NHL: Toronto 2, Carolina 1 (OT)

TORONTO, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Tim Connolly scored 44 seconds into overtime Tuesday, handing the Toronto Maple Leafs a 2-1 victory over Carolina.

Connolly was there for an easy tap-in of the rebound left by Cam Ward, who had stopped a Joffrey Lupul shot from the right circle.

The Leafs played a smothering defense, allowing James Reimer to earn the win after making only 17 saves -- just the second victory in the last six games for the Leafs.

Ward finished with 36 stops for the Hurricanes, who dropped their ninth in 10 games.

Carolina continued to struggle under new Coach Kirk Muller, falling to 1-6 since he replaced Paul Maurice last month.