NHL: Carolina 3, N.Y. Rangers 0

RALEIGH, N.C., March 9 (UPI) -- Cam Ward blocked 28 shots Monday in his fifth shutout of the season to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Rangers, 3-0.

Rod Brind'Amour scored in his 600th game with the Hurricanes, who have won four games in a row and eight of their last 10. Joe Corvo and Tuomo Ruutu also scored for Carolina, which climbed into sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 77 points.

Backup goalie Steve Valiquette made 33 saves for the Rangers, who have lost 10 of their last 11 road games. It was Valiquette's first start since Feb. 6.

New York has 76 points and is tied with Florida and Pittsburgh for the final two playoff seeds.