RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 24 (UPI) -- The Carolina Hurricanes avoided matching the longest losing streak in franchise history Friday night as Josef Vasicek recorded a goal and an assist in a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.
Erik Cole and defenseman Niclas Wallin also scored for the Hurricanes, who had dropped eight straight games (0-7
1) and were winless in nine. They had not won since Jan. 4 and had not won at home since Dec. 22, a span of seven games (0-6
1).
Vasicek won a faceoff in the offensive zone to set up Wallin's second goal of the season, which made it 2-0 with 3:08 left in the second period, and added his fifth 2 1/2 minutes later.
Wallin scored his first goal since Oct. 30, helping the Hurricanes move within a point of Florida in the Southeast Division. They are 13th in the Eastern Conference after making it to the Stanley Cup Finals last season.
Arturs Irbe stopped 20 shots for Carolina, losing his shutout with 6:49 remaining.
Robert Luongo made 41 saves for the Hurricanes, who lost their third straight and fell to 5-10-3-4 in their last 22 games.
