The Carolina Hurricanes started out strong, had a lull in the second period, but then came on strong again in the third to defeat the New York Rangers, 4-3 in front of 16,336 at the PNC Arena on Thursday night.
This was the first time that former captain Eric Staal had returned to the PNC after a trade deadline deal sent him to New York. The Hurricanes honored him with several tributes before and during the game. He almost got on the scoreboard early when he found himself all alone in front of Cam Ward in the first period, but his friend stopped him.