Eric Staal got his fourth hat trick of the season Tuesday in the Carolina Hurricanes' 9-0 rout of the New York Islanders. It was Staal's eighth career three-goal game and increased his goal total this season to 39.

Tuomo Ruutu's third-period power-play goal Saturday boosted the Carolina Hurricanes to a 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Ruutu scored at 16:26 of the third after assists from Eric Staal and Joe Corvo.

Ray Whitney scored 1:36 into overtime Monday to give the Carolina Hurricanes a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. Joni Pitkanen passed from the right point to the left circle, where Whitney made the winning goal. Tuomo Ruutu and Patrick Eaves each scored and Cam Ward made 37 saves for the Hurricanes, who have won four straight games. Carolina has 87 points and is fifth in the NHL Eastern Conference, one ahead of Pittsburgh and three behind Philadelphia. Cory Stillman had a goal and an assist and Jay Bouwmeester scored for the Panthers, who have lost six of their last seven games.

Kris Versteeg scored in the fourth round of an overtime shootout Wednesday, giving Chicago a 3-2 victory over Carolina. The first three rounds ended in a 2-2 tie before Versteeg beat Cam Ward just under the crossbar.

Cam Ward blocked 28 shots Monday in his fifth shutout of the season to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Rangers, 3-0. Rod Brind'Amour scored in his 600th game with the Hurricanes, who have won four games in a row and eight of their last 10.