NHL: Carolina 4, Washington 1

RALEIGH, N.C., March 21 (UPI) -- Joni Pitkanen scored the game-winner early in the third period Saturday when the Carolina Hurricanes recorded a 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals.

Carolina has won eight straight on home ice.

Pitkanen's seventh goal this season snapped a 1-1 tie at 4:42 of the third. Rod Brind'Amour, Anton Babchuk and Joe Corvo (empty net, unassisted) also scored once, while Cam Ward stopped 31-of-32 shots for the Hurricanes, who are sixth in the Eastern Conference with 85 points, one behind Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Ward made his 21st consecutive start, an NHL career-high.

Washington's lone goal was Mike Green's 28th at 19:26 of the first. Jose Theodore was beaten three times on 29 shots for the Southeast Division-leading Capitals, whose 96 points are one behind the New Jersey Devils in the East.