Jeff Skinner scored 22 seconds into the second period to put the Hurricanes up 2-1.
The Lightning began to press after that goal and had some quality shots on Cam Ward, who was forced to stand tall in net in the second period.
Tampa Bay had a two minutes of a chance on a 5-on-3 but did not capitalize on the man advantage. Vincent Lecavalier had all three shots on that power play.
Skinner scored again for the Hurricanes, extending Carolina’s lead by two goals.
The Lightning did hold the advantage with shots on goal, having 10 compared to the Hurricanes 8.