Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork. Erik Palmer-Brown Jersey .com) - Jiri Tlusty recorded two goals and an assist as the Carolina Hurricanes came through with a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opener of a home-and-home series. Nathan Gerbe snapped a 2-2 tie with a power-play score early in the third period that helped the Hurricanes halt a three-game skid and deal the powerful Penguins just their third regulation defeat in their last 16 outings. Carolina entered the matchup an NHL-worst 2-9-2 on the road this season. Patrick Dwyer added a goal to support a 20-save effort from Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward. Pittsburgh, which was outshot by a 35-22 margin, received goals from Kris Letang and Patric Hornqvist. Sidney Crosby assisted on both markers, with Marc-Andre Fleury stopping 31-of-34 chances in defeat. We just didnt play well, Crosby said. (The Hurricanes) work hard. They pressure the puck and they just out-battled us, but they did the right things and we didnt play well at all. After outplaying the Penguins through two periods but still mired in a 2-2 deadlock, the Hurricanes capitalized on a goaltender interference penalty to Crosby to regain the upper hand. Elias Lindholm hit Gerbe in the left circle with a pass across the width of the ice, and the diminutive wing fired a shot through Fleurys pads 3:10 into the frame. The Hurricanes maintained the lead as Pittsburgh barely tested Ward the rest of the way, with Tlusty sealing the outcome on an empty-net goal with 12.4 seconds left. We were able to control our gaps and prevent them from getting in the neutral zone and it seemed to (get to) them a little bit, said Ward. Carolina struck first near the end of an opening period in which they racked up 17 shots, with Tlustys bad-angle attempt from the left boards caroming off the leg of Pittsburghs Olli Maatta and trickling by Fleury just under 16 minutes in. The Penguins answered a mere 43 seconds later, however, when Letang swooped in to poke a rebound of Nick Spalings wrister into an open left side. Carolina regained the upper hand early in the second, as a Pittsburgh turnover near center ice led to Dwyer beating Fleury glove-side with 2:54 elapsed in the stanza. Pittsburgh again had a response, however, as Hornqvist took in a drop pass from Crosby in transition and rocketed the puck by Ward 4:08 prior to the second intermission. Game Notes The two teams will square off again Saturday in Raleigh ... Pittsburgh was dealt its first regulation loss at home since a 5-3 setback to Philadelphia on Oct. 22 ... The Hurricanes had been 1-4-2 in their last seven visits to Pittsburgh, which had won five of the last six overall meetings between the clubs ... Crosby now has six assists over the Penguins last three games ... Pittsburghs Evgeni Malkin had a six-game point streak halted ... Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford held the same role for Carolina from 1994 until stepping down in March. Tim Howard Jersey . Irving played 10 minutes Sunday night before going to the locker room. He had two points and four assists, missing all five of his shots. The All-Star game MVP is the top scorer among Eastern Conference point guards with 21. Omar Gonzalez Jersey .com) - The New York Islanders will try to solve their issues against Central Division opponents when they visit the Minnesota Wild for Tuesdays battle at Xcel Energy Center.SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and coach Jim Harbaugh have made it clear they have zero tolerance for domestic violence and consider defensive tackle Ray McDonalds arrest a serious matter. The team is gathering as much information as possible in the wake of the veteran defensive tackles arrest Sunday on felony domestic violence charges. Baalke said the organization would let the legal process play out before determining what is next for McDonald with the team. Baalke said he has had lengthy conversations with McDonald since Sunday. "This matter is being treated seriously by this organization," Baalke said. "This is certainly something that hits home for me. Ive got two daughters myself. Domestic violence is unacceptable, and it certainly wont be tolerated." Harbaugh maintained his firm stance about the topic during his Tuesday morning radio segment on KNBR-AM, two days after McDonald was arrested during a party for his 30th birthday -- which was Tuesday. Harbaughs first media availability of the week is Wednesday as the team prepares for its season opener Sunday at Dallas. "You ask me how I feel about domestic violence. I can be very clear about that," Harbaugh said on the radio. "If someone physically abuses a woman and/or physically or mentally abuses or hurts a child, then theres no understanding. Theres no tolerance for that." McDonald is out on $25,000 bail following his arrest at his San Jose home early Sunday where he was celebrating his milestone birthday with many teammates and friends. San Jose police released few details Tuesday surrounding McDonalds arrest, only saying that officers at the scene saw the alleged victim with "visible injuries." McDonalds arrest came just days after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced last week tougher penalties for players accused of domestic violence, including a six-week suspension for a first offence and at least a year for a second. The move followed scrutiny over Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rices two-game penalty stemming from his arrest on an assault charge in February. "Weve been in contact with the league on several occasions since this incident took place," Baalke ssaid. Sacha Kljestan Jersey. "They know exactly the stance that were taking and the things that were trying to do to make the best possible decision we can. Theyre guiding us but theyre not telling us exactly how to handle this matter. The matter will be handled by the organization." Harbaugh said he didnt know all of the details regarding McDonald and cautioned against any rush to judgment. The coach also said Tuesday that he wouldnt allow any player who was found guilty of domestic violence on his team. "Yes, we would not. We can be very clear (on that)," Harbaugh said. "This is a legal matter. I think we all owe, to everyone involved, the ability for due process to take place." An eight-year veteran, McDonald was schedule to participate in Tuesdays team workout. If hes held out of Sundays game, defensive lineman Tony Jerod-Eddie would likely fill his spot. However, the team was left answering far more questions about its latest rash of off-field issues than the season opener Sunday at Dallas. Harbaugh met with the team Tuesday to reiterate his zero tolerance policy on domestic violence. Baalke said he hasnt spoken to other players who attended McDonalds birthday party. Tight end Vernon Davis said he was there along with many other teammates throughout the evening. Davis said he left when the police arrived. "I didnt see them arrest him. I tried to stay out of it. Ill talk to Ray later. I didnt see anything. I didnt hear anything. So I dont know what went on over there," Davis said. "All I do know is Ray is a great guy, hes awesome." McDonalds arrest came two days after linebacker Aldon Smith received a nine-game suspension for violations of the NFL substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies. Asked about the 49ers having players arrested an NFL-high 10 times since 2012, Harbaugh said Tuesday that the team is doing "everything in our power to make sure there isnt a pattern forming." "I as a coach, the organization, the other coaches, have made it a point and well continue to make it a point of emphasis of good conduct, 100 per cent of the time," Harbaugh said. "We believe its personal. We believe its part of our responsibility." ' ' '
