News:Cam Ward will miss 6-8 weeks due to a third degree MCL sprain, TSN.ca reports. The Hurricanes' regular season schedule runs through April 27.
Analysis: On the plus side, the injury will not require surgery, but this is a big blow to the Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes, who have started Cam Ward 16 times (to Dan Ellis' five turns) to date. Unless the team makes a move, look for Ellis and likely recall Justin Peters to handle the team's netminding chores for the foreseeable future.
News:Cam Ward made 15 saves on 15 shots before leaving Sunday's game against the Panthers with a leg injury. He still picked up the win.
Analysis:Cam Ward notched his ninth win of the season, but it remains to be seen how long he is out. Until he returns, Dan Ellis will be their starter.
News:Cam Ward was injured in a collision with Florida's Jack Skille during Sunday's game and had to be replaced by Dan Ellis, according to Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: Depending on your scoring system, Cam Ward could still be in line to get your fantasy team a win, as the Hurricanes had a 3-0 lead when Ward left. Longer term, there's obviously a bigger worry until we know what exactly is wrong with Ward. Early speculation thought it might be an ankle/leg issue. Ward will be evaluated further Monday.
News:Cam Ward started Sunday's game against the Panthers.
Analysis:Cam Ward, who stopped 22-of-24 shots in Saturday's win over Florida, will try to extend his personal win streak to three games in Sunday's rematch against the Panthers.
News:Cam Ward is expected to get the start Saturday against the Panthers, according to Michael Smith of NHL.com.
Analysis: Overall, Cam Ward's numbers are not outstanding at 7-6-1, with a 3.00 GAA and .904 save percentage, but he comes into this matchup having won two of three. Furthermore, the Canes recently saw a handful of players return from the IR, including Jeff Skinner and Jamie McBain, and they should also have Joni Pitkanen back in the lineup Saturday.
News:Cam Ward allowed just one goal on 27 shots in Thursday's win over Pittsburgh.
Analysis: This was his first one-goal game since way back on Feb. 4 against Toronto. While it's been a rough ride for Cam Ward, he's posted save marks of .920 or better in three straight games -- promising signs of progress back toward his typically reliable form.
News:Cam Ward will be in the net Thursday against the Penguins.
Analysis:Cam Ward is coming off losses in three of his last four contests, deflating his won-loss record to 6-6-1. He could have much difficulty with containing the Penguins, who are second in the NHL with 69 goals on the season.
News:Cam Ward is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Caps, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward, who is 6-5-1 with a 3.16 GAA and a .898 save percentage, will be making his 13th start of the season compared to to Dan Ellis' five to date.
News: Faced with 40 shots, Cam Ward stopped 37 of them Tuesday against Washington, but that wasn't enough, as Braden Holtby spun a shutout on the other end.
Analysis: While it's his third loss in four games, Cam Ward's fantasy owners can at least take heart in the fact that he's delivered two promising performances in a row, as he also played well Sunday against the Isles.
News:Cam Ward made 23 saves on 25 shots in a win over the Islanders on Sunday.
Analysis: Despite this nice start, Cam Ward still has a .898 save percentage and a 3.16 GAA on the season, which are concerning numbers.
News:Cam Ward allowed four goals -- three of them in the third period -- on 23 shots in Thursday's loss to Winnipeg.
Analysis: He's been in a slump lately, giving up 17 goals in his last five games. Meanwhile, Dan Ellis has played so well in spot duty that it wouldn't be a surprise to see the backup in goal Saturday against Tampa.
News:Cam Ward made 23 saves on 26 shots in a loss at the hands of the Canadiens on Monday.
Analysis:Cam Ward only has a .901 save percentage and a 3.19 GAA so far this season, well below Ward's career averages, so we hope an improvement in his numbers is around the corner so long as his defense cooperates.
News:Cam Ward allowed two goals on 28 shots in Tuesday's win over the Devils.
Analysis:Cam Ward has had trouble establishing consistency this year, but this was a quality outing against a New Jersey team that had only lost one game in regulation all year.
News:Cam Ward will start Tuesday against the Devils, Tom Gulitti of The Record reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward has played in nine games this season for Carolina, including eight starts, going 4-3-1 with a 3.37 GAA and .900 save percentage. He'll take aim Tuesday at a first-place New Jersey squad that has won five straight games and lost just once in regulation this year.
News:Cam Ward gave up four goals on 28 shots but still got the win against the Islanders on Monday.
Analysis:Cam Ward didn't have a good game, but his team scored six goals for him to give him a win. Although he hasn't been good so far this season, Ward has been the starter in Carolina for years so his job is probably safe. However, he hasn't helped fantasy teams much yet.
News:Cam Ward gave up four goals on 32 shots in Saturday's overtime loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: After making 40 saves in back-to-back games, the Hurricanes' defense finally spared Cam Ward an overwhelming workload, but Ilya Bryzgalov was slightly better at the other end Saturday and Ward was saddled with the overtime loss after earning wins in his previous two starts.
News: Peppered with 47 shots Thursday, Cam Ward stopped all but two in a 3-2 overtime win over Ottawa.
Analysis: Cam's been rounding back into form, and his work over the last two games has been nothing short of inspiring, as he's allowed just three goals on a whopping 89 shots. Fantasy owners have to appreciate the big save total, but it's always a bit concerning whenever his defense allows your goalie to face that many shots.
News:Cam Ward is likely to start in goal Thursday against Ottawa, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: After a slow start, Cam Ward has allowed just two goals in his last two games. He should get the bulk of the starts anyway, but it helps that Dan Ellis struggled in his last outing.
News:Cam Ward turned aside 41 of the 42 shots he faced in a win over the Maple Leafs on Monday.
Analysis:Cam Ward has gotten off to a slow start, while Dan Ellis has been pretty good, which, if it continues, could see Ward lose some starts. However, this game should help Ward fight off Ellis for now.
News:Cam Ward was pressed into action Saturday after starter Dan Ellis gave up four goals on 12 shots by the Flyers. He allowed one goal on 12 shots in relief.
Analysis:Cam Ward's numbers have been awful this year and his win total is a big fat one. Right now, we'd bench him until things settle a bit.
News:Cam Ward gave up four goals on 37 shots in a loss to the Bruins on Monday.
Analysis:Cam Ward is off to a slow start to the season, and Dan Ellis looked good in his limited action so far, so unless Ward picks up his play, he could start losing playing time.
News:Cam Ward will get the start in goal Monday, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward will look to build off of his 30-save effort from Thursday as he tries to hold off backup Dan Ellis in the battle for playing time.
News:Cam Ward stopped 30 of 33 pucks Thursday in a 6-3 win over Buffalo.
Analysis: After Cam Ward dropped his first two starts in distinctly unimpressive fashion, his fantasy owners have to be thrilled with this solid performance against a tough Sabres team.
News:Cam Ward will start Thursday against Buffalo, the Raliegh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward is off to a slow start with eight goals allowed in two starts, but he also had a slow start last year by also allowing eight goals in his first two games.
News:Cam Ward allowed four goals on 26 shots in Tuesday's loss to Tampa. In total, he's given up eight goals on 38 shots over two games to start the year.
Analysis: While those struggles may seem disturbing, Cam Ward also gave up eight goals in his first two games last year. A lot of teams are still looking to find their games, so there's no reason to worry about the generally reliable Ward.
News:Cam Ward will start Tuesday's game against the Lightning, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward, who was pulled in favor of Dan Ellis after the first period of Saturday's season opener (after giving up four goals on 12 shots) will have a chance to bounce back Tuesday, though it will be against a Lightning team that scored six goals in their opener.
News:Cam Ward was pulled in favor of Dan Ellis after the first period of Saturday's game against Florida. He allowed four goals on 12 shots. "We wanted to change things up," Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller said. "He was sick last week, we don't know if the energy was there."
Analysis: We weren't aware that he'd had the flu, but it has hit everywhere this season. He should be fine once he gets his strength back.
News:Cam Ward will start Saturday's season opener against the Panthers, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis: This news is as expected, since Cam Ward is in line to handle the bulk of the Hurricanes' starts in nets this season, with Dan Ellis on hand to spell him.
News:Cam Ward put on a show in Carolina's final home game of the season Thursday night, denying 30 of Montreal's 31 shots, plus all three Canadien shootout attempts.
Analysis: Now with 30 wins on the season, Cam Ward will finish off his 2011-2012 campaign Saturday night in Sunrise opposite a Panthers team he has fared very well against all year.
News: It appears that Cam Ward will start against the Canadiens as he shoots for his 30th victory of the season, according to Michael Smith of NHL.com.
Analysis:Cam Ward has had an up and down season, but he's one victory away from the fifth 30-win season he has had in his career.
News:Cam Ward turned away 38 of 39 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Ottawa, his second win in his last three starts.
Analysis:Cam Ward has allowed five goals in his last three starts and is finishing the season strong for Carolina. He will not play in 70 or more games, as he did last season, but Ward can at least hit the 30-win mark with one more victory this year. Ward offers the Canes a chance to win every night, and the team should be much more consistent next year.
News:Cam Ward will get the nod in goal come Tuesday against Ottawa, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward has given up 14 goals in his previous four starts, but has faced an average of 34.25 shots including 50 against Detroit. Carolina's defense has appeared to have run out of steam down the stretch, which makes Ward a bit of a shaky start so tread lightly.
News:Cam Ward will start in goal Friday against Winnipeg, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward stopped all 30 shots he faced Tuesday, and made 45 saves in a 5-4 loss Saturday. On the year, Ward is the owner of a 28-23-12 record, and a 2.78 GAA. He'll be there Friday, but it's possible that backup Brian Boucher steals a start in the near future.
News:Cam Ward stopped all 30 shots he faced in Tuesday's shutout win over Toronto, his first win in three starts.
Analysis:Cam Ward had been roughed up mightily his last two starts, surrendering five goals in each. Truthfully, he should only be given half a win for the victory over toothless Toronto, but stats do not distinguish. Ward should be in goal just about every night down the stretch and has had several stretches of strong play for a Carolina team that struggled this season.
News:Cam Ward was pelted with pucks Saturday night in a 5-4 loss to Detroit. He made a remarkable 45 saves.
Analysis: The Canes were up 4-1 when the Wings put the pedal to the metal and never throttled down. Cam Ward has been sharp in his last five, winning four and recording a shutout along the way. He's on the cusp of another 30-win season and has muscled his save percentage up significantly since Christmas.
News:Cam Ward turned away all but one of the 31 shots he faced in Tuesday's win over Florida, his third win in as many starts.
Analysis:Cam Ward has won his last three starts, allowing just four goals in the process. Given how well the 'Canes have played under new coach Kirk Muller, Ward should be a safe option the remainder of the season and a nice value next fall. Play Ward with confidence, as he's not likely to get more than a night or two off for the rest of the season.
News:Cam Ward will start Wednesday for a Hurricanes club that has won its last three outings, according to The Charlotte News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward allowed just one goal on 32 shots the last time he faced the Panthers, a welcome change for a keeper who owns poor numbers against the club from Florida in his career (2.96 GAA in 26 games).
News:Cam Ward will start Sunday at Winnipeg, according to Rick Ralph of TSN Radio 1020.
Analysis:Cam Ward got a rare night off Saturday at Winnipeg in favor of Brian Boucher, but will probably see the majority of starts over the last 10 games as the Canes play out the string.
News:Cam Ward made 30 saves on 33 shots to earn his 26th win of the season Sunday against Winnipeg.
Analysis:Cam Ward has been very busy this season, as he has played in 61 games and faced the second most shots in the league. He's posted a .913 save percentage and a 2.78 GAA in those games, and has put together some really good starts recently.
Ward Sparkles In Thursday's Shutout Against The Blues
News:Cam Ward was spectacular in net Thursday, stopping 40 shots to shut out the Blues, 2-0.
Analysis:Cam Ward came to play against the Blues and beat Brian Elliott, he of the 1.61 GAA. With his 20th career shutout, Ward is tied with Arturs Irbe for the most ever by a Hurricane.
News:Cam Ward stretched his personal losing streak against the Rangers to five games Tuesday, as he allowed four goals on 28 shots in a 4-2 defeat.
Analysis: He can't beat the Rangers, but Cam Ward has generally been very good since the calendar turned to 2012, and he's a solid fantasy start down the stretch.
Canes' Ward Looking To Buck Trends Against Rangers
News:Cam Ward, who is projected to start Tuesday, is looking to end a personal four-game losing streak to the Rangers.
Analysis:Cam Ward has only managed a 3.99 goals-against during the skid, so he may not be the best option for tonight, but New York may be overlooking the Hurricanes with the Penguins coming up next on the schedule.
News:Cam Ward will start Sunday at Florida, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Currently seven points out with 14 games to play, the 'Canes have a tough hill to climb if they want to get back in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. In the meantime, you know they will play Cam Ward every chance they get as long as they are still mathematically in the race. Ward is just 3-1-2 in his last six starts, but he gives his team a chance to win every night. Roll him if you own him.
News:Cam Ward will start against the Sabres a night after he made 46 saves, according to Michael Smith of the Hurricanes' official site.
Analysis:Cam Ward only has one win in three starts in March, and he's allowed at least three goals in each contest despite his big save effort against the Capitals on Tuesday.
News:Cam Ward stopped 46 of 49 shots in Tuesday's win over Washington, his first win in three games.
Analysis:Cam Ward might want to talk with his defense about getting in some shooting lanes, but the veteran likely thrived on the heavy action he was seeing. Those who own Ward can't be wild about him allowing 13 goals over the last four games, but the silver lining is that he will start just about every night for the Canes.
News:Cam Ward made 19 saves in a 4-3 OT loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday night.
Analysis: It was his 400th NHL game. He's still scuffling since his return from injury -- he is 1-1-1 in three games and he has allowed 10 goals. Wait until you see him and the Canes start to put a couple wins together before you put him in your nets.
News:Cam Ward will start Saturday against Tampa Bay, according to Hurricanes web producer Mike Smith.
Analysis: In two starts since returning from a three-game absence due to a lower-body injury, Cam Ward has allowed a combined six goals on 54 shots, giving him a 3.08 GAA and .889 save percentage over that span. Needless to say, he has yet to regain his form. With 18 teams in action Saturday, don't be afraid to leave Ward on your bench and find yourself another fantasy goalie starter on this day.
News:Cam Ward returned to action in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Nashville, stopping 26 of 29 shots.
Analysis:Cam Ward was a welcomed sight back for the Canes as he propelled them to a victory after missing several contests with a lower body injury. Ward remains one of the safer bets to play most nights, but given the Canes' up-and-down season, it's not a guarantee he will get enough goal support.
News: Hurricaners head coach Kirk Muller said that Cam Ward will start Tuesday, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis: It is safe to insert Cam Ward into your lineups for Tuesday.
News:Cam Ward practiced well on Monday and may play on Tuesday if he still feels well, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis: Backup Justin Peters has played well in Cam Ward's stead, posting a 2.48 goals against and a .931 save percentage to go along with his one shutout in seven games played this season, so there may be no reason to rush Ward back.
News:Cam Ward took part in a limited practice Friday, taking some shots and working with goaltending coach Tom Barrasso according to the News Observer.
Analysis: Head coach Kirk Muller said the team would evaluate Cam Ward's condition and that he could possibly start Saturday's game against Florida. Check lineups prior to the game and see if you can activate him if he plays.
News: Coach Kirk Muller hopes that Cam Ward (lower body) will be ready for practice Friday, according to Chip Alexander of the Charlotte News & Observer.
Analysis: With Cam Ward not ready, Justin Peters will start in goal for Carolina on Thursday against the Ducks, with Mike Murphy slated to back him up.
News: Updating earlier reports, Cam Ward (lower body) was not at practice Wednesday, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis: That said, coach Kirk Muller said that it's possible Cam Ward could start Thursday against the Ducks. If not, Justin Peters would again be the team's starter in goal.
News:Cam Ward (lower body) will practice Wednesday, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer.
Analysis: With Brian Boucher close to a return and Justin Peters playing well, the Hurricanes will be forced to make a decision on their backup goalie situation once everyone is healthy at the same time.
News:Cam Ward (lower body) will miss Monday's game against Washington, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Justin Peters will get the start for Carolina.
News: Coach Kirk Muller said Cam Ward (lower body) could play Thursday against Anaheim, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward remains day-to-day with the lower body injury and is likely to miss Monday's game against the Capitals. At this point, consider Ward 50/50 to play Thursday.
News: The Hurricanes called up goaltender Mike Murphy from AHL Charlotte, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer, which puts Cam Ward's status for Monday's game against Washington in serious jeopardy due to a lower body injury.
Analysis: Keep a serious eye on this not only Monday night, but going forward for this critical six-game homestand for the Hurricanes.
News:Cam Ward left Saturday's game against the Islanders after the second period with a lower-body injury, according to the New York Islanders. He was replaced by Justin Peters.
