Here's what you need to know for Friday, Jan. 8, the top stories from around the sports world.

Fat Cats:  The Florida Panthers won their 11th straight game last night by holding off the Senators 3-2 in Ottawa. The Panthers scored goals just eight seconds apart in the first period and leaned on 30 saves from Roberto Luongo to grab the victory. Florida will shoot for win No. 12 on Sunday in Edmonton.

Around the NHL:  Newly acquired Vincent Lecavalier assisted on L.A's first goal and the Kings went on to beat James Reimer and the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 last night. In Calgary, Martin Hanzal returned to the lineup for the Coyotes and scored the game-winner to beat the Flames 2-1. And in Dallas, the Stars beat the Jets 3-2 in a shootout.

Called to the Carpet?: Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Roman Polak was ejected in Thursday's game after checking Tyler Toffoli headfirst into the boards late in the first period. Polak got a game misconduct and could be disciplined for his actions.

Road to Canton:  Brett Favre and Terrell Owens are one step closer to being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The star duo were among 15 finalists for football's highest honour, alongside Terrell Davis, Kurt Warner and Tony Dungy. The Class of 2016 will be announced Feb. 6, the day before the Super Bowl.

Carrying On:  Amid reports that DeMar DeRozan may choose to opt out of his contract with the Raptors at the end of the season, Toronto GM Masai Ujiri said yesterday that he believes in DeRozan and is not concerned about the rumours. The Raptors continue their road trip tonight against the Washington Wizards.