TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Jiri Tlusty scored two of Carolina's four first-period goals Thursday, allowing the Hurricanes to coast to a 5-2 win over Tampa Bay.
Carolina won for just the second time in six games and handed the Lightning their fifth straight setback.
Tuomo Ruutu and Tlusty scored 1:14 apart early in the first period and then Jay Harrison and Tlusty tallied in the span of 68 seconds late in the stanza. They were the eighth and ninth goals of the season for Tlusty, whose career best for one season came in his rookie campaign of 2007-08 when he scored 10 for Toronto.
Mathieu Garon opened in goal for Tampa Bay and allowed three goals on eight shots before being replaced by Dwayne Roloson.
The win went to Cam Ward, who made 34 saves.