Analysis: He came into the game with a "tweak" but it now may be more. He left with the game tied at three and 18 saves. Fingers crossed, owners -- Cam Ward had really started to right the ship with an 11-4-5 (two SO) record in his previous 20 games. More as it emerges.
News:Cam Ward is dealing with a "tweak" but is expected to start Saturday against the Islanders, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis: After 14 consecutive starts in goal, Cam Ward was given the night off Friday against the Sharks, but will apparently get the nod Saturday against the Isles. There are no details yet regarding the nature of Ward's "tweak" but it doesn't sound serious enough to keep him out of Saturday's game.
News:Cam Ward will be a game time decision for Friday's game against San Jose, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis: There's no injury worry here, but with three games in four days starting Friday, it's no surprise to see Cam Ward get a day off.
News:Cam Ward stopped 30 of 33 shots in Tuesday's 5-3 win over Montreal, snapping a two-game losing streak.
Analysis:Cam Ward and the Canes had fallen in overtime the last two games, but the veteran fended off an eager Montreal team late in the game. Ward's numbers have been a little meager of late, with him allowing 10 goals over the last three games. He gets little help from his defense, but can certainly steal a game.
News:Cam Ward will tend the twine for the Hurricanes on Wednesday as the Ducks will take aim at beating him, according to the Orange County Register.
Analysis:Cam Ward has won three of four games while allowing a total of five goals. He's turned around a slow start to the season and he's back to playing like the borderline elite goalie that he has long been.
News:Cam Ward made 24 saves in a 2-1 win over Los Angeles on Saturday.
Analysis: Has he turned the corner? It sure looks like it -- he's 4-1-1 with two shutouts in his last six games. Too bad he's wearing a swirling toilet bowl on the front of his jersey.
News:Cam Ward had a spectacular game Thursday against Boston, stopping all 47 shots he faced for a 3-0 shutout victory.
Analysis:Cam Ward earned himself a bum rap in November and December, but he's been on a spectacular run since the start of 2012, posting a GAA well under two. The Hurricanes still don't score much for him, but Ward has more than regained his fantasy relevance.
News:Cam Ward will start in net for the Hurricanes in their battle with the Bruins, according to the Charlotte News & Observer.
Analysis: This game will mark the 10th straight start for Cam Ward who has finally found his groove after a horrid start to the year. Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in each of his last 10 outings to lower his GAA to a palatable 2.87 on the year.
News:Cam Ward will make a 9th straight start in net for the Hurricanes Tuesday when they face the Isles, according to Charlotte News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward's play has greatly improved in the new year and he will look to stretch his run of games allowing two or fewer goals to ten against the Islanders.
News:Cam Ward turned away all but one of 31 shots faced in Monday's victory over Winnipeg, extending a streak of allowing two goals or less to nine games.
Analysis:Cam Ward has been one of the league's top netminders since the calendar changed to January. The games haven't all been wins, surprisingly, as four of the nine games have resulted in losses or overtime losses. If there is any netminder capable of carrying a team into playoff contention, it's Ward. Play him with confidence.
News: The Hurricanes will stick with the same lineup they had Saturday with Cam Ward in net, according to the Charlotte News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward is 19-10-3 against the Jets' franchise in his career though his GAA is high at 2.99, less than 1/10 above his season-long mark this year of 2.91.
News:Cam Ward made 38 saves in a 2-1 OT loss to the Islanders on Saturday night.
Analysis: The guy stood on his head but was beaten in OT by John Tavares who knocked his own rebound out of mid-air lacrosse-style for a highlight-reel goal. Cam Ward continues to be plagued by the pathetic play of a horrible team that just can't seem to effectively defend or find twine in the other zone. Excellent goalies on bad teams make for challenging fantasy plays. Be sure you have a good handcuff.
News:Cam Ward stopped all 23 shots he faced as Carolina downed Washington 3-0 on Friday. It was Ward's second shutout of the season.
Analysis: His record is back at .500 with the win and now sits at 17-17-7. Cam Ward's been excellent in the month of January and hasn't surrendered more than two goals in a game since January 3.
News:Cam Ward made 40 saves on 41 shots through regulation and overtime Tuesday against the Penguins, but was stuck with a loss in the shootout.
Analysis:Cam Ward's problems -- he's won just three times in seven outings since the New Year -- stem almost solely from Carolina's offense and defense, as he's stood on his head of late and been rewarded precious little. He's rocking a sick .942 save percentage through his seven January outings.
News:Cam Ward will start in goal Tuesday against the Penguins, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward's overall GAA is 3.07, but he's given up two goals in each of his last five starts, going 3-2 in that span.
News:Cam Ward will start Sunday at Washington, according to FOX Sports' John Forslund.
Analysis: With six wins in his last nine games, Cam Ward and the 'Canes are really starting to heat up. For his part, Ward is really giving his team a chance to win these days, having allowed two or fewer goals six times over that stretch. Furthermore, the Canes' offense will soon be getting a boost from the return of Jeff Skinner, which should put Ward in a good position to rack up even more victories. Keep him rolling and enjoy the hot streak.
News:Cam Ward made 33 saves in an impressive win over Boston on Saturday night. He allowed two goals.
Analysis: He's won two straight and he's been critical to a much-improved Canes team at home -- they're 5-1-1 in the last seven home games. He's an elite netminder on a very bad squad but he's becoming more of a sure thing at home (for those of you playing match-ups).
News:Cam Ward held the Lightning to two goals on 36 shots Thursday in a 5-2 victory.
Analysis: He's been playing a ton better since the calendar turned to the new year, and it's great to see Cam Ward and Carolina's defense hold up against the powerful Tampa offense.
News:Cam Ward stopped 35 of 37 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis:Cam Ward did everything but score the goals for Carolina -- though he has done that this year -- as he put up another strong effort in a loss to one of the Eastern Conference's stronger squads. Those who own Ward can take solace in the fact that he has been playing well lately despite still doing a lot of losing. Ward is a victim of Carolina's offensive and defensive struggles.
News:Cam Ward will start in net against the Flyers on Tuesday, the Charlotte Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward will start against Sergei Bobrovsky. He's rattled off three good starts in a row, but continues to have trouble winning for a Carolina team that's inconsistent in all aspects of the game.
News:Cam Ward stopped 31 of 33 shots Friday night to help lead the Hurricanes past the Sabres, 4-2. It was his first win of the new year.
Analysis: Unless you're in a very deep league, Cam Ward should probably be riding your bench as his goaltending statistics are poor across the board. He's played in 36 of Carolina's 42 games and has 14 wins to show for it, but he's well off the pace of his historical numbers. Unless Carolina can somehow string some wins together, Ward's season is destined to be a disappointing one.
News:Cam Ward will face Ryan Miller and the Sabres Friday, according to The Charlotte News Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward made 39 saves the last time he faced the Sabres but he's allowed right goals in his last two outings after a nice 3-game winning streak. He just can't find any consistency this year.
News:Cam Ward surrendered three goals on 36 shots in Tuesday's shootout loss to the Islanders, his second loss in as many starts.
Analysis:Cam Ward's win-loss record is hardly indicative of his talent; it's more so a situational scenario given Carolina's roller coaster season. Ward has the ability to steal a game and Tuesday's loss was a rare one against a team whom he has played well in his career. Ward will garner the bulk of starts for Carolina, but that is not always an endorsement to use him.
News:Cam Ward will start for the Hurricanes against the Islanders Tuesday, according to the Hurricanes Official Website.
Analysis:Cam Ward has going an amazing 14-2-1 with a 2.21 GAA against the Isles in his career, so despite an up and down campaign history says that he should have a strong effort in net against the boys from New York.
News:Cam Ward made 27 saves and picked up a minor penalty in a 5-2 loss to the Lightning on Saturday.
Analysis: It's hard to be good when the team around you is so bad. Cam Ward is an elite talent but without help, he's just another shipwreck victim on an uncharted island. The loss snapped his three-game winning streak.
News:Cam Ward will start for the Hurricanes on Saturday against the Lightning, according to Erik Erlendsson.
Analysis:Cam Ward is 17-12-2 against the Bolts in his career, but his 2011 season has been filled with ups and downs. He's played better of late though, with three wins in his last three starts.
News:Cam Ward allowed three goals on 24 shots Thursday against Toronto, but was bailed out by his offense in a third-period comeback and then won in overtime.
Analysis: This is only the ninth time in Cam Ward's 33 appearances in which Carolina has scored four goals for him -- but the last time was Monday. Not coincidentally, Ward has won three games in a row.
News:Cam Ward will get the start Thursday against Toronto, according to TSN's Scott MacArthur.
Analysis: Not many goalies see more ice time than Cam Ward, who currently sits second overall in the NHL with 32 starts to his credit. However, playing for a mediocre squad like the Hurricanes, wins are tough to come by as his 12-14-5 record suggests. In addition, Ward's secondary stats (3.19 GAA, .898 save percentage) are much weaker than we've seen them historically, making him a poor fantasy play between the pipes right now. Go with other goalie options if you can.
News:Cam Ward stopped 23 of 25 shots in Monday's 4-2 win over New Jersey and was credited with the first goal of his career.
Analysis: Hopefully your league counts offensive statistics from goaltenders, as Cam Ward was awarded the Canes' empty-net goal put into New Jersey's goal by the Devils' Ilya Kovalchuk. Ward was the last player from Carolina to touch the puck. While his name in the goal column will earn more attention, he was strong in the win and has allowed three goals in his last two starts, both wins.
News:Cam Ward was the first keeper off the ice for the 'Canes on Monday signaling that he is the likely starter against the Devils, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward continues to flounder for the Hurricanes. He's allowed fewer than three goals in just two of his nine starts in the month of December.
News:Cam Ward stopped 22 of 23 shots Friday night to help Carolina get past Ottawa 2-1 in overtime. It was only his third win in the month of December.
Analysis: Like the rest of the Hurricanes, Cam Ward has struggled immensely this season and his numbers are the worst they've been since his sophomore season of 2006-07. With no relief in sight for the Hurricanes, Ward's numbers this season are not likely to get much better.
News:Cam Ward will once again be in net for the Hurricanes on Wednesday, according to the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward continues to soldier on despite the fact that his performance has been dreadful this season. In five career matchups with the Coyotes he is 3-2 with a 3.32 GAA so the odds aren't in his favor for things turning around.
News:Cam Ward gave up three goals on 25 shots in an overtime loss Sunday against Florida.
Analysis:Cam Ward has started more games than any other goalie in the NHL, which also means he has been on the losing end of a ton of games for the league's worst team. He hasn't exactly been good himself, with a .899 SV% and 3.29 GAA. It may be time to drop Ward if you haven't already.
News:Cam Ward stopped 33 of 36 Thursday to defeat the Canucks, 4-3.
Analysis: Wins have been few and far between for Cam Ward, but he's now put up two good games in a row, which is progress. A nightmare month of November and a bad start to December have skewed his stats badly, making it easy to forget that Ward was one of the NHL's better netminders in the early going this year. Perhaps he and the 'Canes are starting to turn the corner and will gain some confidence from beating the Western Conference champs.
News:Cam Ward stopped 36 of 38 shots in Tuesday's overtime loss to Toronto, his second loss in as many starts.
Analysis: More importantly for Cam Ward, it is the first time in three starts he has not allowed three goals or more. Ward will be in net most nights for Carolina, so you're guaranteed starts and the potential for him to steal a game, which he does every few starts, but Carolina has hardly been a reliable team for fantasy owners, so Ward's rough numbers are more situational than indicative of his talent level.
News:Cam Ward surrendered six of the seven goals scored by Calgary in Tuesday's loss.
Analysis: The Hurricanes defense did not do Cam Ward any favors, constantly providing Calgary with quality scoring chances, but Ward was underwhelming between the pipes once again. Only a technicality kept him from taking his sixth consecutive loss. Overall, in November and December, he's 4-10-1 with a GAA over 3.50 and save percentage well under .900. Ward is too good to keep going like this, though, so look for things to turn around at some point soon.
News:Cam Ward gave up five goals on 27 shots in a loss Thursday to the New York Rangers. It was his 12th loss of the season.
Analysis:Cam Ward has started the most game in the NHL, but he also has the most losses. The Canes may have a new coach, but that doesn't mean the struggles won't stop. You may want to stick Ward on your bench until things turn around for Carolina.
News:Cam Ward will square off against the Rangers on Thursday, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward continues to tend merely average net, and the 'Canes need more from him if they are going to pull out of their early season tailspin that has seen their head coach fired.
News:Cam Ward allowed two goals on 20 shots in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Florida and has lost his last three starts.
Analysis: The final Florida goal was an empty-netter, but Cam Ward is usually stronger than allowing two goals on a mere 20 shots. The steady veteran has been victimized by Carolina's rough start and his numbers are hardly reflective of how talented he is. Owners relying on Ward for consistency will have to be patient and believe that the recent coaching change in Carolina will see the Canes playing stronger in front of Ward.
News:Cam Ward will attempt to lead the Hurricanes to a victory over the Panthers on Tuesday, according to Steve Goldstein of Florida Panthers TV.
Analysis:Cam Ward continues to battle the puck and six times in 13 November starts he has allowed at least four goals. He's pretty tough to trust right now.
News:Cam Ward made 21 saves on 25 shots Sunday in a loss to Ottawa.
Analysis: The Hurricanes have struggled this season, and Wad has struggled right alongside them. However, he also leads the league in starts, so clearly he's a workhorse. If he turns around his play, he'll be valuable in fantasy.
News:Cam Ward will get the start in goal Sunday against Ottawa, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: This will be Cam Ward's fifth straight game in goal. He's been solid in his last four, going 2-1-1 with a 2.25 GAA. Overall, Ward has had somewhat of a rough start, with a save percentage of 90.8% and GAA of 3.05, but things appear to be moving in the right direction for the 27-year-old netminder.
News:Cam Ward will get the start in goal Sunday against Ottawa, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: This will be Cam Ward's fifth straight game in goal. He's been solid in his last four, going 2-1-1 with a 2.25 GAA. Overall, Ward has had somewhat of a rough start, with a save percentage of 90.8% and GAA of 3.05, but things appear to be moving in the right direction for the 27-year-old netminder.
News:Cam Ward will get the start in goal Sunday against Ottawa, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: This will be Cam Ward's fifth straight game in goal. He's been solid in his last four, going 2-1-1 with a 2.25 GAA. Overall, Ward has had somewhat of a rough start, with a save percentage of 90.8% and GAA of 3.05, but things appear to be moving in the right direction for the 27-year-old netminder.
News:Cam Ward will get the start in goal Sunday against Ottawa, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: This will be Cam Ward's fifth straight game in goal. He's been solid in his last four, going 2-1-1 with a 2.25 GAA. Overall, Ward has had somewhat of a rough start, with a save percentage of .908 and GAA of 3.05, but things appear to be moving in the right direction for the 27-year-old netminder.
News: It will be Cam Ward in goal once again as the Hurricanes take on the Jets Friday, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward is still trying to right what has been a trying start to the year. He just can't seem to find any consistency in net, but the good news is that the Hurricanes realize how key he is to their playoff hopes, so his leash is exceedingly long.
News:Cam Ward secured his second win in as many nights, stopping 30 of 32 shots in Monday's win over Philadelphia.
Analysis:Cam Ward and the Canes have grabbed wins over two of the Eastern Conferences stronger teams, having topped Toronto on Sunday. Ward is entirely capable of carrying a weak Carolina team to wins and his performance Monday is a snippet of what he is capable of doing.
News:Cam Ward will be between the pipes for Sunday's game against the Maple Leafs, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward has lost six of his last seven starts and has posted a 4.39 GAA in eight starts this month, so it may be worth going with another option until Ward gets back on track.
News:Cam Ward will take on the Canadiens on Wednesday, according to NHL.com.
Analysis:Cam Ward has struggled in November with a 4.46 GAA that is only two goals above his mark from last season. He's been a disaster of late, but he's too talented to let this slide continue much longer.
News:Cam Ward allowed four goals on 17 shots in Monday's 5-3 loss to Philadelphia and was replaced by Brian Boucher early in the second period.
Analysis: This loss cannot be entirely hung on Cam Ward but Ward did not have a good night. The Flyers have won over 80 percent of their last 20 games against Carolina and jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. Ward is having a sub-par season so far, but he's too good of a player for the woes to continue.
News: The Hurricanes will turn to Cam Ward in their battle with the Flyers on Monday night, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward has a losing record this year at 6-6-2, and his game has taken a major turn for the worse of late as he's allowed 20 goals over his last five outings, causing his GAA to balloon to 3.03. He's still a good bet to produce strong numbers this season, but it wouldn't be the dumbest idea if you gave him a pass in this tough matchup.
News:Cam Ward will start Saturday for the second straight night, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward was touched up for 17 goals over his last four starts, including five in Friday's loss to the Rangers, but apparently head coach Paul Maurice wants to give him a chance to work through his issues on the ice. That will be no easy task Saturday against a Pittsburgh team that is tied for the league lead with 23 points.
