ATLANTA -- The Carolina Hurricanes have done everything they can to get in position to make the playoffs.

They've won 40 games. They have 91 points. They've recovered from some tough losses to score clutch victories.

Now, will the Canes finish it off?

ATLANTA -- It took 30 games, but the Carolina Hurricanes finally got their first look Thursday at the Atlanta Thrashers.

Turns out, it was a long look.

The Hurricanes and Thrashers went 60 minutes, then an overtime, before finally settling it in a shootout. Carolina won it 3-2, getting shootout goals from Jussi Jokinen and Sergei Samsonov.

ATLANTA -- For the Carolina Hurricanes, there was much to like about Saturday's preseason game in Atlanta.

The Hurricanes beat the Thrashers 1-0 at Philips Arena, evening their preseason record at 2-2. Jeff Skinner had the winning goal. Cam Ward was super in net, making 32 saves.

Even the bad turned out good. Forward Sergei Samsonov was injured early in the third period, going head-first into the boards after being tripped by the Thrashers' Dustin Byfuglien. Samsonov was carried off the ice on a stretcher, his neck in a brace, and taken to a hospital.

But Samsonov was treated and released. He joined the team for the flight back to Raleigh, boarding the plane with the brace still around his neck but a smile on his face.

The Canes shutout the Thrashers 2-0 behind Ward's goaltending