NHL: Tampa Bay 2, Carolina1

TAMPA, Fla., March 29 (UPI) -- Jeff Halpern scored the game-winner Saturday when the Tampa Bay Lightning slipped past the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1.

It was the veteran center's 19th goal this season and it snapped a 1-1 tie at 5:43 of the third period.

Jussi Jokinenen's 16th (power play) 18 seconds into the second period created the tie.

Jokinen added an assist and Karri Ramo made 38 saves on 39 shots for the Lightning, who have won two of their last three games and ended a two-game skid against the Hurricanes.

Carolina's lone goal was Chad LaRose's eighth this season at 17:24 of the first period.

Cam Ward stopped 19 of 21 shots for the Hurricanes, whose lead over Washington fell to just two points in the race for the title in the Southeast Division. The Capitals blanked Florida 3-0 earlier Saturday.

The Caps and Hurricanes play in Washington Tuesday.