– The Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Staal had two goals and an assist, Justin Peters cruised to his first NHL shutout, and the Carolina Hurricanes routed the reeling Washington Capitals 5-0 on Monday night.

Justin Faulk and Anthony Stewart scored in a 1:28 span and Andreas Nodl added a goal during Carolina’s three-goal first period.

Peters needed to make just 17 saves to win his second straight start. He replaced Cam Ward, who was out with an undisclosed lower body injury.

Jiri Tlusty had two assists, giving him points in a team-best eight straight games. The Hurricanes led 4-0 after 40 minutes and won their third in four games, improving to 11-3-1 in their last 15 at home.

Tomas Vokoun allowed two goals on seven shots before he was pulled at 5:09. Michal Neuvirth made 30 saves but gave up the final three goals.

The Capitals have lost 5 of 6, and in two visits to Carolina since Coach Dale Hunter took over for Bruce Boudreau, they have been outscored 8-0.

After spending most of the season in last place, Carolina has pulled even with Buffalo for 14th place in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes are one point behind fourth-place Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division.

SENATORS 6, ISLANDERS 0: Erik Karlsson and Jason Spezza each scored twice, Craig Anderson made 28 saves and visiting Ottawa won its third straight.

The Senators moved within two points of first-place Boston in the Northeast Division and one point behind Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for fifth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

NOTES

The Nashville Predators extended the contract of David Poile, who has served as the franchise’s only general manager since its inception 14 years ago. Predators chairman Tom Cigarran announced Poile’s contract now runs through the 2014-15 season. Assistant general manager Paul Fenton was also given an extended contract. Cigarran credits the team’s consistent success to the players, coaches and staff assembled by Poile. Cigarran says he and the rest of Nashville’s ownership group believes Poile’s leadership will help the Predators win the Stanley Cup. The Predators have won 40 or more games in each of the previous six seasons. …. The Detroit Red Wings put goaltender Ty Conklin on waivers. If he isn’t claimed by noon today, he will be assigned to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.