Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-2 on Thursday night at Raleigh, N.C., winning for only the second time in the past seven games.

Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka scored goals for the Sabres. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made five saves on seven shots in 7:57 before giving way to James Reimer, who stopped 27 of 29 shots in relief. Carolina - the NHL's best team in terms of shot-attempt percentage - led 36-16 in shots on goal.

Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho, Taylor Hall and Seth Jarvis also scored for Carolina ... who gave up two goals in the first eight minutes and was replaced by backup James Reimer, who finished with 26 saves. Rantanen set up Aho at 7:57 to give Carolina ...

Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho, Taylor Hall and Seth Jarvis also ... goals in the first eight minutes and was replaced by backup James Reimer, who finished with 26 saves. Rantanen set up Aho at ...