Skinner scores go-ahead goal, Hurricanes cap 10-win January by beating Blues 3-1

RALEIGH, N.C. - Jeff Skinner scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 on Friday night.

Alexander Semin added an empty-netter with 1:04 left and Nathan Gerbe scored on an early power play.

They helped the Hurricanes win their fifth in six games to remain in the mix in the crowded Metropolitan Division.

David Backes scored on the power play for St. Louis.

The Blues, who average 3.36 goals per game, missed a chance to pull even with Chicago atop the Central Division by losing just their fourth game against an Eastern Conference team.

Anton Khudobin stopped 26 shots for the Hurricanes.

Jaroslav Halak made 28 saves in his fourth straight start, but had his four-game winning streak snapped.