Justin Williams (Carolina Hurricanes) came into last night’s game against the Tampa Bay Lighting with 0 goals on the season. He got off the snide in a big way. Williams had three goals—the ol’ Hat Trick—and an assist last night. Also scoring for the Hurricanes were Ron Brind’Amour and Eric Belanger. More importantly, the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Lighting 5-1.

The Hurricanes have now rattled off three wins and are a little more respectable at 3-3-1. There’s still work to do, but they are showing life. Last night Cam Ward made 34 great saves to stop the Lighting in their tracks. The Hurricanes need him to catch fire. Earlier in the season, teams were scoring at will. It looks like the Hurricanes are getting things back under control.

Instead of giving up 5 goals a night, the Hurricanes have now given up just 5 goals over their last 3 games, which have all been wins—and on the road. On Friday they went into Atlanta and took care of them 4-3. On Saturday they rolled into Pittsburgh and sank the Penguins 5-1. Last night they repeated the score over the Lightning for their 3rd straight win.

The Hurricanes are off until Friday. They will face their toughest challenge of late when they travel into Buffalo to face the Sabres. Back on the 4th, the Sabres beat the Hurricanes 3-2 in OT in Carolina. On Friday the Hurricanes will be looking to get a little revenge on the Sabres home ice.

Glen Wesley and Bret Hedican were out again last night. RW Trevor Letowski will be re-examined this week for his concussion.