NHL: Carolina 3, Tampa Bay 2

TAMPA, Fla., April 21 (UPI) -- Jiri Tlusty scored twice in the first period Sunday and the Carolina Hurricanes rode his efforts to a 3-2 victory over Tampa Bay.

Carolina's Alexander Semin scored just 16 seconds into the contest for a quick 1-0 lead and Tlusty followed with his two markers to break the contest open.

Semin assisted on both of Tlusty's tallies as the Hurricanes won for only the second time in 12 contests.

Dan Ellis turned aside 35 shots in notching the victory.

Steven Stamkos scored his 28th goal of the season and Martin St. Louis also found the net for the Lightning.

Anders Lindback made 25 stops in the loss.