RALEIGH  — Jeff Skinner remains on a roll. Jamie McBain has started one.

Skinner scored a pair of goals in the first period, his 28th and 29th of the season, and McBain added another two scores Wednesday as the Carolina Hurricanes whipped the Montreal Canadiens 6-2. Joni Pitkanen and Cory Stillman also scored for the Canes (37-30-10), who beat the Habs for the first time this season.

The Canes, who beat the Washington Capitals 3-2 in a shootout Tuesday, have 84 points but remained three points out of playoff position in the NHL East as the Buffalo Sabres (87 points) beat the New York Rangers (87 points).

The Canadiens (41-30-7) got power-play goals from Mike Cammalleri and P.K. Subban. The Habs have 89 points and are sixth in the East but have lost four of their last five games.

"It was an emotional game last night in Washington," Ward said. "To be able to respond and play with the up-tempo we did tonight really speaks volumes about the character in the room. We clearly know what's at stake here. Things are looking really good."

MONTREAL — The Hurricanes' 4-3 loss to the Canadiens on Satursday offered a classic example of how quickly things can change in a game.

With 6:25 left in regulation, the Canes were in a 3-3 game and seemingly had momentum. Jeff Skinner, having taken a pass from Erik Cole, was crossing the Habs blue line with the puck and carrying it down the left wing.

A lot of good things have happened this season when Skinner has the puck. But in a span of five seconds, Skinner first faked a shot, had one blocked by Hal Gill, then became tangled up with P.K. Subban near the corner. Just like that, Skinner was called for holding and the Habs on a power play.