NHL: Carolina 2, Buffalo 1 (SO)

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Jussi Jokinen produced the only goal of the shootout Thursday night, giving the Carolina Hurricanes a key 2-1 victory over Buffalo.

The Hurricanes moved into a tie with Buffalo for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference -- each with 69 points.

Jokinen snapped a wrist shot past Patrick Lalime in the second round of the shootout and Cam Ward stopped all three shots for the Hurricanes.

Ward, in his 10th consecutive start, made 36 saves in regulation and overtime. The Hurricanes won for the fourth time in five games.

Patrick Kaleta's goal in regulation gave the Sabres a 1-0 advantage after two periods. Buffalo has dropped three out of four.