Ellis stops 27 shots as Panthers shut out Hurricanes 2-0

RALEIGH, N.C. - Dan Ellis made 27 saves for his first shutout of the season, and Brandon Pirri scored in the second period to lead the Florida Panthers to a 2-0 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.

Dave Bolland added an empty-net goal for Florida, six points behind Boston and Washington for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers improved to 4-1-1 in their last six games.

It was the 15th career shutout for Ellis, who played in 19 games for Carolina in 2012-13 and went 6-8-3. He's 3-0-1 with the Panthers this season.

Cam Ward stopped 21 shots for the Hurricanes.

Pirri scored on the only power play of the second at 16:20, with Jimmy Hayes on the assist. Bolland's empty-netter on an assist from Derek MacKenzie came with 40 seconds to play.

Florida also won the previous meeting this season, 1-0 at home on Nov. 26.