NHL: Pittsburgh 5, Carolina 2

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Sidney Crosby assisted on four goals Thursday and the Pittsburgh Penguins rolled past the struggling Carolina Hurricanes 5-2.

The result spoiled the return of Paul Maurice as Carolina's head coach. Maurice, the franchise's all-time leader in wins with 268, was dismissed during the 2003-04 season, but was re-hired this week after Peter Laviolette was fired.

Pittsburgh got two goals from Petr Sykora and two assists from Evgeni Malkin in winning for the third time in five games. Dany Sabourin, starting back-to-back games for the first time this season, made 34 saves.

Michael Leighton allowed five goals on only 22 shots and the Hurricanes lost their fourth straight at home.

Crosby ran his assist total for the season to 26 and his points total to 39.