off Nashville defenseman Hal Gill and into the net.

Nashville temporarily held a 2-1 lead in the second period when Colin Wilson netted his 15th of the season. Rookie Craig Smith scored the game’s first goal in the opening frame.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Newly acquired C Paul Gaustad did not play for Nashville. ... Nashville had gone seven straight games without giving up a power-play goal. ... The Hurricanes have scored on the power play in four straight games. ... Ward made his first start after missing three games with a lower body injury.

Top Game Performances
 
Nashville   Carolina
Gabriel Bourque 2 Points Eric Staal 3
Gabriel Bourque 1 Goals Eric Staal 1
Gabriel Bourque 1 Assists Eric Staal 2
N/A Power Play Goals Eric Staal 1
N/A Short Handed Goals N/A
Anders Lindback .879 Save Percentage Cam Ward .897
Anders Lindback 29 Saves Cam Ward 26
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Shots Goals Power Play Penalty Kill Penalty Mins Face Offs Won
Nashville 29 3 0-1 4-6 12 29
Carolina 33 4 2-6 1-1 2 32
Upcoming Games
  • Carolina will play their next game at home against NY Rangers. The Hurricanes have a W/L % of .304 after a win and .425 after a loss.
  • Nashville will play their next game on the road against Florida. The Predators have a W/L % of .553 after a win and .615 after a loss.