Carolina Hurricanes coach Bill Peters says he doesn’t pay attention to the NHL standings.
It’s all about winning the next game, he said. The rest will take care of itself.
The Hurricanes, powered by defenseman Justin Faulk’s first career hat trick, took care of their business Tuesday, jumping to a 5-0 lead against the Los Angeles Kings and winning 7-3 at PNC Arena.
Jeff Skinner scored twice — his second goal quashing a Kings comeback attempt in the third period — for the Canes (27-21-9), who solidified their wild-card playoff position in the Eastern Conference with 63 points.