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Hurricanes top Tampa Bay 3-2

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Jan 3, 2009

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Joni Pitkanen and Justin Williams each had a goal and an assist, and the Carolina Hurricanes rallied from an early two-goal deficit for a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night.

Chad LaRose also scored for the Hurricanes, who have won three straight and 7 of 10.

The Lightning got goals from Ryan Craig and Vinny Prospal. Tampa Bay has lost three in a row and 20 of 25.

Carolina took its first lead, at 3-2, on Pitkanen's goal from the left point at 6:21 of the second.

Tampa Bay converted two Carolina turnovers into a pair of goals 1 minute, 36 seconds apart by Craig (5:05) and Prospal (6:41) for a 2-0 first-period lead.

The Hurricanes tied it later in the first on goals by Williams, during a power play at 14:46, and LaRose 1:11 later.

Tampa Bay defenseman Andrej Meszaros left in the final minute of the second after being cut on the face by Anton Babchuk's shot.

Lightning left wing Ryan Malone blocked a shot by Sergei Samsonov when Tampa Bay goalie Mike Smith was caught out of position after making an errant pass 9 minutes into the game.

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By packster56
Posted Jan 4, 2:21 p.m.

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RE: Hurricanes top Tampa Bay 3-2

i gotta say i was shocked by the return of Maurice. He has since surprised me in a good way. He has seemed to really turn this team around. some is just the shake up but i think he has implemented some changes that have really helped get the canes rolling.

By packster56
Posted Jan 4, 9:21 a.m.

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RE: Hurricanes top Tampa Bay 3-2

now that the toughest stretch of schedule is over with hopefully we can staying in winning form and maybe make up some points on washington in january and february. I think we have to win the division or atleast be very close to make the playoffs this year.

By kornisgreat
Posted Jan 4, 1:28 a.m.

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Location: Clayton, NC

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RE: Hurricanes top Tampa Bay 3-2

Yeah i agree with you they are playing great hockey right now great defense, scoring just enough goals to win hockey games.
GO CANES

By mpbrown3
Posted Jan 3, 10:48 p.m.

Rank: Bench Warmer
Posts: 46
Joined: Dec, 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC

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RE: Hurricanes top Tampa Bay 3-2

Didnt look good at first but nice to see them pick up wins on back to back nights. Looks like the canes may be on the right track. GO CANES.