News: Head coach Paul Maurice announced that Cam Ward will be between the pipes for Friday's game against the Rangers, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward rode a 2.34 GAA and .928 SV% to a 4-2-2 record in October, and although he picked up a win on the first day of November, he has lost each of the last three games he has started. He'll be tested again Friday by a Rangers team that has won four straight.
News:Cam Ward was pulled from Sunday's contest against Dallas early in the second period after allowing four goals on 14 shots.
Analysis: Several of the goals could hardly be pinned on Cam Ward, but they count against him all the same. Ward was relieved by Brian Boucher and it shouldn't surprise many if Ward is in goal when Carolina faces New Jersey on Tuesday.
News:Cam Ward will square off against Dallas on Sunday afternoon, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward has a 5-3-2 record to start the season, along with a respectable 2.57 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. He should continue to be a steady source of fantasy goaltending points going forward. Keep him active.
News:Cam Ward will take on the Lightning on Tuesday, according to Canes Country .
Analysis:Cam Ward has had some success facing the Bolts in his career with a 16-12-2 record, though his 2.99 GAA is obviously elevated. Ward has played much better than that this season with a 2.34 GAA, so look for him to give the Lighting fits.
News:Cam Ward stopped all 30 shots he faced Friday night as Carolina defeated Chicago, 3-0.
Analysis: The shutout was Cam Ward's first of the season and 17th of his career.
News:Cam Ward will face off with the Blackhawks on Friday night, according to Canes Country.
Analysis:Cam Ward has been his usual strong self this season with a 2.66 GAA and .919 save percentage. He doesn't appear to have that extra gear that the elites do, but he's still lined up for a run at the top-10 for the position so you should start him with confidence even in this tough matchup.
News:Cam Ward had a great night stopping 40 shots but came up on the wrong end of a 3-2 overtime loss to the Blues.
Analysis:Cam Ward earned third star in the losing effort but the loss should not lie on his shoulders. The Blues out-shot the 'Canes 43-29 on the night and constantly applied pressure that caused problems for the Hurricanes through out the game.
News:Cam Ward will face off against Brian Elliott and the Blues on Friday, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: The Blues could be in a for a tough matchup against Cam Ward who is 4-1 with a 1.58 GAA in his career against the team from St. Louis.
News:Cam Ward stopped 33 of 34 shots to beat the Bruins on Tuesday night.
Analysis:Cam Ward faced more pucks than his counterpart Tuukka Rask did, but the quality of shots might not have been as good, given how frequently Carolina was on the power play.
News: As with most 'Canes games, the man between the pipes on Tuesday night will be Mr. Cam Ward, according to the Charlotte News and Observer.
Analysis: It's a tough matchup with the Bruins, but the last time Cam Ward faced the champs, a week ago on October 12th, he held them to two goals in a win.
News:Cam Ward stopped 39 of 42 shots Friday night to help Carolina to a 4-3 victory over Buffalo.
Analysis: After suffering two losses to open the season, Cam Ward has now won two games in a row and seems back on track. He's arguably Carolina's most important player and will see a lot of games this year.
News:Cam Ward will be in between the pipes for the Hurricanes on Friday night when they take on the Sabres, according to the Charlotte News & Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward will look to build on his last effort in which he gave up two goals to the Bruins on Wednesday. Ward has started slowly with a 3.35 GAA through three outings, but he figures to settle in and give the 'Canes near elite level goaltending most nights he's in action.
News:Cam Ward was solid in the Hurricanes 3-2 victory against the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins last night, according to the NHL's official site.
Analysis:Cam Ward stopped 26 of 28 shots, including 11 in the third period, and provided the stability the Hurricanes needed against a fast-charging Bruins team in the third period.
News:Cam Ward will start between the pipes in Wednesday's game against the Bruins, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward is a viable starting goalie in most formats, but he has struggled through two starts this season, giving up eight goals and picking up the loss in each contest. He'll face a tough task Wednesday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins.
News:Cam Ward turned away 22 of 25 shots in Monday's 4-2 loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: The Devils' final goal was an empty-netter and Cam Ward didn't get help from his defense on two putbacks by New Jersey. Ward will see the bulk of starts for Carolina, but he's allowed 13 goals in three starts. He's shown he can carry Carolina, but it can only get better after the first trio of games.
News:Cam Ward will start in net for the Hurricanes against the Devils on Monday, according to the Hurricanes' Official Twitter Page.
Analysis:Cam Ward has a good chance to appear in at least 65 games for the 'Canes this year, so you should expect to see lots of posts like this one. A volume keeper, Ward could use all those starts to sneak into the top-10 of NHL 'tenders this year.
News:Cam Ward stopped just 29 of the 34 shots he faced in the opening-night loss to the Lightning. Two of the five goals he allowed were on the power play.
Analysis:Cam Ward can not take all the blame in the embarrassing loss as the Hurricanes were consistent in playing short-handed. In fact, the second goal was with a 5-3 man advantage for the Lightning. It's hard to make any judgement from the first outcome and Ward and the 'Canes should play better as the season progresses.
News:Cam Ward will backstop the Hurricanes on Friday when they take on the Lightening, according to The Charlotte News and Observer.
Analysis:Cam Ward should monopolize the 'Canes net this year as he has his last three healthy seasons (69, 68 and 74 games played). The sheert volume of work should lead to copious amounts of victories for Ward.
News:Cam Ward has looked great this preseason despite the Hurricanes' struggles, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports, maintaining a GAA of 1.51.
Analysis: The Hurricanes have been outshot 219-157 in the preseason and Cam Ward his strong play. It looks like Ward is ready to rumble this season as a top-10 netminder.
News:Cam Ward worked a shutout in Sunday's 4-0 preseason win over the Jets, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward made 36 saves in what was his first full game of exhibition play ahead of the 2011-12 season. He is entering his seventh year in the league and remains an above-average backstop in the fantasy realm.
News: Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice intends on playing Cam Ward for the entire game Sunday against the Jets, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Cam Ward blocked pucks for two periods in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Predators, and it appears that he is gradually taking on more work after dealing with upper-body stiffness earlier in the week. After recording a league-high 4,318 minutes between the posts last season, Ward has proven to be a workhorse goalie but the presence of veteran newcomer Brian Boucher figures to keep him fresh in 2011-12.
News:Cam Ward was back on the ice Tuesday after recovering from "upper body stiffness," according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer.
Analysis: The fact that Cam Ward was out of practice on the first day was merely precautionary and should not affect his ranking among NHL goaltenders.
News:Cam Ward missed the first day of practice with "upper body stiffness," Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis: Leaving Cam Ward out of practice is simply a precautionary move and will not have any long lasting effect on the cornerstone goaltender.
News: Ward made 29 saves in a 6-2 loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday night. He allowed four goals.
Analysis: And so ends the Canes' season. He had been excellent to this point but it looks like his next game could be for Team Canada at the Worlds.
Hurricanes Rolling Ward For Season Finale Saturday
News: Ward is expected to start Saturday's season finale against Tampa Bay, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: The Hurricanes simply need Ward to do on Saturday what he's done for them all season - win. Simply put, if Ward can somehow manage his 10th win in his last 13 games, the 'Canes will edge out the Rangers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.
News: Ward will start Friday's road game in Atlanta, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: Ward has four win in his last five starts, including a 42-save blanking of the Red Wings his last time out. The Hurricanes have a good shot at making the playoffs as they trail the eighth-place Rangers by just two points and have a game in hand. Win or lose, Ward has been integral the team's success this season, and he should be in your fantasy lineup each and every night he plays.
News: Ward allowed just one goal and faced very little pressure Friday night, as 18 saves was all he needed to give the Hurricanes a key victory over the Thrashers.
Analysis: Ward's sensational play has kept Carolina's playoff hopes alive with one game remaining. If you were lucky enough to have him rostered in fantasy leagues, we bet we could pick you out in a crowd. Yeah, you're the one pumping your first at the sight of Ward's 37 wins in 2010-11.
News: Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford believes Ward should be a contender for the Vezina Trophy, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Goalies Tim Thomas of the Bruins, Pekka Rinne of the Predators, and Roberto Luongo of the Canucks -- to name a few -- might have other opinions on who deserves the Vezina, but Ward certainly has held his own this season. The Hurricanes have $6.3 million invested in him each year until his contract expires in 2016-17, so Rutherford clearly has confidence in Ward, and for good reason. Carolina's top crease commander has managed a .923 save percentage with a record of 36-25-10, while enduring a lead-leading 72 starts.
News: Ward stopped all 42 shots he faced Wednesday night as Carolina downed Detroit 3-0.
Analysis: Carolina is now two points back of the Rangers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Each team has two games left in the regular season. Ward has saved his best for last as the win Wednesday night gave him his seventh in his last nine starts.
News: Ward is the expected starter for Wednesday's game against the Red Wings, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: Ward continues to play brilliantly as the Hurricanes chase down the eighth and final playoff spot in the East with three games to go. Ward has allowed just two goals in each of his last four starts - three of them wins. As long as the 'Canes remain in the playoff hunt, they will keep trotting Ward out there.
News: Ward will start Sunday against Buffalo, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: This could turn out to be Ward's most important game of the season, as the ninth-place Hurricanes trail the seventh-place Sabres by just two points. Ward, who has won seven of his past 10 games, simply can't afford to lose this one as the 'Canes continue to jockey for playoff positioning.
News: Ward made 29 saves in Sunday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Sabres.
Analysis: Ward allowed goals from Chris Butler and Marc-Andre Gragnani, a pair of defensemen who each posted their first scores of the season. Even though it wasn't the result 'Canes fans were hoping for, Ward still played well; his unlucky night included a bad bounce in overtime and a lack of support by the team offense.
News: Ward should again be between the posts as the Hurricanes travel to play the Islanders on Saturday evening on Long Island.
Analysis: Ward leads the NHL in total saves this season, tallying 2,219 to this juncture. He will be active Saturday as a "hang loose" New York squad peppers his pipes with no playoff implications for its side. The exact opposite is the case for the 'Canes. They are three points behind the Rangers and Sabres for the final playoff spot in the East. Expect Ward to make more than a 'Cam'eo appearance during the last five tilts. That is, as long as Carolina remains in the hunt. Prolific numbers can probably be expected from him during this last gasp playoff surge. He's been here before.
News: Ward made 38 saves Wednesday, as he and the Hurricanes dominated the Canadiens, 6-2.
Analysis: Ward allowed two goals on the man advantage, but the 'Canes struck early and often, leading to the netminder's fifth win in his last six starts.
News: Ward will be between the pipes Wednesday against the Habs, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: Ward has been exceptional in the second half of March, with five wins in seven starts. He will continue to play every game for the ninth-place 'Canes as long as the team is within striking distance of the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.
News: Ward will start Tuesday against the Capitals, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: Ward has already seen the Capitals four times this season, but he wasn't a victor in any of those starts despite posting a 2.25 goals-against average against them. He'll look for a better result in what will be his 68th start of the season.
News: Ward stopped 38 of 40 shots in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout win over Washington.
Analysis: Ward also stopped Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom in the shootout to pick up the victory. Ward is going to have to play lights out every single night the rest of the way if Carolina has any hope of sneaking into the playoffs.
News: Ward stopped 28 of the 31 shots he saw from the Lightning on Saturday, but the 'Canes lost by a score of 4-2.
Analysis: Tough loss for Ward as the Hurricanes continue to have problems moving into playoff position. Of course, it doesn't help that the Sabres and Rangers -- two teams ahead of Carolina in the Eastern Conference standings -- both shut out their respective opponents Saturday.
News: Ward will start Saturday against Tampa Bay, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: Ward makes for a decent fantasy play on this night. The 'Canes have won two straight games and sit three games back of the Sabres for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Meanwhile, the fifth-place Lightning are 2-4-4 in their last 10 games.
News: Ward did not practice Tuesday as the team has elected to give him more rest, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: Ward is well on pace to record more than 4,000 minutes between the pipes for the first time in his career. As a result, the puck stopper is simply getting additional rest between starts. With nine regular-season games left for Carolina, it would surprise us if Ward misses another start as long as the team remains in the playoff hunt.
News: Ward blocked 36 shots en route to a 4-3 win over the Senators on Tuesday.
Analysis: Ward allowed the game's first two goals before settling down and receiving some help from his offense. He's now won twice in a row and currently ranks seventh in the NHL with 31 victories.
News: Ward stopped 35 of 37 shots as Carolina downed the Islanders 3-2 in overtime Friday.
Analysis: After having a subpar performance in his last outing, a 3-1 loss to the Leafs, Ward bounced back with a huge win Friday night to help keep Carolina in the playoff hunt.
News: Ward will square off against the Islanders on Friday, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: The struggling Hurricanes, who have won just four of their last 10 games, still sit just two points back of Buffalo for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Ward will continue to start every game for the 'Canes as long as they remain in the hunt.
News: Ward allowed three goals on just 19 shots in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: If the Hurricanes wish to secure a spot in the postseason, it will be vital for the offense to start lending more support to Ward. After all, the 'Canes have managed just seven goals as a team over Ward's last five starts.
News: Ward is the expected starter for Wednesday's game in Toronto, according Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: Ward will look to keep his shutout streak going after blanking the Sabres 1-0 on Tuesday. Win or lose, expect Ward to start each and every game down the stretch as the ninth-place Hurricanes try to get themselves back into playoff contention.
News: Ward stopped all 40 shots he faced in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Sabres.
Analysis: Ward was absolutely fantastic in a game that Carolina had to have. It was Ward's first win in his previous three starts. He's going to have to play lights-out the rest of the way if Carolina has any chance of making the playoffs.
News: Ward is scheduled to start Tuesday against Buffalo, according to wralSPORTSfan.com.
Analysis: Ward is winless in his last three starts despite posting a .915 SV% and 2.36 GAA over that span. Ward has been remarkably consistent all season long, but the offense playing in front of him hasn't. All you can really do at this point in the season is keep him rolling, and hope the 'Canes can somehow rediscover their scoring touch.
News: Ward allowed two goals to the Blue Jackets on Saturday, proving to be too many as the Hurricanes lost the game, 3-2.
Analysis: Ward continues to lay the foundation for the Hurricanes to capture wins, but the team has only supported him with five goals in his past three starts.
News: Ward stopped 24 of 26 shots Friday night, but still lost 2-1 to Washington.
Analysis: It was his second straight loss, but he'll continue to get the lion's share of work down the stretch as Carolina will lean heavily on Ward as the team battles for its playoff life.
News: Ward is scheduled to start Friday against Washington, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: Ward has been remarkably successful against the Caps so far in his career, with a 13-7-4 record against them including three shutouts. That said, the Caps are one hot team right now, winners of six straight, led by rookie goaltender Braden Holtby who is 4-0-1 in his last five starts. Bottom line, Ward and the Hurricanes will need to play some desperate hockey against one of the league's best teams if they want to stay in playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.
News: Ward made 26 saves Wednesday, but Tim Stapleton of the Thrashers put the puck past him in overtime, giving the Hurricanes a 3-2 loss.
Analysis: The Thrashers took advantage of an odd-man rush for the game-winning goal past Ward, who leads the league in overtime/shootout losses with nine.
News: Ward will start Wednesday against the Thrashers, the Raleigh News & Observer's Chip Alexander reports.
Analysis: No surprise here, as coach Paul Maurice stated on the weekend that a healthy Ward would get each and every start for the remainder of the season. Feel free to lock him in to your starting rotation if you need to.
News: Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice said Ward, who was rested Friday after making 24 consecutive starts, should start in every game for the remainder of the regular season, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Assuming he stays healthy, Ward will be faced with 16 more starts between the pipes to finish the regular season. "He should be well-rested and fresh," Maurice said. "We have enough blocks of time off between our blocks of games. We ran him 22, 23 in a row ... so this should be easy for him. Unless something comes up where he's not right or not feeling right ... I would expect him to be ready to go." Consider following suit in fantasy leagues by using Ward on a regular basis. He currently ranks seventh in the NHL with 28 wins, backed by a sturdy .920 save percentage.
News: After making 24 consecutive starts, Ward was finally rested in favor of backup goalie Justin Peters for Friday's contest against the Blackhawks, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: The Hurricanes lost Friday's game, 5-2, but remain in a fight for a playoff spot with 16 games left on the team's regular-season schedule. Being a fantasy owner of Ward means that you can rely on him for plenty of starts down the stretch. Plus, he's just two wins shy of earning 30 victories in a season for the fourth time in his career.
News: Ward collected 27 saves in Thursday's 3-2 overtime win over the Sabres. According to the Raleigh News & Observer, it was his 24th consecutive start.
Analysis: Ward does not appear to be slowing down despite his hefty workload this season. Remember, even though he's in his sixth NHL season, Ward is just 27 years young. The 'Canes will get back to work Friday night against the Blackhawks, though it's too early to tell if Ward will work between the pipes for that one.
