RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Eric Staal racked up a three-point night with a two goals and an assist Monday, propelling the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-0 rout of Washington.
Staal's shorthanded, unassisted tally in the second period gave the Hurricanes a four-goal cushion and he added a late score as Carolina handed the Capitals their fifth loss in six games.
Justin Peters, playing in place of the injured Cam Ward, earned his first career NHL shutout with 17 saves.
Early goals by Justin Faulk and Anthony Stewart chased starting Capitals goaltender Tomas Vokoun and Andreas Nodl also scored for the Hurricanes.
Vokoun stopped 5-of-7 shots while replacement Michal Neuvirth made 30 saves on 33 shots the rest of the way.
Washington fell to 4-7-3 in its last 14 games.
