NHL: Ottawa 5, Carolina 1

OTTAWA, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Antoine Vermette scored twice Thursday and the Ottawa Senators produced three goals during a span of 2:23 in the second period to roll past Carolina 5-1.

Jason Spezza had a goal and an assist and the Senators also got goals from Mike Fisher and Randy Robitaille while halting a two-game skid. Martin Gerber made 36 saves.

Carolina's lone goal came from Ray Whitney. The Hurricanes have dropped a season-worst four straight.

Ottawa had a 1-0 lead after one period and the Senators then put the game away with a three-goal outburst beginning 11:09 into the second.

Fisher scored off a draw won by Chris Neil. Vermette produced a goal 63 seconds later with a backhander and Robitaille then flipped a wrist shot past Cam Ward.

Earlier Thursday, Carolina traded Craig Adams to Chicago for future considerations. Adams ranked third all time in games played for the Hurricanes (427).