HURRICANES 4, PREDATORS 3: Captain Eric Staal had a goal and two assists and Jeff Skinner added a pair of helpers as Carolina outlasted visiting Nashville in a wild affair.

Defenseman Bryan Allen, who had just exited the penalty box, gave the Hurricanes a 4-2 lead at 1:28 of the third period with his first goal in 95 games.

Rookie Gabriel Bourque scored for Nashville less than a minute later but a comeback was ultimately squashed by stellar goaltending from Cam Ward. The netminder made 26 saves – including 15 in the third period - for his 22nd win of the season.

Tim Brent gave the Hurricanes a 3-2 lead with his ninth of the season to cap a three-goal second period for Carolina.

Staal made it 2-2 when he extended his point streak to nine games - also on a power play - with his 19th of the season.

Earlier in the frame, Jamie McBain tied the game at 1-1 when his point shot deflected off Nashville defenseman Hal Gill and into the net.

Nashville temporarily held a 2-1 lead in the second period when Colin Wilson netted his 15th of the season. Rookie Craig Smith scored the game’s first goal in the opening frame.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Newly acquired C Paul Gaustad did not play for Nashville. ... Nashville had gone seven straight games without giving up a power-play goal. ... The Hurricanes have scored on the power play in four straight games. ... Ward made his first start after missing three games with a lower body injury.