NHL: Carolina 6, Tampa Bay 2

RALEIGH, N.C., April 2 (UPI) -- Chad LaRose scored a hat trick to carry Carolina into sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division Wednesday with a 6-2 win over Tampa Bay.

Eric Staal and Tuomo Ruutu each registered a goal and assist for the Hurricanes.

Goaltender Cam Ward blocked 23 shots.

Martin St. Louis had a goal and an assist for the Lightning, who have lost six of their last eight contests.

Tampa Bay goaltender Mike Smith gave up all the Carolina scores and finished with 26 saves.