News: Ward will make his 24th consecutive start Thursday night against the Sabres, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward says he feels "fresh and strong," despite the heavy workload. The report notes that he did get a day off from practice Wednesday, presumably to rest. This is a critical start for Ward, as the Hurricanes currently sit just two points ahead of the Sabres ahead of Thursday's contest between the two teams, per the Raleigh N&O.
News: Ward made 41 saves in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Panthers.
Analysis: The Hurricanes were outshot 42-22, but Ward came up with a number of key saves to avoid being defeated by a bottom dweller of the Eastern Conference in the Panthers. Ward now ranks eighth in the league with 27 wins.
News: Ward is expected to start Tuesday against the Panthers, according to George Richards of The Miami Herald.
Analysis: Ward has lost three of his last four starts, which is not surprising considering he's given up a combined 12 goals over that stretch. Tuesday's game will mark Ward's 23rd consecutive start, so you have to wonder if the fatigue factor is coming into play for him right now. Look at every other goalie option you have for Tuesday's slate of games before you roll with Ward.
News: Ward suffered his 21st loss by allowing four goals on 27 shots Saturday against the Canadiens.
Analysis: That might seem like a high number of losses, but one must take into account the fact that Ward leads the league in games played, and has made a whopping 22 consecutive starts. Expect plenty more starts from the No.1 twine-tender as long as the 'Canes stay in playoff contention.
Hurricanes To Start Ward In Goal Versus Habs Saturday
News: Ward will start Saturday's game in Montreal, the Raleigh News & Observer's Chip Alexander reports.
Analysis: This will make an incredible 22 consecutive starts between the pipes for Ward. At 26-20-8, he is on pace to hit the 30-win mark for the fourth time in the past five seasons. He's not quite an elite fantasy goalie option given the team he plays for, but he's awfully good nonetheless. Keep him rolling.
News: Ward stopped 33 of 34 shots in Carolina's 4-1 win over Pittsburgh Friday.
Analysis: It was his 26th win of the season. Ward continues to put up solid fantasy numbers as he went into Friday's action with a 2.74 GAA and a solid .918 SV% on the year.
News: Ward turned aside 46 shots in Tuesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Rangers.
Analysis: Ward owners have to be as frustrated as he is, but one has to wonder what more he has to do in order to put his team in a position to win. Ward will be in goal basically every night as the Canes look to hang on to a playoff spot. It's nice to know that you can expect Ward to start most nights, but you also know what to expect in terms of results, which are more of a product of his team than an indictment of Ward's ability.
News: Ward will start against the Rangers on Tuesday, the Raleigh News & Observer's Chip Alexander reports.
Analysis: This should come as little surprise with the Hurricanes jockeying for a playoff spot down the stretch. Don't expect to see Justin Peters until the schedule puts the Hurricanes on the ice for games on consecutive days.
News: Ward made just 21 saves in a 4-1 loss to the Devils on Saturday.
Analysis: The horned ones were hot and made good use of the chances they got. Ward continues to get lots of starts for the Canes but hasn't been picking up many wins lately (3-5-1 in nine games in February). His ratios remain strong, though, so he's a solid fantasy activation in most formats.
News: Ward will start against New Jersey on Saturday, Raleigh News & Observer writer Chip Alexander reports.
Analysis: Ward is coming off a nice 3-2 win against Philadelphia, but his owners should beware that the Devils have been playing out of their minds lately, including two straight wins against Carolina.
News: On Friday,Ward made 21 saves to help the Hurricanes defeat the Flyers by a score of 3-2.
Analysis: The win came on a night when the 'Canes paid tribute to team legend Rod Brind'Amour by retiring his No. 17 jersey, as reported by the Raleigh News & Observer. As for Ward, he proved that he can handle one of the best teams in the league.
News: Ward will stop pucks from the Flyers on Friday night, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: No goalie has seen more shots come his way this season than Ward. There are two reasons for this: For one, Ward has already played in 51 games, the second most in the NHL. And secondly, Carolina's defense has not exactly been air tight defensively in front of him. Ward is a recommendable fantasy starter on most nights, but explore all available options before plugging him in against one of the league's best teams in the Flyers.
News: Ward surrendered three goals on 19 shots in Wednesday's loss to the Devils.
Analysis: Ward was victimized by two excellent individual efforts from the Devils, but allowed a massive rebound on the team's second goal. Ward has played 17 consecutive games and odds are he will be in the net every night unless you hear otherwise. Carolina faces New Jersey again Saturday, a team they've been flummoxed by the last week and a team seeking their coveted playoff position; a position that is becoming more tenuous with each day.
News: Ward will make his 17th consecutive start in goal Wednesday against the Devils, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: The Devils have staged what is arguably the biggest turnaround of the season, with a 12-1-2 record in their past 15 games, and no doubt view the Hurricanes as a team they must beat if they are still to make the playoffs. Ward will clearly have his work cut out for him on this night.
News: Ward turned away 41 of the 43 shots he faced Sunday against the Thrashers, picking up a victory along the way.
Analysis: Ward has been a workhorse for the Hurricanes, as he's played in 50 games while posting a 2.72 GAA and a .920 SV%. He's worth starting regardless of matchup.
News: Ward will start in goal Sunday against the Thrashers, Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Ward's recent struggles continued Thursday against the Flyers, as he suffered his fourth loss in his last five games. That said, he's also posted a .917 SV% over that span, so he's actually playing quite well. The main issues facing Ward continue to be goal support (or lack thereof) and too many shots against - both problems directly attributable to the guys playing in front of him.
News: Ward will start in goal for the Hurricanes Sunday against the Thrsahers, Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: The start will be Ward's 50th this season, which will put him one ahead of Carey Price and Miikka Kiprusoff for the league lead in that department.
News: Ward allowed four goals on 45 shots in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to Tampa Bay
Analysis: Ward only has one win in the month of February but he played well enough to win Saturday. Continue to start him with confidence, as he's the go-to guy in Carolina regardless of any current streak or trend.
News: Ward will start Saturday night against Tampa Bay, according to FOX Sports' John Forslund.
Analysis: Ward has been a workhorse for the 'Canes this season, currently tied with Carey Price and Miikka Kiprusoff for the league lead in starts with 48 heading into Saturday's games. Considering he was likely a mid- to late-round goalie pick in most fantasy drafts this season, Ward has been excellent value in all departments, including wins (23), GAA (2.70) and SV% (.919). Roll him with confidence.
News: Ward stopped 23 shots but allowed two power-play goals from the Flyers in Thursday's 2-1 loss.
Analysis: Ward did his part by keeping the Hurricanes in the game, only to be done in by a lack of support from the offense. The great part of being a Ward owner is that you know he will get plenty of work. According to the Raleigh News & Observer, Thursday was his 14th consecutive start.
News: Ward is expected to get the start Thursday against the Flyers, according to the Bergen Record's Mike Morreale.
Analysis: Ward has just one win in his last four starts, but that's hardly his fault as his teammates are suddenly struggling to score goals. Ward's given up 12 goals himself over those four games, but he's also faced a ton of rubber with an average of 36 shots against per night. The telling statistic here is the .917 SV% he recorded over that stretch, an indication that he's keeping his team in games and making key saves when he has to. Pound for pound, Ward remains one of the better goalies in the game, but suffers from an overall mediocre supporting cast. Use him accordingly.
News: Ward allowed three goals on 34 shots in Tuesday's overtime loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Ward can't be faulted here as he faced 19 shots alone in the third period and gave up a rebound goal that his teammates couldn't clear. A larger issue is that this game was essentially a microcosm of Ward's season, as the Canes gave him minimal support and allowed two goals late. He's going to start most nights as the Canes cling to a playoff spot.
News: Ward made 34 saves in a 4-3 overtime win over Atlanta on Saturday night.
Analysis: It's his first win in three starts but his 23rd overall. He continues to deliver above-average wins and save percentage but his goals-against average is barely top-25 in the league. Despite the latter, Ward remains an excellent fantasy twinetender.
News: Ward stopped 38 of 41 shots, but James Reimer was perfect on the other end for Toronto and the Hurricanes to the Leafs on Thursday.
Analysis: Ward struggled at times last month, but has been solid in his two outings since the All-Star break. He's allowed three goals in each game, but faced a combined 71 shots.
News: Ward will start against Toronto on Thursday, Toronto Globe and Mail writer James Mirtle reports.
Analysis: Although he allowed seven goals, Ward won his previous two matchups with Toronto this year. Given how productive Carolina's offense has been and how unproductive Toronto's is, the odds of another victory are in Ward's favor.
News: Ward will start in goal Wednesday against the Islanders, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: At 21-15-5, Ward should be able to challenge the career-high 39 wins he posted two season ago. Furthermore, if your league rewards for peripheral stats like GAA and SV%, Ward ranks quite well in both categories (2.71 and .920, respectively), making him one of the better fantasy goalie options out there. Roll him whenever possible.
News: Ward turned away 26 of 30 shots Monday against Toronto, securing the franchise's 1,000th win.
Analysis: Hearts are saddened in the Hartford area, but Ward did just enough to ward off the Leafs. Allowing four goals is hardly ideal, but it's palatable when you also get the win. He's a solid player, just expect his averages to be a little higher as he plays for Carolina.
News: Ward will work between the pipes Monday against the Maple Leafs in an attempt to lead the Hurricanes franchise to its 1000th win, Leafs insider Paul Hendrick
reports.
Analysis: Ward may have been drafted at a discount in fantasy leagues this season. After all, last year his campaign was littered with misfortune from injuries and plenty of hard-luck loses. But now he owns a 20-15-5 record with a .921 save percentage, which would be a career best if he can sustain it.
News: Ward made 28 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Penguins on Saturday.
Analysis: Ward was solid on the night but his teammates couldn't solve Marc-Andre Fleury until the 15:35 mark of the third period.
News: Ward turned in a gem Thursday against the Rangers, stopping 39 of 40 shots to win his 20th game of the season.
Analysis: Ward had been struggling mightily of late, so much so that this was the first time in the month of January (a span of eight starts) that he allowed less than two goals. Good to see him back on track with an All-Star appearance coming up.
News: Ward will start in goal Thursday against the Rangers, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: After closing out 2010 with two straight wins and a shutout, Ward has hit a rough patch so far in January with just three wins in eight starts. Take a long look at your other goalie options on Thursday before you decide to run with Ward.
News: Ward is expected to start against Boston on Tuesday, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward allowed two goals on just five shots before getting pulled against Boston on Monday, so this isn't the rosiest on-paper matchup for Ward to make a comeback attempt. Furthermore, Ward has saved under 90 percent of the shots he's seen in five of his last seven appearances.
News: Ward allowed two goals on five shots Monday, lasting just 11:28 into the game.
Analysis: Ward and the Canes had a rough go of it in Monday's matinee, but Ward was spared the worst of it. Ward is slated to start all the games for Carolina heading up to the All-Star break, so look at Monday as extra rest.
Canes' Ward Could Be Used Straight To All-Star Break
News: Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice indicated that Ward could play straight up to the All-Star break, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: The Hurricanes play seven games before the team hosts the 2011 NHL All-Star festivities at the RBC Center January 29-30, so Ward appears to be in line for plenty of work between the pipes. As previously reported, Ward is expected to start Saturday against Tampa Bay.
Ward Expected Between Pipes For Hurricanes Saturday
News: Ward is expected to start against Tampa Bay on Saturday, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: After finishing December on a strong note with four wins in six games, Ward is scuffling a bit so far in January, with a 2-1-2 record. He's also given up at least three goals in four of those five starts. Pound for pound, Ward stacks up pretty well against the top netminders in the league most nights, but the 'Canes are not a powerhouse offensive team - if he continues to give up three or more goals on a nightly basis, wins will be hard to come by.
News: Ward stopped 32 of 35 shots Thursday against the Sabres, but couldn't get enough offensive support and took a 3-2 loss.
Analysis: Ward has won just once in his last four outings, but still has a very shiny .923 save percentage for the season. Ward and Eric Staal are basically the only two guys keeping Carolina in the playoff hunt.
News: Ward is expected to start against Buffalo on Thursday, Raleigh News & Observer writer Chip Alexander reports.
Analysis: Ward came out of Tuesday's start against Calgary with a win despite allowing five goals. Hopefully he can allow fewer goals while getting another win against an average Buffalo squad.
News: As expected, Ward will start in goal Tuesday night against the Flames, Sportsnet's Roger Millions reports.
Analysis: Ward backed up Justin Peters the last two games due to a minor lower-body injury, but apparently he'll be ready to re-assume the starting duties by Tuesday night. The Hurricanes and Flames are fairly even in terms of their placement in the league standings, but Ward makes for a good starting option in fantasy leagues thanks to a save percentage (.925) that ranks seventh best in the league.
News: Ward (lower body) is expected to be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Flames, the Charlotte News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward backed up Justin Peters in the last two games, but he is feeling good enough to get back on the ice Tuesday. Ward is 3-0-2 in his last five starts, so feel free to get him back in your lineup right away.
News: Coach Paul Maurice said that the lower-body injury that will prevent Ward from starting Sunday's game against the Thrashers is not a recurrence of the goalie's back problems, the Charlotte News & Observer reports.
Analysis: The injury is not considered serious and Ward will be able to serve in a backup capacity Sunday. "I'm not concerned about it," Maurice said Sunday. "I think he can play today. It's my decision he's not playing today. He says he feels good enough to."
News: Ward (undisclosed injury) will not play Sunday against Atlanta, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: As a result, Justin Peters is in line to make his second consecutive start.
News: Ward has an undisclosed injury and may not start Sunday against Atlanta, the Hurricanes' official site reports. "He might be a game-time," coach Paul Maurice said. "He's not feeling 100 percent."
Analysis: If Ward can't play, Justin Peters would make his second consecutive start. However, Maurice noted that Ward would be able to serve as the backup if he's unable to start, so this doesn't seem like it will be a long-term issue.
Ward Expected Between Pipes For Hurricanes On Wednesday
News: Ward will start in goal Wednesday against the Rangers, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: Ward suffered a tough OT loss to the Panthers on Monday, snapping a three-game win streak. Overall, however, he still has very good numbers this season, with a 2.57 GAA and .925 SV%. With a 17-11-4 record, Ward is on track for another season of at least 30 wins, which would be his fourth in the past five years. He is proving once again to be excellent value as a #1 fantasy starting goalie.
News: Ward suffered his first loss in four games Monday, stopping 24 shots in a loss to Florida.
Analysis: Ward and the Canes fell in overtime to their Southeast Division rivals, his first loss in four starts. Over those four starts, he hasn't exactly been the strongest, surrendering three or more in three of the starts with a shutout in between. Look for him to get the bulk of the starts for Carolina and expect serviceable averages along with the wins.
Canes' Ward Looks To Extend Impressive Run Monday Against Panthers
News: Ward will start in goal Monday against the Panthers, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: The Hurricanes are coming on strong of late, with three straight wins and a 7-3-0 record in their last 10 games. In his last 17 games, Ward has a GAA of 1.95 and a save percentage of .943. However, on Monday he will likely be facing the Panthers' Tomas Vokoun, who pitched a shutout against the Islanders the previous night. That said, look for Ward and the Canes to continue playing determined hockey as they are in ninth place in the East, five points behind the eighth-place Canadiens for the final playoff spot in the conference. Roll Ward as you normally would and enjoy the hot streak while it lasts.
News: Ward is expected to start in goal Saturday against the Devils, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: Make sure Ward is a concrete fixture in daily fantasy leagues for this favorable matchup. Fresh off a shutout against the Senators on Wednesday, he has a good chance of starting off 2011 in solid fashion.
News: Ward stopped all 37 shots he faced as Carolina blanked Ottawa 4-0 on Wednesday night.
Analysis: It was his second shutout of the season and 16th win overall. Ward continues to put up fantastic numbers as he entered the night with a .924 SV% and a 2.60 GAA. Good ratios and getting the vast majority Hurricanes' starts should continue to make Ward a top-10 netminder going forward.
News: Ward will start in goal Wednesday against the Senators, according to Mike Sundheim, Director of Media Relations for the Hurricanes.
Analysis: Ward has already seen the Senators twice this season with a 1-1-0 record and a .937 save percentage against Ottawa's team. He gets right back to work following a win over the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
News: Ward stopped 34 of 37 shots in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Toronto.
Analysis: Except for the fact he has 15 wins, Ward's numbers this season are pretty much average all across the board. He's a decent fantasy option on most nights, but nothing more.
News: While serving as Sunday's starting goalie for the Hurricanes, Ward allowed three goals and 30 shots to the Capitals, but it wasn't good enough as the 'Canes lost by a score of 3-2.
Analysis: Ward played reasonably well, yet he could have used a bit more offense from his companions in this one. He's been steady in goal for most of the season, but Ward really has to work for his wins. In fact, the 26-year-old tender has not won this season in a game where he's allowed more than three goals.
