Aho hat trick powers hot Hurricanes

Sebastian Aho had three goals and an assist to help the Hurricanes beat the Predators 6-3 on Sunday afternoon in Raleigh, N.C.

The Hurricanes won for the seventh time in eight games. Justin Williams, Saku Maenalanen and Lucas Wallmark and Micheal Ferland had a pair of assists for the Hurricanes, who have won five straight at home. Petr Mrazek made 20 saves for his third win in four starts.

It was the first hat trick of the season for Aho. The All-Star center has five goals in the last two games, running his team-best total to 21 for the season.

The Predators, who had earned at least a point in seven straight games, got two goals from Filip Forsberg and another from Colton Sissons, but goaltender Pekka Rinne was chased in the second period.

■ G Braden Holtby practiced less than 24 hours after taking a stick to his left eye during the Capitals' 2-1 OT loss to the Blue Jacktes. Holtby left the game and didn't return. But Sunday, he said the injury, which he called “a scratch,” was “progressing the right way.” Caps coach Todd Reirden said Holtby would be re-evaluated, but that the team didn't plan to recall another goaltender.