UNIONDALE, N.Y., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Eric Staal broke open a tie game by scoring two goals in the second period Wednesday and carrying Carolina to a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders.
Staal boosted his goal total for the season to 25 and added an assist, helping the Hurricanes to their third win in four games. He snapped a 1-1 tie 5:55 into the second period and then tipped in a shot by Joe Corvo 1:28 later.
Brandon Sutter gave Carolina a 4-1 lead with 4:55 to play. Cam Ward made 23 saves to get the win.
All four Carolina goals came against Rick DiPietro, who stopped 27 shots.
The Islanders lost their third in a row and their 27 setbacks are second most in the NHL heading into the all-star break.
Carolina will host this weekend's NHL All-Star activities.