News: Ward (skin infection) returned to the ice Thursday and allowed three goals on 29 shots in a loss to Montreal.
Analysis: Overall, Ward didn't play badly despite the bizarre infection above his left eye. Despite the loss, he's still having the best season of his career in terms of save percentage.
Canes' Ward Will Start Thursday Despite Recent Infection
News: Ward (skin infection) will start Thursday night against the Canadiens, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward reportedly faced "a lot of shots" in Wednesday's practice and is good to go against the Habs. He has been dealing with a skin infection on his forehead. "It seems to be better," Ward said. "It's still not great but I was able to deal with it in practice and it didn't bother me at all, so I don't see it being an issue for tomorrow. I felt good in practice, felt sharp. Didn't miss a beat." It's safe to put Ward back in your starting lineup, but expect him to be heavily tested at home against a Montreal team that sits atop the Northeast Division standings.
News: Ward missed his scheduled start Monday because of a skin infection, but Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford expects the team's top goalie to return soon, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward reportedly had swelling above his left eye that turned out to be an infection. "We wanted to be very careful with it," coach Paul Maurice said. "If you catch it early, that's one thing. But it can be serious. "We're keeping our fingers crossed that he can play Thursday (against Montreal)." This doesn't sound like an issue that will keep Ward away from the ice for very long, but fantasy owners in daily leagues would be wise to monitor the situation to see if he'll dress for Thursday's game.
News: Ward was a late scratch Monday night due to an infection, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: The Hurricanes are indicating that Ward's infection isn't serious, but Justin Peters was a surprise starter Monday while Ward owners were left out to dry. Consider him day-to-day for now while we await more details regarding his expected return.
News: Ward will start Monday's game against the Lightning, according to Canes Country.
Analysis: Ward and Eric Staal are perhaps the only two reasons to get excited about the Hurricanes this season. So far this season, Ward is somehow managing a 2.54 GAA and .926 SV% playing for a very mediocre team. Continue starting him as long as his numbers hold up.
News: Ward made 43 saves Saturday in a 4-2 win over the Ducks.
Analysis: Ryan Getzlaf was the only man to beat Ward. He's been a solid roll of late with the exception of that horrendous game against Florida earlier this week. His save percentage is the best of his career and his goals-against average isn't far behind. It looks like he's maturing to the next level and that's fantastic news for his owners.
News: As previously announced, Ward will start Thursday against Atlanta, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Coach Paul Maurice didn't hesitate in pulling Ward just minutes into Wednesday's game against Florida after he allowed two goals on five shots. However, Maurice said he would also not hesitate in starting Ward on Thursday against the Thrashers. "I'm not worried about him," Maurice said. "I know he'll be real focused and charged up, and that's what we need. He's our No. 1 goalie. He's played some great hockey in Atlanta. I knew when I took him out he'd be going right back in [Thursday]."
News: Ward faced 47 shots and stopped 45 of them, then two of three in the shootout, to take home the win Thursday in Atlanta.
Analysis: Ward was pulled from his last outing after allowing two goals in two minutes, so it's good to see him bounce back with an extremely strong game like this.
News: Facing the Panthers, Ward was pulled from Wednesday's contest and replaced by Justin Peters after allowing two goals on five shots.
Analysis: "I hold Cam to a higher standard," Canes coach Paul Maurice said in a report by the Raleigh News & Observer. "The only other player I hold to the same standard is Eric Staal. The difference is when Eric Staal makes a mistake most people don't notice it..." Prior to Wednesday's game, Ward had been scheduled for three straight starts so it will be interesting to see if he still works in the pipes as soon as Thursday against Atlanta following this dud start.
Hurricanes To Start Ward Wednesday Against Panthers
News: Ward will start Wednesday against the Panthers, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward, who earned his 150th career win Saturday against the Blues, has given up just 15 goals in his last nine starts, with a 1.61 GAA and a .950 save percentage over that span. "I think I'm seeing the puck really well," Ward said Monday. "I feel comfortable. I feel like I'm the most flexible I have been in a long time. It's helped me with my movement in the net and I'm just having some fun out there." Make sure you leave Ward in your starting fantasy rotation, as coach Paul Maurice has indicated he plans to start Ward in all three games this week, including Thursday against Atlanta and Saturday against Anaheim.
News: Ward made 38 saves through overtime and was perfect on three attempts in the shootout to carry the Hurricanes to a 2-1 win over the Blues on Saturday.
Analysis: He's now 12-9-3 with ever-improving ratios but just 3-2-2 in his last seven games. He remains a worthy activation, though.
News: Ward made 28 saves Friday, but allowed the only goal in the shootout round of a 2-1 loss to host Dallas.
Analysis: This is the story of the season for Ward - a good game without much in the way of offensive support. The peripheral stats are there, but wins seem difficult to come by.
News: Ward will start Friday's road game against the Stars, according to Canes Country.
Analysis: Ward is scuffling a bit right now, with just one win in his last four starts. Furthermore, the last time he faced the Stars (Nov. 29), he allowed four goals on 33 shots in a losing effort. However, given his 2.68 GAA and .921 SV%, we see no reason not to start him in this contest. As long as his teammates can score some goals in front of him against the Stars' backup netminder Andrew Raycroft, Ward makes for a decent fantasy play in this matchup.
News: Ward is one win shy of 150 for his career.
Analysis: This is Ward's sixth season but he's only 26 years old. Carolina faces Dallas on Friday night, but it's unclear at this point if Ward or backup Justin Peters will get the call to stop pucks.
News: Ward picked up 34 saves in Friday's 2-1 OT win over Colorado.
Analysis: An early overtime goal by forward Brandon Sutter sealed the win for the 'Canes. Ward remains a steady, yet unspectacular fantasy goalie option in most league formats.
News: Ward will start Friday against Colorado, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: Ward owns a 10-8-2 record and a .920 save percentage, and has battled through inconsistency for much of the season. He won't singlehandedly win your fantasy league, but Ward remains a serviceable option in most fantasy formats.
News: Ward surrendered four goals on 33 shots in Monday's loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Ward had some hard luck recently, losing three of his last four starts, but only allowing more than two goals once in the last five. He's Carolina's best player, but the team could give him a bit more support, as he's played well in two overtime losses recently. Roll him knowing he will play almost every day, but expect some rough outings, more a product of his team than being indicative of his talent.
News: Ward will start Monday against Dallas, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: Ward is proving to be his usual reliable self this season, with a 10-7-2 record, .922 SV% and 2.63 GAA. The only knock on him fantasy-wise is that he usually doesn't get a ton of goal support from his teammates. However, he's been extremely sharp of late, having stopped 124 of 128 pucks over his last four games. Keep him rolling.
News: Ward was brilliant in a 3-2 SO loss to the Capitals on Sunday. He allowed a shootout goal to Alex Ovechkin, but was able to deny 38 of 40 shots beforehand.
Analysis: Ward deserves credit for coming up with a number of big saves in the contest, keeping his team alive during regulation and overtime. Besides, any goalie across the league could do a lot worse than allowing a shootout goal from Ovechkin. The true difference maker in the game was that Washington fired 40 shots at Ward versus the Hurricanes' 28 against Semyon Varlamov on the opposite end. Ward has been playing well as of late, but it won't help out fantasy owners too much until the 'Canes can finally set into a rhythm.
News: Ward will start Sunday against Washington, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward, who pitched a shutout against the Bruins his last time out, already has started against the Caps once this season. In that contest, on October 27, he allowed two goals but still took a loss. Still, Ward may have extra motivation to win this one as it will be his coach Paul Maurice's 1,000th game .
News: Ward made 36 saves in the process of shutting out the Bruins on Friday, 3-0.
Analysis: This was Ward's 13th career shutout and first of the season. He was supported by three power-play goals from his teammates in Friday's contest against a very good Boston team. Ward's been up and down in terms of fantasy production, but he is a proven goalie and someone who doesn't have to worry about losing that many starts to the team's backup tender, Justin Peters.
News: Ward is expected to start Friday's early game against the Bruins, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Despite Ward's solid play in his last two starts (0.97 GAA, .961 SV%), head coach Paul Maurice has flip-flopped between Ward and backup Justin Peters the last few games. The good news for Ward owners is that Peters has not been sharp, and another solid start for Ward on Friday could result in him seeing consecutive starts going forward. Monitor closely.
News: Ward made 26 saves and was named the game's first star in Saturday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Predators.
Analysis: He played a strong game; his team just didn't have much in the tank. He is as inconsistent as his team so exercise caution when you activate him.
News: Head coach Paul Maurice said Friday that Ward will start Saturday's game against the Predators, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward has been inconsistent of late, so it remains to be seen how he will perform against a Nashville team that has scored at least three goals in six of its seven games this month. Use Ward as you normally would.
News: Ward is expected to start Wednesday against the Senators, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: Despite some very mediocre personal stats (3.12 GAA, .909 SV%), Ward has still somehow managed to fashion a winning record this season, going 8-7-0 to start the season. However, it's hard to recommend a goalie who's given up at least four goals in three of his last five starts. Be very selective when employing Ward for fantasy purposes until you see a little more consistency out of him.
News: Ward was yanked Saturday in the second period after giving up four goals on 22 shots. The Canadiens beat the Hurricanes, 7-2.
Analysis: He was once again replaced by Justin Peters who replaced him in an 8-1 blowout Thursday night. The Canes have been spotty (at best) this season; Ward's stat line will be sadly similar unless this squad can develop some consistency.
News: Ward should make another start Saturday against the Canadiens, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: The 'Canes were blown out by a score of 8-1 to the Flyers on Thursday, which included Ward being pulled from the contest in favor of Justin Peters. Ward remains a decent fantasy starter, but understand that Carolina has been back and forth with wins and losses all season, making it difficult to predict when he'll get you acceptable fantasy point totals in any given start.
News: Ward surrendered four goals on 13 shots in Thursday's loss to Philadelphia, lasting two periods.
Analysis: Ward and Carolina didn't play too well in front of the throngs of fans in Raleigh. These results aren't indicative of Ward's abilities, but Carolina is a struggling team, so expect an off night or two.
News: Ward will start Thursday against the Flyers, according to Paul Branecky of the Hurricanes' official site.
Analysis: This will be the first time this season that Ward has faced the Flyers. The two Eastern Conference teams squared off against one another on Nov. 1, but it was Carolina's backup netminder, Justin Peters, who started and took a loss. As for Ward, despite the tough matchup, he should be started in the bulk of fantasy leagues.
News: Ward made 18 saves Saturday in a 3-2 win over Florida.
Analysis: He faced more shots (11) in the third period than he did in the first two combined (nine). His goals-against average is a bit higher than we'd like to see but he is 7-5 with a decent save percentage (.919 heading into Saturday). However, it's a HUGE improvement from last season when he went 2-9-3 in his first 14 games. He remains a strong option in multi-goalie leagues.
News: Ward stopped 43 of 49 shots as Florida defeated Carolina 7-4 Friday Night.
Analysis: He went into the night with a .925 SV% and a 2.67 GAA and has been one of the most consistent goalies in the league to start the year. Keep playing him with confidence, as there's little to suggest this should be more than a one-game hiccup.
Canes' Ward Slated to Play Friday and Saturday Against Florida
News: Beginning Friday, the Hurricanes will play back-to-back games against the Panthers, and head coach Paul Maurice has already stated that Ward will play in both contests, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward's second start of the back-to-back set will be at home. The Hurricanes have been streaky this season, but Ward is holding his own with a 6-4-0 record and a .925 save percentage through 10 games.
Canes’ Ward Dazzles, Gets Plenty of Support in Win
News: Ward denied 31 of the 33 Islanders' shots in a 7-2 win Wednesday.
Analysis: Overall, it was a great night for Ward and the Hurricanes. The team supported its top netminder with seven goals, the highest output of the young season. Ward is still searching for a shutout, though he's only allowed more than three goals once this season. He makes for a decent No. 1 fantasy goalie (or an awesome No. 2 option) at this time.
News: Ward made 28 saves in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Penguins.
Analysis: He had zero support from his mates Saturday, a phenomenon that may happen more than we'd like given that team's inability to snipe. He is a stud, though -- his ratios are exceptional. Keep rolling him.
Hurricanes to Start Ward Against Rangers on Friday
News: Ward is expected to start on Friday against the Rangers, Canes Country reports.
Analysis: Ward's mediocre 4-3-0 record does not do justice to his excellent peripheral stats, including a 2.68 GAA and .925 SV%. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, the 'Canes are one of the lowest-scoring teams in the Eastern Conference, so unless that changes, wins will be hard to come by. He's still their number one guy between the pipes, however, so he should continue to see the majority of starts going forward.
Carolina's Ward Stops 30 Shots in 3-0 Loss to Washington Wednesday Night
News: Ward stopped 30 of 32 shots he faced as Carolina fell to Washington 3-0 on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Even though he lost, Ward's having an exceptional start to the year as he went into Wednesday night's action with four wins and a .923 save percentage.
Canes’ Ward: Projected Starter for Wednesday Against Washington
News: Ward's name appears atop the goalie section of the Hurricanes' official depth chart, a good indication that he will start on Wednesday against the Capitals.
Analysis: Ward and the well-traveled Hurricanes technically played their "home opener" in Finland – a win against the Wild on October 8 – but the team will be making their first start of the season at the RBC center in Raleigh, which is sure to feel more like home. Ward has a lifetime record of 13-5-3 against Washington.
News: Ward blew a 3-0 third-period lead on Saturday, but the Hurricanes bailed him out with an overtime win at Phoenix. He turned away 36 shots to improve to 4-2-0.
Analysis: The box score won't show one reason for the coaching staff's ire -- Ward misplayed the puck behind the net in the game's 59th minute, leading to an easy game-tying tally. The good news about Ward is that he's entrenched as Carolina's primary netminder. The bad news is that his many starts will generate only average fantasy numbers, such as his pedestrian 2.78 GAA, good only for 25th in the league.
News: Ward will block shots Saturday, when the Hurricanes face the Coyotes, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Ward should be well rested as his last start was back on Oct. 19, a road win against the Sharks.
News: Ward, who allowed five goals to the Canucks in his previous start, rebounded nicely Tuesday, stopping 41 of 43 shots in a 5-2 road win over the Sharks.
Analysis: Ward currently ranks third in the league with 167 saves. A step down from the elite, he is an excellent No. 2 fantasy netminder for the time being.
News: Ward was shaky Sunday as he allowed five goals in a 5-1 loss to the Canucks.
Analysis: This poor performance evens out Ward's record to 2-2 on the season. The 26-year-old netminder has allowed three or more goals in all but one of his four starts this year. Since Ward has started every game for the Hurricanes so far, it wouldn't catch us by surprise to see backup Justin Peters stopping some pucks for the 'Canes in the near future.
News: Ward let in three goals on 39 shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Ottawa.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Ward has looked impressive through the first three games of the regular season. Only seven pucks have gone past him for a healthy save percentage of .936 and goals-against average of 2.28. The schedule should get tougher for Ward and company with upcoming road games against Vancouver and San Jose.
News: Hurricanes head coach Paul Maurice liked what he saw from Ward in Friday's 2-1 shootout win over the Wild, the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis: "He was fantastic," Maurice said of Ward. "I don't want to say it's as good as I've ever seen him play because I've seen him do if before, but a performance like that we don't get too many of." Ward had 41 saves in the contest and can be relied upon as a No. 1 fantasy goaltender at this time.
News: Ward had a busy day Friday against the Wild as he picked up 42 saves in a 2-1 SO win, which took place in Helsinki, Finland.
Analysis: Ward was also clutch in the contest by not allowing a single puck to go past him in three Minnesota shootout attempts. The season is far too young for Ward to already be considered an elite fantasy starter following his tumultuous 2009-10 season, but he is off to a blazing start with a win and 71 saves already added to his record.
Canes' Ward Does Enough To Snag Season's First Win
News: Ward turned aside 29 shots Thursday en route to a 4-3, season-opening victory over the Wild in Finland.
Analysis: Ward let in one goal every period, but the Carolina offense backed him up with plenty of support from the other end of the ice. While the Warden wasn't at his best, he'll take the win after a forgettable 2009-10 campaign that saw Ward post the first losing record of his five-year career.
News: Ward picked up 30 saves in Friday's 2-1 OT win over the Thrashers, leading to praise from head coach Paul Maurice, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: "He had three or four points in the game where he made big saves to keep it at zero," said Maurice. "His last two starts, he's looked right on." It's entirely possible that Ward could be on the clearance rack in fantasy drafts thanks to his forgettable 2009-10 campaign that was mired by injuries and a losing record.
Canes' Ward Records Shutout Against Atlanta Saturday
News: Ward stopped 32 shots for the shutout in Saturday's 1-0 win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Ward played the entire game Saturday, recording his first shutout of the preseason. He faced some tough shots from Atlanta but was solid between the pipes. Ward is a solid No. 1 goaltender option.
