RALEIGH, N.C., April 1 (UPI) -- Craig Adams scored a short-handed goal early in the third period Friday night as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Florida Panthers, 3-2.
With the victory, Carolina clinched the Southeast Division title.
Ray Whitney and Mark Recchi also scored goals; Cory Stillman, Eric Staal, Frantisek Kaberle, Justin Williams and Kevyn Adams had assists; while goaltender Martin Gerber made 21 saves for the Hurricanes (48-19-6), who claimed their first division championship since the 2001-02 season.
Chris Gratton and Mike Van Ryn had the goals; Steve Montador and Jay Bouwmeester added assists; and goalie Roberto Luongo turned away 27 shots for the Panthers (33-31-9).
Florida had a seven-game winning streak snapped, and is eight points behind Montreal for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Panthers last beat the Hurricanes on the road on Dec. 6, 2002 and their seven-game winning streak tied a franchise record.
