Top line getting it done

Samsonov, Staal, Ruutu developing chemistry together

RALEIGH -- Sergei Samsonov has had the sensation before with the Carolina Hurricanes -- the thrill, the satisfaction, of scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.

"Last year, against New Jersey," the forward said Saturday.

But it was Samsonov's goal Friday, the one that beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in overtime, that could be a catalyst for the Canes and another boost for the veteran winger. It came suddenly, on a burst of speed, with power, with a nifty shot that beat Flyers goalie Martin Biron.

The Canes' victory came at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, against a Flyers team that had won six straight games. More important, it ended a three-game losing streak that was turning the Carolina dressing room into an increasingly tense place.

"It was a gritty effort, a great win and good for the spirit of the guys," the Canes' Eric Staal said.

While the Hurricanes (12-10-2) earned it, they also got a break. The Flyers, leading 1-0, scored again on a rush in the second period, only to have the goal waved off for having too many men on the ice.

"As soon as that happened, we kind of knew," Samsonov said. "Guys on the bench talked about it, that this was our break and we had to go out and get it.

"We really put everything we've got on the ice and we came out on top. It's good to see the team recognizes what we need to do. We got that break and we did something about it."

The Canes scored twice in the second period, but the game went to overtime with the score 2-2, and Samsonov's goal was as much Matt Cullen's doing as his own, he said. Cullen controlled the puck in the neutral zone, then bounced it off the left boards in front of Samsonov.

"Cully was patient with the puck and let me wind up," Samsonov said. "He put it in an open spot where I could get some speed, and I kind of caught the defensemen a little flat-footed."

Said Staal: "He caught 'em sleeping a little, got a chance to cut to the net and made a great shot when he got there."

The goal was the second of the season for Samsonov. After going the first 18 games without one, he broke through for his first in a 2-1 win over Montreal on Nov. 18 and now two goals and three assists in the last six games.

"There's always pressure [to score], obviously," Samsonov said. "But once you get that first one out of the way, you can breathe a little bit, you know?

"The longer it goes, you start thinking and that's not a good thing. You just have to go out and play and react. Once you start thinking about where you want to shoot and how you want to score, it's not a good situation."

Earlier in the season, Samsonov had a tendency to control the puck too much, looking for the right pass. He'd spin and spin.

Now, he's shooting more than spinning. Playing on a line with Staal and Tuomo Ruutu, he's trying to put the puck on net more often and let the line go crashing and hunting for rebounds.

"Those two guys, they can hold onto the puck in the zone forever," Samsonov said. "I just try to get open in the offensive zone.

"It seems the way everybody plays now, they collapse five guys [defensively]. Rarely can you get a guy a pass between the five guys for a clear shot, so you might as well shoot it."

Staal and Samsonov said their line is developing better chemistry with each game. The passes are more automatic. Each has a better feel for the other.

"We're doing a better job of supporting each other in the offensive zone," Staal said. "If one guy gets off the puck, the other guy is right there to pick it up. I think that just comes with time."

Today, the Canes face the Anaheim Ducks at the RBC Center. Staal's line, and the others, will be tested by a big, physical team.

"Hopefully," Staal said, "we can continue to build momentum."

And enjoy that winning sensation again.