NHL: Florida 3, Carolina 2 (OT)

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SUNRISE, Fla., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Kris Versteeg's goal 3:08 into overtime Sunday handed the Florida Panthers a 3-2 victory over Carolina.

On the winning play, Brian Campbell skated into the right circle, drawing the Carolina defense. He sent a pass through the crease that was tipped by Stephen Weiss to an unguarded Versteeg, who one-timed it for the game-winner.

Sean Bergenheim and Jason Garrison also scored for the first-place Panthers, who increased their lead over Washington in the Southeast Division to eight points.

Florida improved to 6-1-5 in a streak of 12 straight homes games that have been decided by one goal.

Jose Theodore turned aside 24-of-26 shots to earn the victory.

Tim Gleason notched his first goal of the season and Chad LaRose added an unassisted tally for the Hurricanes, who fell to 2-6-1 under new Coach Kirk Muller.

Cam Ward made 22 saves for Carolina.