NHL: Carolina 5, Florida 2

RALEIGH, N.C., March 3 (UPI) -- Erik Cole had two goals and an assist Friday night to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Florida Panthers, 5-2.

Eric Staal also scored twice. Bret Hedican and Cory Stillman both had two assists, and goaltender Martin Gerber made 37 saves for the Hurricanes (41-14-4), who have won three in a row.

Chris Gratton and Serge Payer each scored a goal, Mike Van Ryn added two assists, and goalie Roberto Luongo made 33 saves for the Panthers (23-29-8), who have lost three of their last four games.

Florida out-shot Carolina, 39-38. On the power play, both teams were 1-for-7.

The Hurricanes' 26 home-ice wins (26-5-1) matched the franchise record. The team won 26 games at home in 1986-87, when it was known as the Hartford Whalers.