Associated Press
The NHL Roundup …
RALEIGH ó Eric Staal scored three goals in less than 24 minutes to lead Carolina to its season-high third straight victory.
Busting out of an eight-game scoring drought, Staal completed his fifth career hat trick in the final minute of the second period.
Ray Whitney scored two late goals, including one into an empty net. Joni Pitkanen had three assists and Cam Ward stopped 26 shots for Carolina.
Shane Doan and Kevin Porter scored for Phoenix.
Bruins 4, Panthers 2
BOSTON ó Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron had a goal and an assist each to lead Boston to its eighth victory in nine games, a 4-2 decision over Florida on Friday night that moved the Bruins into a tie for the Eastern Conference lead.
Lightning 4, Predators 1
TAMPA, Fla. ó Vincent Lecavalier had two goals and Tampa Bay gave interim coach Rick Tocchet his first NHL victory.
Flyers 3, Sabres 0
BUFFALO, N.Y. ó Martin Biron made 40 saves for his first shutout of the season and 24th overall, and Jeff Carter scored twice for Philadelphia.
Devils 5, Islanders 2
NEWARK, N.J.ó David Clarkson and Travis Zajac scored 10 seconds apart in the first period for New Jersey, and Kevin Weekes made 25 saves for his 100th NHL victory.
Blues 3, Ducks 2, OT
ST. LOUIS ó Lee Stempniak scored an unassisted goal with 2:21 left in overtime for St. Louis to end the Ducks’ road winning streak at five games.
The Ducks’ Scott Niedermayer scored with 0.9 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.