Raleigh, NC -- (Sports Network) - Ray Whitney's power-play goal in the third period proved to be the game-winner, and Cam Ward was strong with 28 saves, as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 2-1, at RBC Center.

Sergei Samsonov also scored for Carolina, which has won two straight following a three-game skid. The Hurricanes remain at home for two more contests in this four-game homestand which will continue on Friday against Phoenix.

Robert Lang scored the only goal for Montreal, which has dropped three of its last four games. Carey Price was tremendous between the pipes with 46 saves in defeat.

The Canadiens opened the scoring 1:07 into the second period on a power-play goal by Lang. Ryan Bayda's roughing penalty carried over from the first stanza and the Habs used nifty passing to maintain control in their offensive zone. Alex Kovalev held control along the lower right half-wall near the goal line and passed into the low slot for a successful one-timer by Lang from near the outer rim of the right circle.

With under seven minutes remaining in the second, the Hurricanes had a chance to tie it up. Brandon Sutter used his speed to streak in on a partial breakaway, but was hauled down from behind as his wrist shot was pushed aside. An irate Canes bench wanted a penalty shot, but they didn't even get a power play.

Carolina battled back and scored twice within a three-plus minute span in the early stages of the third period for a 2-1 lead.

First, at the 3:06 mark, Samsonov's first goal of 2008-09 knotted the contest. Crossing the blue line on a 3-on-2 rush, Patrick Eaves held control near the high right half-wall and slipped a pass to Samsonov, who skated in and beat Price with a wrister from inside the circle.

Soon after, the Canes went to the power play after an interference minor was called on Ryan O'Byrne. Dennis Seidenberg's point shot missed wide but caromed off the rear boards into the low slot beneath the left circle, where Whitney was in position for the rebound and he lit the lamp at 6:33.

Price made a tremendous save on Matt Cullen, who was all alone near the left post, with 11:30 remaining in regulation to keep the Habs within one. Less than three minutes later, Montreal forward Andrei Kostitsyn hit the far post on a laser slap shot from the right circle.

The Hurricanes clogged the neutral zone for the most of the remainder of regulation and held on for the one-goal victory.

Neither team was able to register a goal in the opening period, with Price denying 18 shots and Ward making eight saves.

Game Notes

Prior to this game, Montreal was 7-0-1 when it scored first this season...The 46 saves were a career-high for Price...Montreal is now 5-3-2 on the road in 2008-09. The Habs will visit Ottawa on Thursday...Carolina improved to 5-4-0 at home this season...The Habs were 1-for-6 on the power play while the Canes finished 1-for-4 with the extra skater...Attendance was 12,164.