Staal, Ward lead Hurricanes over Senators 4-1

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Eric Staal had a goal and two assists, goalie Cam Ward stopped 35 shots and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 4-1 on Sunday.

Jason Spezza gave Ottawa the lead 1:07 in with his 10th goal of the season, but Carolina scored three times in the second period.

Patrick Dwyer, Tuomo Ruutu and rookie Elias Lindholm each scored for the Hurricanes, who have won 10 of 11 at home against Ottawa. Staal scored an empty-net goal with 2:29 left.

Dwyer got his third goal of the season with a stinging shot inside the upper far post from the right circle at 3:10 to tie it.

Three minutes later Ruutu gave Carolina a 2-1 lead, and midway through the period Lindholm, a rookie, scored on the power play for the Hurricanes.

Ottawa goalie Robin Lehner was solid except for the 6-minute stretch in the second period, finishing with 33 saves.

NOTES - Carolina LW Jirii Tlusty played his 300th NHL game. ... Staal extended his point streak to six games. ... Ottawa C Mika Zibanejad has three points (1g, 2a) in his last three games. ... The Senators played their 1,600th game in franchise history.