News: Ward gave up three goals in less than a two-minute span during Tuesday's loss to the Panthers.
Analysis: It's only the first preseason game so there's no reason to panic. Ward played for 31:58 before being pulled for Justin Pogge. Overall, he stopped 17 of 20 shots in the contest.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 38 saves Saturday in a 4-2 loss to the Bruins. The final Boston goal was an empty-netter.
Analysis: Ward finished his disappointing 2009-10 campaign with a 18-23-5 record. Hopefully he can return to being a must-start Fantasy option in 2010-11, and you might be able to get him a little later in drafts next September because of this season and his back injury. The Hurricanes TG goes as Ward does.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward turned away 30 pucks against the Canadiens on Thursday, as Carolina defeated the Habs 5-2. He's won his last two decisions, and four of his last five.
Analysis: Ward is finishing the season strong, posting a 4-1-0 record with 10 goals five appearances since returning from a back injury. He should have a chance to return to his must-start self in 2010-11. The Hurricanes TG is at best a No. 2 option when Ward is active.
News: An injury to Manny Legace forced the Hurricanes to bring Cam Ward off the bench during a 8-5 win against the Lightning on Tuesday. Legace skated off the ice midway through the second period with an undisclosed injury and is listed day to day. He made nine saves and left with a 5-2 lead, but Ward ended up with the win as Tampa Bay eventually scored five times. Ward finished with 23 saves on 26 shots.
Analysis: Ward has won for the third time in four outings since his return from a back injury. He has allowed six goals in his last two appearances after allowing just two goals in his first two. But he continues to see extensive time in net, so it appears his back injury is behind him. Ward remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 25 saves in Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Devils. The final New Jersey goal was an empty-netter.
Analysis: This was Ward's third start since he returned from a back injury, and was definitely his worst. It's good to see him back on the ice for Carolina, even though his team won't be featuring in the playoffs this season. Ward really won't be worth starting except in deeper leagues for the final Fantasy Wee 25 (April 5-11), but there is a good chance he will return to his must-start self in 2010-11. The Hurricanes TG is also not worth worrying about at this time.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward turned away 34 of 35 shots during Wednesday's 2-1 victory over the Canadiens. He allowed a goal to Marc-Andre Bergeron at 8:04 of the first period to give Montreal a 1-0 lead, but shut the Habs down the rest of the way.
Analysis: Ward is playing very well since returning from a back injury, winning his two starts while allowing only a pair of goals. However, he remains an injury-risk start the final weeks of the Fantasy season due to uncertainty about how his back will hold up. The Hurricanes TG is at best a No. 2 option when Ward is active.
News: Carolina goalie Cam Ward made a brilliant return after being out nearly two months, Erik Cole scored a decisive goal with 4:11 left and the Hurricanes beat the Thrashers 4-1 on Monday night, dealing a blow to Atlanta's playoff hopes. Ward made 26 saves in his first contest since Feb. 3, having missed 19 games with a back injury. He allowed his only goal to Nik Antropov at 14:06 of the first period. He made 23 saves over the final two scoreless frames.
Analysis: Ward sure didn't look rusty after his long layoff. He came up big on Niclas Bergfors in the second period when the Atlanta winger broke in all alone. Ward stopped the initial shot, the rebound going right back to Bergfors, who got off another shot. Ward blocked that one, too. In the third period, Jim Slater stole the puck and came in on a breakaway for a possible tying goal with the Thrashers shorthanded, but Ward made the save. Rich Peverley picked off the long rebound and fired another shot through a screen, only to have Ward turn that away with a nifty flick of the pads. Monday's performance is going to help Ward's confidence. He can only hope his back will hold up the rest of the way. Ward remains an injury-risk start the final weeks of the Fantasy season. The Hurricanes TG is at best a No. 2 option when Ward is active.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes G Cam Ward (back) was activated off injured reserve on Saturday, though he wasn't used against the Thrashers. He could play in the rematch Monday night. He hasn't played in the team's last 19 games. Justin Peters was reassigned to Albany of the AHL.
Analysis: Ward was making great progress since early March and the Hurricanes felt the veteran netminder could have returned this season. It is a bit shocking to see Ward back in action since Carolina is a long shot for the playoffs. It's just sometimes tough to keep a competitor on the bench. We don't anticipate Ward seeing a full workload in the final two weeks, so use caution when starting him in Fantasy.
News: Hurricanes TV play by play voice John Forslund reported via his Twitter feed on Monday that G Cam Ward (back) could return to skating later this week.
Analysis: At this rate, it's conceivable that Ward could contribute Fantasy-wise before the end of the season, so just continue to stash him away in the majority of leagues. However, with the way Manny Legace has been playing lately, the Canes might want to just let rest Ward up and heal fully.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes G Cam Ward will not need surgery on his back and could return this season. "We're real encouraged with the progress he's making," GM Jim Rutherford said. "He has been feeling much better in the last week. We'll see where he is in the next week or two."
Analysis: This is great news for Ward's owners, who had to be fearing the worst when this injury popped up in early February. Of course, it's a little early to get any kind of excited about the prospect of getting Ward back for the Fantasy playoffs, but any positive news is good to hear. Continue to stash him away in most formats.
News: Sportsnet.ca's Nick Kypreos tweeted that Hurricanes G Cam Ward (back), who was scheduled to see a back specialist on Monday, could be shut down for the season. The Raleigh News & Observer also reports that Ward will be observed by doctors for the next couple of weeks.
Analysis: We've already had one goalie -- Nikolai Khabibulin -- shut down with a back issue this season, so the former enforcer Kypreos might not be too crazy with this prediction. Then again, he did take a few shots to the head during his career, so don't go and drop Ward just yet in any format. While Ward and the Canes were really struggling earlier this season, both had seen a resurgence before this injury popped up. Ward is a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy, but you might want to start making plans just in case he is done for the year. Manny Legace and Justin Peters would be the goalies remaining if Ward ends up being shelved.
News: Hurricanes officials confirmed Saturday that G Cam Ward will see a back specialist Monday. Ward missed his second straight game Saturday after his back stiffened up on a flight from Calgary to Buffalo.
Analysis: Ward's injury didn't appear to be anything too serious at first, but now things are looking a little worrying. He's now clearly a very risky start for Fantasy Week 19 (Feb. 8-14). Ward is a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: The Raleigh News and Observer reports Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward returned to the team's facilities in North Carolina on Friday for treatment on an upper-body injury. Coach Paul Maurice said Ward was not injured during Wednesday's game against the Flames, but that Ward began to stiffen up during the flight Thursday to Buffalo. Ward has had some issues with back spasms. Justin Peters was recalled from Albany (AHL) on Friday and Manny Legace got the start against the Sabres.
Analysis: Maurice called Ward "day-to-day" and indicated that he could play again before the Olympic break. The Hurricanes return home after Saturday's game against the Islanders, so there is a chance Ward might play during a three-game home stretch before the break. Consider him an injury-risk start for Week 19 (Feb. 8-14) until further notice. Ward missed some time earlier this year with a leg laceration, but he has actually played some of his best hockey since rejoining the lineup. Consider him a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 35 saves during a 4-1 loss to the Flames on Wednesday. Ward never led in the game and Calgary finished off Carolina with an empty-net goal with 1:02 left. Ward has lost two straight after winning four straight.
Analysis: The Hurricanes started a four-game road trip on Monday against the Oilers and it has not started off well. Outside of losing both contests, the Hurricanes have scored only three times to support Ward. This coming after Ward had an outstanding January. Despite the recent slide, Ward isn't going to lose his job in net. Consider him a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 23 saves during a 4-2 loss to the Oilers on Monday. Ward held a 1-0 lead early in the first period before Edmonton closed out the frame with two goals. Carolina tied it 10:49 into the second before Edmonton scored twice again to close out a frame. Ward only needed to make three saves in the third period, but Carolina couldn't muster up any offense despite pulling Ward for more than two minutes late in the game.
Analysis: Ward had a four-game win streak snapped by one of the worst teams in the NHL. Oh well. Even the best goalies have weird off nights. The fact remains Ward is coming off his best month of the season. He won nine times in January and posted a 2.02 GAA. He definitely seems poised to finish the season on a high note. Ward is back to being a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 39 saves Saturday as he claimed his fourth straight victory in a 4-2 decision over the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Along with the Senators, the Hurricanes are one of the leagues hottest teams right now, and Ward has simply been sensational of late. He is finally looking like the Ward we saw in the second half of last season and is definitely worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie for Week 18 (Feb. 1-7) with games against Edmonton, Calgary, Buffalo and the Islanders. The Carolina TG is also an advisable option with three of those four matchups of the tasty variety.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 26 saves during a 4-1 win against the Islanders on Thursday. Ward was back in net about 24 hours after thumping the Rangers, 5-1, on Wednesday. He was cruising along for a shutout until Matt Moulson netted his 20th goal 15:29 into the third. Ward has won his last three starts and four of five.
Analysis: Ward has allowed a total of three goals during his three-game win streak. Carolina might not have a great chance of making the playoffs, but the Hurricanes are making quite a stand in the second half. Ward has a season-high eight victories in 13 January games. He has looked really sharp since returning from a leg laceration and is finally living up to expectations. Ward is creeping back toward being a No. 1 Fantasy netminder. The Hurricanes TG goes as Ward does.
News:Cam Ward, playing in his 20th straight game, made 37 saves for Carolina during a 5-1 win against the Rangers on Wednesday. Ward held a 2-0 lead before Ryan Callahan scored 1:24 into the second. He blanked the Rangers the rest of the way as he made 21 saves in the second period and 12 saves during a scoreless third.
Analysis: Ward has won three of his last four starts and has a season-high seven victories in 12 January games. He also has a GAA under 2.20 this month. He has looked really sharp since returning from a leg laceration and is finally living up to expectations. With a few more wins, Ward might return to being a No. 1 Fantasy netminder. The Hurricanes TG goes as Ward does.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 27 saves Sunday in a 5-1 rout of the Bruins. The victory made Ward the new franchise win leader at 131.
Analysis: Ward has only won two of his last six starts, but has hasn't been to blame for all of those losses by any means. Continue to think of Ward as a No. 2 option, while the Hurricanes TG is also a secondary choice.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward was supposed to get a night of rest Saturday, but he ended up replacing Manny Legace after the backup left with an eye injury. Ward made 20 saves and allowed two goals in a 4-2 loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: After being a little slow to recover from his leg injury, Ward has been playing a little better lately. He remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie for now because the Hurricanes don't win very often. The Carolina TG is also a secondary option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 32 saves during a 5-2 win against the Thrashers on Thursday. Ward built a 4-0 lead before yielding his first goal to Rich Peverley with less than seven minutes left in the second. Colby Armstrong cut the deficit to two goals before Ray Whitney iced the win for Ward with an empty-net score. Ward squashed a three-game losing streak.
Analysis: Ward has picked up a season-high five victories in January. This is by far his best stretch of hockey in 2009-10. Carolina looks to make some noise in the second half after a disappointing first half. Still, they could be sellers at the trade deadline and out of the playoff picture. Ward remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG pretty much goes as Ward does.
News:Steve Downie scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period past Cam Ward to help the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Monday night. Martin St. Louis charged up ice on the right side, then sent a pass back to the left for Downie, who beat Tom Kostopoulos to the puck and sent a shot past Ward, who finished with 29 saves. Ward never led in the game and rallied from a pair of one-goal deficits.
Analysis: Ward has dropped his last three starts after winning three in a row. It would be a shame if he settles back into a rut after he did a lot of good in late December and early January. Ward is still pretty much starting every night in Carolina, so he remains useful as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The lack of wins keep him from being a must-start. The Hurricanes TG is a low-end option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 32 saves Saturday in a 5-3 loss to the Thrashers. The final Atlanta goal was an empty-netter.
Analysis: Ward had a three-game win streak end earlier this week, and the Canes are playing a little better lately. Ward is worth using as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie right now, while the Hurricanes TG is also a secondary option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 32 shots during a 3-1 loss to the Red Wings on Thursday. Ward never led in the game and allowed a goal in each period. He was in a 2-1 battle until Henrik Zetterberg scored at 14:40 of the third. Ward had a three-game win streak snapped.
Analysis: Don't look now, but the Hurricanes are finally making their move after a sluggish first half. Ward has been a steady force in net since returning from a leg laceration in mid-December. He is playing his best hockey in January and Fantasy owners only hope it continues because they know how valuable a Fantasy option Ward can be. The Hurricanes TG goes pretty much as Ward does.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward defeated the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night, 4-2, as he allowed just two goals to score late in the 1st and early in the 2nd period. Ward earned the win by stopping 38 of the 40 shots he faced in the game against the lowly Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Ward has struggled this season but has now won three straight as his records improves to 9-15-5 on the year. Ward has allowed just four goals total in his last three starts. He continues to improve with each start in January. Ward could make his way back up the Fantasy rankings, so consider putting him back into Fantasy lineups as a solid No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG pretty much goes as Ward does.
News:Cam Ward made 31 saves in the Carolina Hurricanes' 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. Ward's best saves came in the opening period, when the Senators outshot the Hurricanes 16-5. But Ottawa didn't get on the scoreboard until early in the second, taking a 1-0 lead when Chris Kelly took a pass from Anton Volchenkov and snapped the puck through Ward's legs. Ward started his 12th straight game and has allowed seven goals in his last four games.
Analysis: Ward has won four of his last six starts and it seems as though Carolina is finally making their move. This could be good news for those Ward owners who endured a first-half slump. Ward could make his way back up the Fantasy rankings, so consider putting him back into Fantasy lineups as a solid No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG pretty much goes as Ward does.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward finished with 29 saves and took a bid for his 13th career shutout into the final minute during a 2-1 win against the Avalanche on Friday. Ward, who made his 11th straight start, flirted with his first shutout since a 9-0 victory over the New York Islanders on April 7. Carolina but Brandon Yip scored with 15.5 seconds left to spoil it. Ward has three wins in his last five starts.
Analysis: Give coach Paul Maurice a lot of credit for sticking with Ward after he lost 4-2 on Thursday against the Predators. He really doesn't have a strong backup netminder in Manny Legace, so using Ward on consecutive nights is usually a must. Ward is a good No. 2 Fantasy goalie because he starts on most nights. It's just he can't improve until the wins start to roll in. The Hurricanes TG is a low-end option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 30 saves during a 4-2 loss to the Predators on Thursday. Ward held a 1-0 lead before J.P. Dumont scored short-handed 13:45 into the first. Nashville scored four unanswered goals, including twice on the power play, before Carolina got back on the board in the third. Ward is 2-2-0 in his last four starts.
Analysis: The good news for Ward is that he has had only two bad outings in his last eight appearances. It just has been the wins have been tough to come by since Carolina's offense is still weak. Ward is a good No. 2 Fantasy goalie because he starts on most nights. It's just he can't improve until the wins start to roll in. The Hurricanes TG is a low-end option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 27 saves Saturday as Carolina edged the Rangers 2-1 in overtime.
Analysis: Ward has now won consecutive starts for the first time since Oct. 6 and 9. He's been playing a little more consistently lately and is worth a shot in deeper formats as a No. 2 option for Fantasy Week 14 (Jan. 4-10). The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 choice.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward had a decent performance against the Rangers but came away empty-handed, taking a 2-1 loss. He made 33 saves in the game and allowed two goals as his record dropped to 5-14-5 on the season with the performance.
Analysis: Ward has won three games since returning from his leg injury, which isn't impressing Fantasy owners as he has played in 10 games. Ward and the Hurricanes in general have been a major disappointment this season. Only have Ward active in deeper leagues as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG aren't really worth using in any league.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward cruised to an easy victory on Monday at Washington. He got six goals in support as he earned the 6-3 win over Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals. Ward made 28 saves in the game and allowed three goals as his record improved to 5-13-5.
Analysis: Ward has now won three games since returning from his leg injury, which isn't impressing Fantasy owners as he has played in nine games. Ward and the Hurricanes in general have been a major disappointment this season. Only have Ward active in deeper leagues as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG aren't really worth using in any league.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 33 saves Saturday as Carolina edged Philadelphia 4-3 after a shootout.
Analysis: Ward continues to struggle a little bit since returning from his leg injury, but to be honest, every Hurricanes goalie has been disappointing this season along with the rest of his teammates. Only use Ward in deeper leagues as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option, while the Hurricanes TG is barely worth using in any format.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward allowed four goals on Montreal's first seven shots attempted Wednesday and was removed from the game before the 1st period came to a close. His replacement in goal, Manny Legace, fared better but not that much. Legace allowed another goal to score in the 1st period and coughed up two for the night. He stopped 16 of 18 shots. The Hurricanes lost the game 5-1.
