Hurricanes 6, Panthers 2: Jussi Jokinen collected two goals and an assist and rookie Riley Nash recorded his first career NHL tally and set up two others as Carolina won the opener of its home-and-home set with visiting Florida.

Captain Eric Staal scored twice and Jiri Tlusty registered his 10th goal in 11 contests. Alexander Semin notched three assists and Cam Ward turned aside 22 shots for the Hurricanes, who improved to 1-5-0 versus their Southeast Division rivals this season.

Shawn Matthias and defenseman Filip Kuba scored and Jose Theodore exited the game early with an apparent right knee injury for the struggling Panthers, who have dropped nine of their last 11 contests (2-5-4).

Theodore denied Jokinen with his right pad just over two minutes into the game before crumpling to the ice. Scott Clemmensen (27 saves) came in and promptly yielded three goals on the first nine shots he faced as Carolina claimed a 3-0 lead midway through the opening period.

Nash answered Matthias' fourth goal of the season by converting a 2-on-1 rush at 5:22 of the second period. Nash briefly injured himself after he careened into the boards, but quickly returned to the contest.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Carolina D Joni Pitkanen suffered a lower-body injury during the first period. Pitkanen, who was activated from injured reserve prior to the game, did not return to the contest. ... Jokinen recorded his first two-goal game since Jan. 20, 2012 against Washington. ... Prior to Saturday's outburst, the Hurricanes were outscored 22-8 during the first period.