Skinner's goal lifts Carolina over Kings

Raleigh, NC – Jeff Skinner scored a tiebreaking goal early in 1, on Saturday.

Skinner battled down low and banged home the rebound of a Jussi Jokinen shot behind Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Bernier at 3:02.

"You just have to stay mentally tough and play with confidence," Skinner said.

Jiri Tlusty provided a second-period goal for the Hurricanes, who have won three of their last four games.

Cam Ward turned aside 24 shots to earn his 20th win of the season. He was coming off a 47-save performance in Thursday's 3-0 victory at Boston. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner set a franchise record for the most saves ever by a Carolina netminder in a shutout.

Anze Kopitar lit the lamp for Los Angeles, which has dropped the first two stops on its six-game road trip.

Bernier made 20 saves in his first start since January 9.

"I thought we played a solid game," Kings coach Darryl Sutter said.

Kopitar got the Kings on the board when he gathered a feed from Justin Williams and sent a shot past Ward for a power-play goal 4:58 into the game.

Carolina tied the game when Tlusty blocked a point shot in his zone and beat Bernier on the ensuing breakaway from the right circle at the 15:40 mark of the second.

Game Notes

The Hurricanes improved to 8-2-1 in their last 11 games at the RBC Center...Los Angeles had won three straight against Carolina...Hurricanes forward Patrick Dwyer played in his 200th career game.