NHL: Carolina 3, Washington 0

WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI) -- Cam Ward recorded his fourth shutout of the season Friday night as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Washington Capitals, 3-0.

The only goal he would need came from Andrew Ladd at 1:42 of the second period.

Justin Williams and Niclas Wallin added goals in the third period and Ward stopped all 25 shots he faced for the Hurricanes, who had dropped three of their previous four games.

Carolina has 75 points and is two ahead of Toronto and the New York Rangers for the eighth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

Brent Johnson made 42 saves, but was beaten twice for the Capitals, who have lost 11 of their last 12 games to fall out of the playoff chase.

There were no power play goals on a combined 12 opportunities.