Skinner's buzzer-beater helps propel Hurricanes past Senators

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner spoiled the party for the Ottawa Senators when they were less than a second away from victory Tuesday.

Skinner fired home his second goal of the game with just 0.3 seconds remaining on the clock to knot the game 3-3, setting the stage for defenseman Jaccob Slavin's shootout winner to complete the 4-3 comeback win.

Skinner hit the 25-goal mark for the third time in his career with the two markers while moving the Hurricanes within four points of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, anyone expecting a Cinderella-type surge like the one the Senators achieved last season is quickly being let down. With Tuesday's loss, Ottawa's dropped four of its last five games and has fallen behind Carolina in the standings.

The Senators will look to get back on track when they take on the Florida Panthers on Thursday, while the Hurricanes look to ride the momentum into Boston for their tilt against the Bruins.