The Carolina Hurricanes took a big step Tuesday night with a 3-2 skills win over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.
Dougie Hamilton was credited with the skills winner as the Canes improved to 40-25-7.
Carolina is just two points back of the third place Penguins in the Metro Division.
Justin Williams tied the game late in the third – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
“We were looking to Dougie (off the face-off),” Justin Williams said of his third period goal that forced extra time. “If he has a shot, then shoot it. If he doesn’t, then I’ll fan out. Luckily, he shot at the glove, it bounced right in front of me and I was there to tap it in.”
Petr Mrazek made 36 saves for the win.
“Goaltending was huge, that was evident tonight,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Both guys played great. It was actually fun to watch. Obviously, our guy got the better of it at the end, so it was great.”
Jake Guentzel and Kris Letang were the Pens’ goal scorers.
Pittsburgh has lost three straight and need wins with the Canes holding two games in hand.
“The third period was our best,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “We controlled play the whole period. We scored the goal late to get a lead, they fought back. You’ve got to give them credit. They’re a good team.”
Brock McGinn also scored for the Canes.
Mrazek is 7-1-0 in his last eight games.
“He’s phenomenal,” Williams said. “He’s a gamer and I love his enthusiasm in there. As a player on the bench, when he makes a big save and he gets jacked up like that, it gets you going.”
[WATCH: All Penguins vs. Hurricanes highlights]
Matt Murray made 37 saves in the loss.
“We’d like to think we can defend leads better. We have in the past and for a long time, and (we’ve) been very good at it. I know we’re capable, but having said that, I thought it was a hard-fought point for us tonight,” Sullivan said.
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