Jay McClement scored what proved to be the game winner as the Hurricanes clipped the Blackhawks 3-2 in Raleigh. Elias Lindholm and Lee Stempniak also lit the lamp as Carolina won for the fourth time in five games. Cam Ward stopped 27-of-29 shots in the winning effort. The Canes improved to 16-12-and-7.
Michal Kempny notched his first career goal in defeat for Chicago. Kempny also assisted on a Vinnie Hinostroza goal as the first-place Hawks lost for the fourth time in five games.
The Blackhawks play in the NHL Winter Classic on Monday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis against the Blues.