NHL: Carolina 2, Florida 1 (OT)

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Joe Corvo avoided two defenders and scored a spectacular goal with 44 seconds left in overtime Thursday, giving Carolina a 2-1 win over Florida.

The Hurricanes won their second straight, thanks to a tremendous effort from Corvo. He was stationed in the slot when a pass arrived from Ray Whitney, but he was knocked down before he could get off a shot. Corvo then jumped up, collected the puck and sliced between two Panthers into the left circle, from where he lifted a backhander past Tomas Vokoun.

Whitney assisted on both Carolina goals. The only score for the Hurricanes in regulation came from Justin Williams, who had not registered a goal since Nov. 23 of last season.

This is the first time in almost a month Carolina has won back-to-back games. The Hurricanes have not won three straight since Nov. 16-21.

Cam Ward picked up the victory with 19 saves. Vokoun stopped 35-of-37 shots.

Rod Brind'Amour assisted on the game-winning goal. It was the 700th assist of his career and he became the fourth active player to have 700 assists and 400 goals, joining Mike Modano of Dallas, Mark Recchi of Tampa Bay and Joe Sakic of Colorado.