NHL: Carolina 6, N.Y. Islanders 2

UNIONDALE, N.Y., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Eric Staal scored twice and the Carolina Hurricanes produced five unanswered goals Thursday en route to a 6-2 whipping of the New York Islanders.

Ray Whitney, Dennis Seidenberg and Anton Babchuk all had a goal and an assist, helping the Hurricanes win for the second time in three games. Cam Ward recorded 22 saves.

New York has lost seven out of eight and, with only 40 points, owns the worst record in the NHL.

Joey MacDonald allowed all six goals on 30 shots.

After New York tied the game midway through the first period, the Hurricanes staged an assault on the Islanders' net. Cullen put Carolina in front for good with 3:45 to play in the opening stanza and Staal made it 3-1 with 2:51 remaining.

Staal also scored in the second period, boosting his season total to 26.