NHL: Carolina 9, N.Y. Islanders 0

RALEIGH, N.C., April 7 (UPI) -- Eric Staal got his fourth hat trick of the season Tuesday in the Carolina Hurricanes' 9-0 rout of the New York Islanders.

It was Staal's eighth career three-goal game and increased his goal total this season to 39. Staal also had an assist.

It was Carolina's ninth consecutive victory, matching a stretch set twice during the 2005-06 season when the Hurricanes won their only Stanley Cup championship.

The Hurricanes have clinched a playoff berth and remain in a virtual tie with Philadelphia for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Cam Ward made 12 saves for his sixth shutout of the season and 12th in his career. Anton Babchuk and Erik Cole each had four assists and Tuomo Ruutu scored twice.