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RALEIGH -- Nothing like a visit from the Great One to get Eric Staal scoring again.

Staal had three goals in less than 24 minutes to lead the Carolina Hurricanes past the Phoenix Coyotes, 5-2 on Friday night.

Busting out of an eight-game scoring drought in a big way, Staal completed his fifth career hat trick in the final minute of the second period to help the Hurricanes claim their season-high third straight victory.

And that Wayne Gretzky was behind the Coyotes' bench, trying to figure out how to stop him, made it that much more special.

"He's the best player at it -- and he's watching, coaching against you. It definitely adds a little bit more to the game," Staal said. "And I wanted to show my stuff."

Ray Whitney scored two late goals, including one into an empty net. Joni Pitkanen had three assists and Cam Ward stopped 26 shots for Carolina.

Phoenix 2 0 0 -- 2

Carolina 1 2 2 -- 5

First Period--1, Phoenix, Porter 4 (Yandle, Jovanovski), 8:56 (pp). 2, Carolina, Staal 6 (Samsonov, Ruutu), 15:16. 3, Phoenix, Doan 11, 17:03. Penalties--Staal, Car, double minor (high-sticking), 4:21 Eaves, Car (high-sticking), 7:33.

Second Period--4, Carolina, Staal 7 (Pitkanen, Wallin), 8:00. 5, Carolina, Staal 8 (Walker, Pitkanen), 19:14. Penalties--Babchuk, Car (hooking), 10:56 Mueller, Pho (hooking), 12:02 Hanzal, Pho (hooking), 15:24.

Third Period--6, Carolina, Whitney 6 (Brind'Amour), 17:39. 7, Carolina, Whitney 7 (Walker, Pitkanen), 19:28 (en). Penalties--Hanzal, Pho (high-sticking), 20:00.

Shots on Goal--Phoenix 15-7-6--28. Carolina 12-13-8--33.

Power-play opportunities--Phoenix 1 of 4. Carolina 0 of 2.

Goalies--Phoenix, Bryzgalov 7-8-1 (32 shots-28 saves). Carolina, Ward 7-5-2 (28-26).

A--14,848 (18,680). T--2:22.

Referees--Marc Joannette, Kelly Sutherland. Linesmen--David Brisebois, Darren Gibbs.