Burns, Sharks get back on track, beat Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — After their worst stretch of the season, the San Jose Sharks are back on the winning track.

Brent Burns had a goal and an assist as the Sharks beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 on Sunday.

Timo Meier and Chris Tierney scored, and Aaron Dell stopped 29 shots for this first win in two weeks. The Sharks never trailed while winning their second straight following a season-high four-game skid.

“I wouldn’t say we’re rounding into form; I think we just got back to it,” Sharks captain Joe Pavelski said. “Real big commitment, it’s created a little bit of momentum. Everyone is buying in.”

Sebastian Aho scored for the Hurricanes, who missed a chance to move into sole possession of the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot. Cam Ward made 23 saves and saw his personal three-game win streak snapped.

The Hurricanes were outshot 12-5 in a lethargic first period, by the end of which they trailed 2-1. Coach Bill Peters said major lineup changes are in store following the effort.

“Disappointing effort. Disappointing preparation. We got what we deserved,” Peters said. “(The lineup) will be different Tuesday. There’s three healthy bodies (in reserve), and if it’s not those three, there’s a group down in (American Hockey League affiliate) Charlotte, too.”

Dell had a redemptive performance after allowing five and six goals, respectively, in his previous two starts. After giving up Aho’s goal, Dell stopped the final 25 shots he faced.

At Montreal, Artturi Lehkonen had two goals to snap a 24-game scoring slump, backing Carey Price, who had 25 saves. Tomas Plekanec had a goal and an assist, becoming the 13th Montreal player to reach 600 points.

Canadiens 4, Senators 1—