Analysis: Ward has been really bad this year and his record now falls to 4-13-4. Legace hasn't been much better at 4-6-3. Ward has been better than his record suggests but is still a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option, at best. Legace is worth less than that. The Hurricanes TG remains just a low-end option until Carolina starts winning again.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward allowed just two goals on Monday against the Rangers but it wasn't enough to avoid taking the defeat. With the final goal scoring on the empty net, the Rangers beat Ward 3-1. Ward stopped 28 shots but allowed Marian Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky to score in the loss.
Analysis: Ward dropped a close one on Monday night and has now alternated wins and losses over his last five starts at 2-2-1 over that span. He’s been decent in net but not spectacular and remains just a No. 2 Fantasy goalie for now. The Hurricanes TG remains just a low-end option until Carolina starts winning again.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward, who was pulled in Friday's loss to Florida, got his revenge on Saturday when he made 28 saves in Saturday's 3-2 victory over the Panthers.
Analysis: Ward has been struggling a little bit since returning from his leg injury, but you knew it was going to take a while for him to shake the rust off. He's still going to split carries with Manny Legace for now, but can be used as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie in deeper leagues. The Hurricanes TG remains just a low-end option until Carolina starts winning again.
News:Cam Ward stopped 21 of 26 shots for the Hurricanes before he was replaced by Manny Legace in the third period of a 6-3 loss to the Panthers on Friday. Legace faced two shots, allowing one goal -- a short-handed tally from Dominic Moore. Ward held a 1-0 lead in the second period before Florida took a commanding lead with six unanswered scores.
Analysis: Ward made his fourth start on Friday since returning from a leg laceration. He is winless in three of those appearances, but we can't blame the leg injury. Ward was struggling well before he got injured. There are rumors swirling that the Hurricanes are thinking about cutting Ward's playing time, but we don't see that happening. He is still going to start most nights for Carolina. Treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is a low-end option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 24 saves for his first win since Oct. 9 during a 5-3 victory on Wednesday against the Stars. Ward was given a three-goal lead in the first 12:35 before Dallas used a pair of power-play scores to cut the lead to 1 heading into the third. Tuomo Ruutu then scored twice in the final period to give Ward a much-needed win.
Analysis: Ward has started three of the Hurricanes' four games since he returned from a leg laceration on Dec. 11. There are rumors swirling that the Hurricanes are thinking about cutting Ward's playing time, but we don't see that happening. He is still going to start most nights for Carolina. Treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is a low-end option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Hurricanes, despite some misery-filled weeks, appear to be showing some progress in the goalie department with Cam Ward back in the mix. Ward has played twice since returning from a leg laceration but didn't play Saturday night at Ottawa because it was the second game of back-to-back nights. Manny Legace, who recently claimed the No. 2 goalie role, performed well, making 35 saves in the 4-2 loss to Ottawa. For Ward, who has probably fallen out of contention for an Olympic roster spot for Team Canada because of his injury and lack of eye-catching performances when healthy, it's looking more and more as if it's going to be all about the Hurricanes this season. Now they have to figure out exactly how to use him so they don't overdo it.
Analysis: The Hurricanes assigned goalie Michael Leighton to Albany of the AHL after he played in only seven games this season. Leighton played in 19 NHL games last season, when he was the season-long backup with the team. As for Ward, the schedule will play a large role in dictating his workload. But unless the Hurricanes somehow crawl into playoff contention in another month, it's unlikely that Ward will be put under unnecessary stress. It does make a little sense since coach Paul Maurice tends to like Legace more than Leighton, but we doubt Ward is going to be pushed aside and forgotten about. He should continue to start most nights and be treated as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is a low-end option.
News:Mike Green scored past Cam Ward with 3:44 left in overtime, giving Washington a harrowing 4-3 win over the Hurricanes on Friday. Green slammed home a wrist shot from between the circles off a pass from Nicklas Backstrom. Ward had a 2-0 lead after the first period before Washington scored three unanswered goals, including two from Alexander Semin in the second frame. Ward made 36 saves in a second straight loss.
Analysis: Ward has lost both of his starts since returning from a leg laceration and is now 2-11-3 on the season. It has been a tough year all around for the Hurricanes and it shows up in Ward's numbers. The good news is that coach Paul Maurice is continuing to start Ward on a nightly basis. The bad news is that his numbers reflect more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is a low-end option.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward, who had missed the previous 13 games with a cut on his upper leg that he got from the skate of Columbus' Rick Nash on Nov. 7, was able to return on Wednesday at New Jersey. It was not a happy return however as he took a 4-2 loss. Ward made 27 saves in the game and allowed three goals as his record dropped to 2-10-3 on the season.
Analysis: The 25-year-old Ward is one of the cornerstones of the Carolina franchise, and won the Conn Smythe trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs during the Hurricanes' 2006 run to the Stanley Cup title. He is clearly off to a poor start this season and the injury did not help things. However, he is too talented to keep losing as frequently as he has this season, so get him active as a No. 2 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is at best a No. 2 option.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes have activated goaltender Cam Ward from the long-term injured list. Ward had missed the last 13 games after he was cut on the leg by a skate in a game at Columbus on Nov. 7. Ward is eligible to play at New Jersey on Wednesday.
Analysis: The 25-year-old Ward is one of the cornerstones of the Carolina franchise, and won the Conn Smythe trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs during the Hurricanes' 2006 run to the Stanley Cup title. Ward can immediately return to use as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News:The Raleigh News and Observer reports the Hurricanes have placed backup goalie Michael Leighton on waivers Wednesday in anticipation of removing Cam Ward from injured reserve, so he can play Wednesday against the Devils. Ward has been out since Nov. 7 because of a leg laceration. "We've identified Manny Legace as being ahead of Michael," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "That's our decision for now, but we will deal with this on a week-to-week basis and see where this is going. Michael has played some good games for us. From a team viewpoint, he has not gotten a lot of help. Both goalies have given us some good games with Cam out."
Analysis: Ward has been practicing with the Hurricanes for a few days and it appears he has made the progress Carolina needed to see. Feel free to get Ward back into Fantasy lineups as a No. 2 goalie for Week 10 (Dec. 7-13). He might be a little rusty, but he is still a way better goalie than Legace. The Hurricanes TG is still a low-end Fantasy option until Carolina gets on track.
News: The Hurricanes' official Web site reports that G Cam Ward (leg) practiced fully Thursday. “You tend to forget that it’s been over three weeks since I’ve seen a shot,” said Ward. “You’d think that it would take some time to get your reaction back, but quite honestly I felt pretty comfortable out there in the net, and hopefully I can get a few more good practices in the next few days.” The Hurricanes and Ward are now targeting a return date of Dec. 9 at New Jersey.
Analysis: Ward will have been out just over a month by the time he returns and will obviously be pretty rusty, so you might not want to risk using him in Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 7-13). We suggest giving him a couple of starts to get back in a groove and then using him in all formats for the following scoring period. Of course, if you're desperate for goalie help, then by all means take a shot with him next week. The Hurricanes TG might recover its value as a No. 2 option right away. With Ward's return, Michael Leighton and Manny Legace will go back to being mostly non-factors in Fantasy play.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that the Hurricanes hope to have G Cam Ward (leg) back on Dec. 5 against the Canucks. "We're hopeful of that," GM Jim Rutherford said Wednesday. "That would be the earliest. It may be longer."
Analysis: Ward suffered a nasty cut on his leg on Nov. 7, but luckily this isn't the kind of injury that will linger. Carolina have been horrible this year, but Ward is a quality goalie and should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie when he does return.
News: The struggling Carolina Hurricanes have placed goalie Cam Ward on injured reserve with a sliced left leg. The Hurricanes made a pair of moves before Wednesday night's game against Los Angeles. They called up defenseman Bryan Rodney from their AHL affiliate in Albany to fill Ward's roster spot.
Analysis: Ward was hurt Saturday night when his leg was cut by a skate early during a 3-2 loss -- the Hurricanes' club-record 12th straight. They signed veteran Manny Legace earlier this week to fill in for him. Ward is a viable Fantasy option when healthy, but he is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.
News:The Raleigh News and Observer reports Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward will spend another day in a Columbus, Ohio, hospital after sustaining a left leg laceration in the first period of a 3-2 loss to the Blue Jackets on Saturday. "We'll have to see how it goes," Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Sunday of Ward's injury and recovery time. "It appears it will be a fairly long period of time." Several reports has Ward out a minimum of 3-4 weeks. Rutherford said the team is looking at possible options, which include a trade, signing an available goaltender or calling up Justin Peters from Albany (AHL). Michael Leighton is currently the team's starter. "We're talking over the options. We don't have an answer right now," he said.
Analysis: This injury just adds further insult to an already tough start for Carolina and Ward. It's also a tough loss for Fantasy owners, who lose a potential No. 1 Fantasy goalie in Ward. It doesn't sound as he will be back in the near future, so take him out of Fantasy lineups ASAP. You could replace him with Leighton, but it doesn't sound as though the Hurricanes have a lot of confidence in their backup goalie. Peters is a nice prospect, but not worth owning in Fantasy just yet. Ward owners might consider adding Ondrej Pavelec (owned 56 percent), Jonas Gustavsson (55 percent), Mike Smith (52 percent), Jaroslav Halak (50 percent) or Dan Ellis (30 percent).
News: Carolina G Cam Ward will spend Saturday night in hospital after he was cut by a skate blade Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ward knelt for a couple of minutes on the ice before he was attended to by team trainers. As he was being helped off, drops of blood hit the ice. Ward stretched to make a save while the Blue Jackets' Rick Nash was skating through the crease at the 7:35 mark. It appeared Nash might have nicked Ward in the groin area with a skate. Ward was replaced by Michael Leighton.
Analysis: All we can say about this injury is OUCH! Ward and the Hurricanes are off to an awful start this season, and now he has to deal with a cut in a very tender area. Hopefully Ward isn't out for too long, but he was likely to be benched in most leagues for Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15) anyway as Carolina only has two games in the scoring period. When healthy, Ward can be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie, but he's been relegated to more of a No. 2 option at the moment. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 choice.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 23 saves during a 3-2 loss to the Maple Leafs on Friday. Ward held a 2-0 lead before Toronto tied the game with two goals in the second period. They won the game on a power-play goal from Jason Blake 11:36 into the third. Blake scored on a wrist shot from the slot. With Rod Brind'Amour off for holding, Blake's shot ripped off the right post before ricocheting into the net. Ward is now winless in his last 10 games.
Analysis: The frustrations continue to mount for Ward and the Hurricanes. They just can't stop their losing ways and that is making Ward into a very tough Fantasy start. It hasn't entirely been Ward's fault and the team is missing the presence of Dennis Seidenberg and Anton Babchuk, who were not brought back in the offseason. Ward has the potential to be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie, but needs to be taken down a notch until the losing streak stops. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 option.
News:Cam Ward stopped 22 shots for Carolina during a 3-0 loss to the Panthers on Wednesday. The game was scoreless until Florida finally got on the board in the third. Steve Reinprecht scored his ninth goal of the season when Cory Stillman's wrist shot bounced off his leg and through Ward's pads. Stillman made it 2-0 at 13:46 when he tipped Bryan McCabe's slap shot from the point. "I thought we played well," Ward said. "Obviously, it's no secret we're having a tough time. It's not easy when you're on a losing streak, but you've got to take the positives away from tonight."
Analysis: Ward's winless streak reached nine games on Wednesday. It has really been a tough start for Carolina after their deep playoff run in 2008-09. It hasn't entirely been Ward's fault and the team is missing the presence of Dennis Seidenberg and Anton Babchuk, who were not brought back in the offseason. Ward has the potential to be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie, but needs to be taken down a notch until the losing streak stops. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 20 saves during Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Sharks, returning to the net after sitting out his first game of the season Saturday. Ward held a 1-0 lead in the second period before San Jose scored five unanswered goals. Ward wasn't sharp in the third as the Sharks scored on two of five shots.
Analysis: Carolina was really hoping the night off would snap Ward out of his funk. While he played a scoreless first period, he faltered down the stretch and ran his winless streak to eight appearances. Carolina is playing pretty bad right now and we aren't sure when they will snap out of it. Drop Ward to a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until the wins start piling up. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 13 saves during a 5-2 loss to the Blues on Wednesday. Ward got down early by allowing three goals in the first 16 minutes. Carolina cut the lead to 4-2 in the third before St. Louis iced the game with an empty netter. Ward remained winless in seven outings (0-4-3).
Analysis: It's getting pretty bad for the Hurricanes and Ward. Coach Paul Maurice isn't on the hot seat, but Carolina definitely needs an intervention. You can drop Ward to a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he starts winning, but since he starts pretty much every game for Carolina, it's hard to overlook him as a No. 1 option. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 option until Carolina rights the ship.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 26 saves Saturday in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Wild as he remained without a win since Oct. 9.
Analysis: Ward hasn't played horribly this season, but he just can't seem to pick himself up a win lately. Maybe he'll finally get his third win of the season in Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 26-Nov. 1), although the Hurricanes do have a couple of tough games against the Flyers and Sharks. Continue to rely on Ward in most Fantasy formats as a No. 1 option for now, and just hope he gets back on track. The Hurricanes TG, however, is more of a No. 2 option until the wins start rolling in.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 21 saves during a 5-4 loss to the Avalanche on Friday. Ward was given a 2-0 lead before Colorado scored four unanswered goals. Carolina got within 4-3 before Colorado scored the game clincher on a power play 6:21 into the third. Ward remains winless in his last five starts (0-3-2).
Analysis: Carolina coach Paul Maurice is looking to give Ward a night off and he might finally get that chance Saturday against the Wild. Up until Friday's disaster, Ward has been pretty good in net despite the absence of wins. It's Carolina's offense that has been holding Ward back. Ward is a No. 1 Fantasy goalie because he starts pretty much every night and makes a lot of saves. The Hurricanes TG, however, is more of a No. 2 option until the wins start rolling in.
News:John Tavares scored in the shootout past Cam Ward to give the New York Islanders their first victory of the season, 4-3 over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. Jeff Tambellini and Frans Nielsen also scored in the shootout to help the Islanders (1-3-3) avoid their worst start in franchise history. Ward made 26 saves in the shootout loss but fought back from a 3-1 deficit. He allowed no power-play goals.
Analysis: Usually a goalie at least makes one stop in a shootout, but Ward was beaten on all three attempts. Ouch. It definitely wasn't his night against New York. Ward has just two wins in 2009-10 and is winless in his last four starts (0-2-2). However, it hasn't all been his fault since Carolina's offense has been kind of sketchy. Still, Ward is a No. 1 Fantasy goalie because he starts pretty much every night and makes a lot of saves. The Hurricanes TG, however, is more of a No. 2 option until the wins start rolling in.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward allowed one goal in Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Devils. He stopped 28 of 29 shots and did not allow a goal until the third period.
Analysis: Ward is now winless in his last three starts. He's had some tough luck and has not been the benificiary of much offensive support. That will come, however, and Fantasy owners should continue to view him as a No. 1 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is also a high-end Fantasy unit.
News:Chris Kunitz beat Cam Ward on the 12th shot of a shootout to help the defending Stanley Cup champions beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Wednesday, setting a franchise record for most consecutive road wins to start a season. Ray Whitney scored twice for Carolina to erase Pittsburgh's early lead, while Ward finished with 36 saves -- including a key stop of Evgeni Malkin from between the faceoff circles less than a minute into overtime. But in the end, it wasn't Malkin or Sidney Crosby who made the clinching play. Instead, it was Kunitz, who hadn't found the back of the net in regulation this season before slipping the puck between Ward's pads for the victory. "When your number's called," Kunitz said, "you try to go up and make a good move and put the puck on the net."
Analysis: Ward has played in streaks this season. He opened with a two-game losing streak. Won two straight starts. And is once again winless in his last two outings. By this trend, he should win his next two appearances. This won't carry on the entire season, but it's not like Ward has been awful in net. It's just some nights he doesn't get enough offensive support. Despite an up and down start to the season, Ward remains a No. 1 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is also a high-end Fantasy unit.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward took a tough loss on Saturday against the Lightning, taking a 5-2 defeat. Ward allowed four goals in and made 34 saves as his record fell to 2-3-0 on the season with the loss.
Analysis: Ward had won two straight starts before taking the loss to the Lightning on Saturday. He had been pretty good in his previous two starts but certainly took a step back against the lowly Lightning. Despite an up and down start to the season, Ward remains a No. 1 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is also a high-end Fantasy unit.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward finished with 25 saves -- including on a pair of breakaway chances for the Panthers -- during Friday's 7-2 win against Florida. Ward was given a 4-0 lead before Florida scored 16:41 into the second. He had a six-goal lead before Michael Frolik added Florida's second goal 17:48 into the third.
