(Sports Network) - After sweeping a home-and-home series with Buffalo the
Carolina Hurricanes will shoot for a third consecutive victory when they host
the Boston Bruins in Monday's battle at PNC Arena.
Carolina lost two straight in regulation to begin the season and was outscored
by a combined 9-2 margin in those contests. However, the Hurricanes were able
to get on track with a pair of victories over the Sabres, including Friday's
decision in Buffalo.
The 'Canes posted a 6-3 decision over the visiting Sabres on Thursday and
followed that victory with Friday's 3-1 win at First Niagara Center. Jay
Harrison scored the deciding goal with 4:50 remaining in the third period to
help Carolina complete the home-and-home sweep.
Alexander Semin and Jeff Skinner also tallied in the third period for the
Hurricanes, while Dan Ellis stopped 40 shots in a sharp first start of the
season.
"The last two games we've really come into our own in terms of playing our
system, and I think adding that element of grit to our game has really helped
us," said Ellis, who was signed after the lockout to serve as Cam Ward's
backup.
Carolina is playing the first of two straight on home ice and will welcome the
Ottawa Senators on Friday.
The Bruins last were in action on Friday, when they notched a win over the
visiting New York Islanders. Boston has yet to lose in regulation this season,
going 3-0-1 out of the gate.
Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron tallied in the third period on Friday to lift
the Bruins to a 4-2 victory over the Islanders. Shawn Thornton and Gregory
Campbell also scored for the Bruins, who recovered from an overtime loss to
the Rangers on Wednesday.
"It's really tough to gain back points that you give away early in the season,
especially with the shortened season," Campbell said. "Every team's so good
nowadays, it's a point or two that separate teams from making the playoffs or
not."
Tuukka Rask made 24 stops to remain unbeaten in regulation in the early going.
Boston is 3-0 at home, but will aim for its first road win of the season on
Monday. The B's were 25-15-1 as the guest in 2011-12.
Carolina has won four straight in the series with Boston overall and the
Bruins have lost their last two tests in Raleigh.
The Sports Network