After going 0-for-3 on the power play in the first period and holding only a one-goal lead despite outshooting Atlanta 14-3, Sergei Samsonov found Joe Corvo sneaking in from the point on a power play 27 seconds into the second to make it 3-1.

NUMBER TO KNOW

7

Points for Joe Corvo in 10 games with Carolina. He's plus-5 over that span.

N&O'S THREE STARS

1. Scott Walker, Carolina He's happy playing with AHL call-ups Keith Aucoin and Ryan Bayda, and why not? That line scored Carolina's first two goals and set the tone for the night.

2. Eric Staal, Carolina His work at both ends of the ice since Rod Brind'Amour went down -- 16 points in 10 games -- is nothing short of outstanding.

3. Frantisek Kaberle, Carolina His partnership with Joe Corvo seems to be working. He tied a career high with three points and has eight in the past 12 games.