NHL: Buffalo 5, Carolina 1

RALEIGH, N.C., April 9 (UPI) -- Buffalo's Jason Pominville scored twice and the Sabres whipped Carolina 5-1 Thursday, ending the Hurricanes' nine-game win streak.

Matt Ellis, Jochen Hecht and Derek Roy also scored for Buffalo, which is out of the NHL playoff picture.

Sabres goalie Ryan Miller blocked 26 shots.

Eric Staal scored for playoff-bound Carolina, which is tied with Philadelphia for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Hurricanes' Cam Ward was credited with nine saves before he was replaced by Michael Leighton, who had 11.