Staal scored Carolina's last two goals, with the other coming at 9:56 of the third period. His game-winner followed an assist from Ray Whitney.

Rod Brind'Amour (power play) and Matt Cullen (power play) scored one goal each.

Joni Pitkanen assisted on both power-play goals, and netminder Michael Leighton made 26 saves on 29 shots for the Hurricanes, who have won their first two contests to start the 2008-09 NHL season.

They trailed, 3-0, in the second period, but scored three unanswered goals to create a 3-3 tie.

Tampa Bay's goals were scored by Mark Recchi, Janne Niskala (power play) and Vincent Lecavalier (power play).

The Lightning's Jamie Heward had two assists, while goalie Mike Smith stopped 42 of 46 Hurricanes' shots.