RALEIGH, N.C. — Eric Staal scored two goals to break the club career playoff scoring record of 39 goals, and the Carolina Hurricanes pushed the top-seeded Boston Bruins to the brink of elimination, pulling away late for a 4-1 victory Friday night.

The Hurricanes lead the Eastern Conference semifinal series 3-1. Game 5 is Sunday night in Boston.

Jussi Jokinen scored the go-ahead goal at 2:52 of the third and assisted on the two goals that followed, and Sergei Samsonov added a goal for the Hurricanes.

Marc Savard scored for the Bruins, who have lost three straight since sweeping Montreal in the first round and winning the opener against Carolina.

If history is any guide, the Hurricanes can start making travel plans for either Pittsburgh or Washington.

They've taken 3-1 series leads twice before in franchise history and have advanced both times. Meanwhile, the Bruins haven't won any of the 21 series in which they've faced such a deficit.

Cam Ward made 20 saves in improving his career playoff record to 22-12. while Tim Thomas finished with 27 saves for the Bruins.

Carolina can put the lid on its playoff series with the Bruins by grabbing a victory in Sunday's Game 5 at Boston.