If it's a home game, it's probably close

The Panthers seem to enjoy playing in tough games. If they didn't, they probably wouldn't be in so many.

Sunday's 3-2 overtime win over visiting Carolina was Florida's 12th straight home game that has been decided by a single goal. The Panthers trailed 2-1 going into the third period but got a goal from Jason Garrison to force overtime. Kris Versteeg scored the game-winner.

"I have a bunch of guys who find a way. Sometimes it's not a thing of beauty, but we're finding those two points," coach Kevin Dineen said. "(General manager) Dale Tallon brought in quality guys who know how to win."

Said Garrison: "We don't like being in that position, but we've come back before. We have a lot of firepower, a lot of skill. We find a way."

The Panthers have been good at home and have a an eight-game point streak in Sunrise (6-0-2) -- their longest on home ice since a 10-game stretch in the 2005-06 season. Florida has played in nothing but one-goal home games since losing 4-3 in a shootout to Winnipeg on Halloween night.

Sunday's win was also Florida's first in overtime this season. They had lost their two previous games that went into overtime and ended before the shootout.

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