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.

The Carolina Hurricanes took advantage during one of the Sabres' worst first periods this season. The Sabres could not recover in a 5-2 loss Thursday in Raleigh, N.C.

Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho ... Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka scored for Buffalo but it was a quick night for goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who gave up two goals in the first eight minutes and was replaced by backup James Reimer, who finished with 26 saves.

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.

The reeling Hurricanes came home desperately needing to find a way forward. A fight and two early goals — and a two-point night from Mikko Rantanen — did the trick in a 5-2 win over the Sabres.

Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho ... Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka scored for Buffalo but it was a quick night for goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who gave up two goals in the first eight minutes and was ...

Jordan Staal, Sebastian Aho ... Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka scored for Buffalo but it was a quick night for goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who gave up two goals in the first eight minutes and was ...