SUNRISE, Fla., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Goaltender Martin Gerber stopped 26 shots Friday night as the Carolina Panthers blanked the Florida Panthers, 1-0.
With the victory, Carolina (12-2-1) extended its franchise-record winning streak to nine games. Eric Staal scored the game's lone goal late in the second period while Erik Cole and Ray Whitney had one assist each for Carolina, which hasn't lost since a 5-4 overtime setback against Toronto on Oct. 20. The Hurricanes have built a commanding nine-point lead over Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division.
It was Gerber's second shutout of the Panthers in a week. He made 29 saves in a 2-0 win over Florida (6-8-3) in Raleigh last Saturday. In defeat, Panthers goalie goaltender Roberto Luongo made 34 saves.
Carolina out-shot Florida, 35-26. The Hurricanes went 1-for-7 on the power play while the Panthers were 0-for-2.
