RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Eric Staal scored three goals Sunday to record his second career hat trick as Carolina beat the St. Louis Blues, 4-2, for its seventh straight victory.
Staal also recorded an assist to finish with four points; Ray Whitney scored once; both Eric Cole and Justin Williams assisted twice; and Cam Ward made 31 saves for the Hurricanes (30-10-4), who trailed, 2-0, after the first period.
Both of Staal's hat tricks have come this season. He had not scored in eight games and increased his goal-scoring total to 29.
Petr Cajanek and Mike Sillinger scored goals; Kevin Dallman had two assists; and goalie Kevin Dallman made 33 saves for St. Louis (10-28-5), which has a six-game losing streak.
The Hurricanes out-shot the Blues, 37-33. On the power play, the Hurricanes went 3-for-11, and the Blues were 2-for-7.