Analysis: Ward has won two straight after losing his first two starts of the season. He has allowed two or fewer goals in three of his four starts this season and has looked as sharp as when he played pretty much every game down the stretch for Carolina last season. Carolina coach has a lot of faith in Ward, who remains a No. 1 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG also has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward made 29 saves on Tuesday and stopped all but one shot in regulation and overtime against the Lightning. Ward made sure to stop both shootout attempts by the Lightning as his team won the game, 2-1, in a shootout.
Analysis: Ward had given up six goals in his first two starts this season, both losses at Boston and against Philadelphia. Tampa Bay was definitely a much easier opponent and he looked much better between the pipes. Ward and the Carolina TG remain No. 1 Fantasy options until further notice.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward was pulled in the second period Saturday after allowing four goals on 28 shots in a 7-2 loss to the Bruins. He was replaced by Michael Leighton.
Analysis: Ward has yet to win in two starts since signing a contract extension on Thursday. Don't panic yet though, as he played pretty well on Friday and came up against the solid Bruins on Saturday. Ward and the Carolina TG remain No. 1 Fantasy options until further notice.
News: A pair of second-period power-play goals was enough to send Cam Ward and the Hurricanes to a 2-0 loss to the Flyers on Friday. Jeff Carter and Mike Richards scored 22 seconds apart for Philadelphia. The Flyers put their first two shots of the second period past Ward and held on for their eighth win in 10 meetings with Carolina. With Sergei Samsonov serving a double-minor for high-sticking, Carter gave Philadelphia the lead 25 seconds into the period when he backhanded a rebound past Ward. Moments later, Richards made it a two-goal game on a deflection through traffic.
Analysis: Playing two days after signing a six-year, $37.8 million contract, Ward stopped 25 shots for Carolina. The Hurricanes came up empty on all eight of their power-play chances and were shut out in their opener for the first time in franchise history. Ward played pretty well Friday, but was just outperformed by Ray Emery. Carolina is going to lean heavily on Ward this season, so continue to view him as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG also has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes have locked up Cam Ward for six more years, signing the goalie to a $37.8 million contract on Wednesday that begins next season and runs through 2015-16.
Analysis: The 25-year-old Ward allowed an average of 2.44 goals last season while leading the Hurricanes to their first playoff berth since 2006, claiming consecutive road victories in Game 7s at New Jersey and Boston and helping them reach the Eastern Conference finals. Ward was really key for Fantasy owners down the stretch in '08-09, winning 13 of his final 17 appearances. His best month was March, when he won 10 of 13 starts and posted a 1.98 GAA. Ward is expected to make 60-plus appearances for a fourth straight season -- as long as he is healthy. Consider him a viable No. 1 Fantasy goalie.
News:The Sports Xchange reports goalie Cam Ward was the backbone of the Hurricanes in 2008-09, particularly in the latter half of the season. His steady play allowed the team to make it through the adjustments necessary with a new style implemented after an in-season coaching change. His durability hadn't been in question in the past, but it got to the point when there was no question that Ward would be in the net down the stretch of the regular season. Again, he backed up the organization's commitment to him as the team's goalie of the present and future.
Analysis: Ward is coming off a solid season (39-23-5, 2.44 GAA, .916 save percentage, six shutouts) when he re-established his role as the top goalie. And under new coach Paul Maurice, who doesn't shy away from sticking with one goalie, Ward learned what it's like to having the ongoing workload with little to no relief in sight. While Ward is signed through next season, his status and how a projected future salary will fit into the team's plans, is part of the big picture as the Hurricanes move toward this summer's free agency. Ward was really key for Fantasy owners down the stretch in '08-09, winning 13 of his final 17 appearances. His best month was March, when he won 10 of 13 starts and posted a 1.98 GAA. Maurice is back in 2009-10, so Ward is expected to make 60-plus appearances for a fourth straight season -- as long as he is healthy. Consider him a viable No. 1 Fantasy goalie Draft Day.
News: Hurricanes goalie Michael Leighton stopped 32 of 35 shots in Saturday's regular season finale against New Jersey. He started and took the loss in place of Cam Ward with the team resting their starting goaltender for the playoffs.
Analysis: Leighton was only playing to keep Ward off the ice as the Hurricanes gear up for the playoffs. If Leighton returns to Carolina in 2009-10 as a backup, then he will be nothing more than a handcuff option for Ward owners. If coach Paul Maurice returns to the team in 2009-10, he will continue to lean heavily on Ward, which would likely make him a viable No. 1 Fantasy goalie on Draft Day. The Hurricanes TG goes as Ward does.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made his 28th straight start, but allowed four of the 13 shots he faced to get past him before he was replaced by Michael Leighton midway through the second period during a 5-1 loss to the Sabres. Leighton finished the game by allowing one goal on 12 shots.
Analysis: Despite starting so many games, Ward hasn't looked tired down the stretch. In fact, he had a nine-game win streak end with Thursday's loss. Ward has posted a fairly decent GAA and save percentage in 2008-09 on top of winning 39 games thus far. If Paul Maurice returns to the team in 2009-10, he will continue to lean heavily on Ward, which would likely make him a viable No. 1 Fantasy goalie on Draft Day. The Hurricanes TG goes as Ward does.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made just 12 saves Tuesday as Carolina shut out the Islanders 9-0. Ward has now won nine straight games.
Analysis: Ward is 19-6-2 during his current 27-game start streak and is a major reason why the Hurricanes have won eight straight overall and a club-record 12 in a row on home ice. Ward is clearly playing his way into a high draft slot for next season. Continue to start him and the Hurricanes TG in all formats.
News: The iron man of the Hurricanes' late-season surge isn't getting a day off just yet. Coach Paul Maurice said after practice Monday that goalie Cam Ward will make his 27th straight start Tuesday night when the Hurricanes play the Islanders. The Hurricanes have clinched their first playoff berth since 2006 and are chasing the No. 4 seed in the East - and the home-ice advantage in the first round that comes with it. Maurice wants backup Michael Leighton to be prepared in case he's needed in the postseason, but he also wants Ward's momentum rolling forward entering the playoffs.
Analysis: Ward is 18-6-2 during his streak and is a major reason why the Hurricanes have won eight straight overall and a club-record 11 in a row on home ice. Ward can still be used in the upcoming scoring period as he'll get a start or two, but you may want to look elsewhere if you have a goalie that will likely play a full week of games.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward won his eighth straight contest on Saturday, this time getting the win in overtime against the Penguins. He made 33 saves in the game and allowed the two goals. Anton Babchuk gave him the win 1:11 into the overtime period with the deciding goal.
Analysis: Ward is hands down the hottest goalie in all of the NHL as he has his team likely into the playoffs. Owners should not hesitate using him in the upcoming scoring period as a viable No. 1 option. The Hurricanes TG is also a high-end option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward, making his career-best 25th straight start, improved to 17-6-2 in that stretch by turning aside 36 shots during a 4-2 win against the Rangers Thursday. Ward never trailed in the game, but did blow a pair of one-goal leads. However, he stopped all seven shots he faced in a scoreless third as Carolina broke a 2-all tie.
Analysis: Ward has won his last seven starts and has allowed more than two goals just once in that span. Despite the fact he hasn't had an off night in weeks, Ward remains focused in net and winning big time for Fantasy owners. Believe it or not, but Ward is one of the top Fantasy scorers among goalies and has emerged as a viable No. 1 option. The Hurricanes TG also has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward made 31 saves and allowed one goal in a 2-1 win over the Devils on Saturday. It was his sixth win in a row, allowing only one goal in three of his last four starts.
Analysis: Ward has allowed a grand total of 11 goals during his six-game win streak. Any GAA under two is pretty impressive no matter what the length of time is. The Hurricanes are playing some of their best hockey of the year right now, which is good news for Ward owners. He can be thought of as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a high-end No. 2 unit.
News:Cam Ward, who made his 23rd straight start, finished with 21 saves for Carolina during Tuesday's 2-1 win against the Senators. Ryan Shannon finally beat Ward and broke a scoreless tie just over a minute into the third. Nick Foligno scooped up the puck behind the net and tried to wrap it around and past Ward, but it slipped past Anton Babchuk and to Shannon, who tapped it in from point-blank range for his sixth goal. Carolina tied the game about two minutes later and scored the game winner with 6:01 left to send Ward to a fifth straight win.
Analysis: Ward has allowed more than two goals just once during his five-game win streak. He has been weak a few times during his recent run of starts, but has surprisingly done well for the most part. The Hurricanes are peaking at the right time and that's great news for Fantasy owners. Ward is a safe bet as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie, but worth starting as a No. 1 when on a roll. The Hurricanes TG pretty much goes as Ward does.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward, in his 22nd consecutive start for Carolina, made 37 saves during a 3-2 overtime win Monday against the Panthers. Carolina led 2-1 until Cory Stillman tied it with 4:05 left in the third period during Carolina's 5-on-3 power play. After Ward deflected Nathan Horton's pass from the side of the net, the puck was knocked over to the side during a jam in front. Stillman was there to put a shot home. Ray Whitney then scored 1:37 into overtime to give Ward his 33rd win.
Analysis: Ward has won four straight starts and has allowed more than two goals just once in that span. He has been weak a few times during his recent run of starts, but has surprisingly done well for the most part. Ward is a safe bet as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie, but worth starting as a No. 1 when on a roll. The Hurricanes TG pretty much goes as Ward does.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward made 31 saves and allowed a goal in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Capitals. The lone goal he allowed was scored by defenseman Mike Green. The Hurricanes have now won eight straight contests at home with the win on Saturday. Ward set a career high on Saturday by starting in his 21st straight game as well.
Analysis: Ward is the go-to guy for the Hurricanes down the stretch as they currently in position to make the playoffs this season. Ward has been very good in the second half of the season as his record improved to 33-22-5 on the year. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy goalie and the Hurricanes TG is also a high-end option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward wasn't perfect Friday against the Islanders, but his teammates bailed him out as Carolina stole a 5-4 win from New York. Ward looked sharp after the first period and carried a 2-0 lead into the second. The Islanders then scored four second-period goals to take a 4-2 lead Frans Nielsen started the surge, taking a loose puck off Ward's pads and scoring at 2:30. Richard Park, Bruno Gervais and Kyle Okposo added goals. However, Tuomo Ruutu closed the gap to one goal with 54 seconds left in the second, and Matt Cullen and Chad LaRose each scored their second goals in the third to steal the win. Ward made 28 saves.
Analysis: Ward has won two straight starts after going winless in his previous three. The Hurricanes are hot-and-cold right, and since Ward starts mostly every night, his record reflects the inconsistency. Ward is a safe bet as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie, but worth starting as a No. 1 when on a roll. The Hurricanes TG pretty much goes as Ward does.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward, making his 19th straight start, stopped 39 shots and allowed two goals in a 4-2 win over the Devils on Friday. The win snapped a three-game losing streak in which two of the losses came in overtime or later.
Analysis: Ward's record on the season improved to 31-22-5 with the victory. He hasn't exactly been the shutdown goalie he can be since posing a shutout against the Rangers more than a week ago, but he is still good enough to be a solid No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is a high-end option as well and go however Ward goes.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward allowed goals to two of the three shooters he faced in a penalty shootout against the Capitals on Saturday and ended up taking a 5-4 shootout loss. He made 27 saves in regulation and overtime, allowing four goals.
Analysis: Ward has now lost three straight games, with two of them coming in heartbreaking fashion in extra time. His record falls to 30-22-5 on the season with the shootout loss. Ward should still be considered a No. 1 option and the Hurricanes TG has high-end appeal as well despite the recent losing skid.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward was unable to come away with a victory over the Stars on Thursday, making 28 saves and allowing three goals in a 3-2 loss. It was his second straight loss, falling to Chicago in a shootout on Wednesday.
Analysis: Ward had a four-game win streak snapped by the Blackhawks in the shootout and Ward followed it up with another loss in another close game against the Stars. Ward has been much better in recent months and has returned to his old form. His record is now 30-22-4 overall. He remains a player who can be thought of as a No. 1 option and the Hurricanes TG also has high-end appeal.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward was beat three times in the penalty shootout on Wednesday, falling to the Blackhawks 3-2. Ward finished the game with 39 saves, allowing the two goals to score against him.
Analysis: Ward's loss snapped a four-game win streak in which he had given up only six combined goals. He shut out the Rangers in his last start and played well enough to win on Wednesday. His record fell to 20-21-4 on the season, but he has been looking more like a No. 1 goalie recently. The Hurricanes TG also has high-end appeal as long as Ward remains hot.
News:Cam Ward stopped 28 shots in his fifth shutout of the season and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Rangers 3-0 on Monday night to match a season high with their fourth straight victory. Making his 15th straight start, Ward polished off his 10th career shutout with a stick save on Sean Avery's wrist shot with about two minutes left. That came after the Rangers pulled goalie Steve Valiquette for an extra attacker.
Analysis: Ward has one his last four starts and five of six. The Hurricanes have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the last week and Ward has benefited big time. Carolina is making a strong playoff push, and at this rate, Ward is developing into a nice No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG has high-end Fantasy appeal as long as Ward is winning.
News: The Hurricanes gave goalie Cam Ward, who was making his 14th consecutive start, plenty of offensive support during Saturday's 9-3 rout of the Lightning. Carolina went up 3-0 in the first period before Martin St. Louis scored 12:43 into the game. Carolina added six more goals in the second period before Tampa Bay capped the scoring with two goals in the third. Ward made 22 saves as he won his third straight start.
Analysis: Ward has posted 16 victories in his last 28 appearances. He has been on his game more than off of it during that span. Coach Paul Maurice continues to lean heavily on Ward as Carolina makes a playoff push. Consider Ward more of a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 21 saves during a 6-1 win against the Flames Friday. He was 3:49 within a shutout before Jarome Iginla beat him with a wrister in the third. Ward won for the fifth time in seven outings.
Analysis: Ward has posted 15 victories in his last 27 appearances. Coach Paul Maurice continues to lean heavily on Ward as Carolina makes a playoff push. Since Ward isn't always lights out in net, consider him more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward, who was making his 12th consecutive start, stopped 39 shots during a 5-2 win against the Capitals Thursday. Alexander Semin's 100th career goal -- scored off his knees on a power play -- with 3 seconds left in the second period, and Sergei Fedorov's tally with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game were the only blemishes against Ward, who is 2-2-0 in his last four starts.
Analysis: Despite his recent run of starts, Ward has allowed more than four goals just once in his last seven outings. He could probably use a night off, but coach Paul Maurice continues to lean heavily on the veteran netminder. Ward remains a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The same status goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward had a third-period collapse during Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Thrashers. Ward blanked Atlanta on six shots in the first and had a two-goal lead before Ilya Kovalchuk broke the shutout 19:26 into the second. Carolina upped their lead to 3-1 before Ward fell apart in the final 10 minutes of the game. Rich Peverley and Todd White scored to tie the game by 13:57 and Peverley added his second goal at 18:32 which turned into the game winner. Kovalchuk sealed the deal with an empty netter. Ward made 27 saves in loss.
Analysis: Ward had won four of his previous five starts coming into Saturday and was well on his way to winning again before all hell broke loose down the stretch. The lapse won't cost Ward his starting job, but it could cost Fantasy owners some serious points if they were in a close matchup. Ward remains a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The same status goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward rebounded after being benched after one period in Carolina's 4-2 loss to Ottawa on Tuesday night, making 36 stops against the Sabres during Thursday's 2-1 shootout win. Ward battled back after falling behind 1-0 12:43 into the second period and denied all three skaters in the shootout for his fourth win in five starts. "I'm still fired up. I could go out there for another 60," Ward said. "The adrenaline is pumping and it's obviously a huge win for our hockey team to come back in the third period and respond after a disappointing outing in Ottawa."
Analysis: Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in each of his recent four wins and we can just chalk up Tuesday's loss as an off night. Even the best goalies get a little rusty after making so many consecutive starts, as Ward has done since coach Paul Maurice took over behind the bench. Ward remains a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The same status goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News: The Senators struck three times in the opening 20 minutes to chase Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward during a 4-2 win against Carolina Tuesday. Ward, making his ninth straight start for Carolina, allowed the three first-period goals on nine shots before being replaced by Michael Leighton, who made 12 saves the rest of the way. He allowed just a power-play goal to Jason Spezza in the second period.
Analysis: Even the best goalies get a little rusty after making so many consecutive starts, so don't blame Ward for the off night. He did win four of his previous five starts. Coach Paul Maurice continues to lean heavily on Ward, who remains a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The same status goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 17 saves Sunday to pick up his third straight win as Carolina defeated Colorado 5-2.
Analysis: Ward struggled early in February, but he seems to back on track now with four wins in his last five outings. He has also allowed two or fewer goals in his last three starts. Ward remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy goalie, along with the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes Cam Ward was barely tested during Friday's 4-1 win against the Lightning and stopped 12 shots. But he allowed the second shot he faced to get past him when Vaclav Prospal's wrist shot early in the second made it 1-all. That came after a miserable first period the Lightning clearly would prefer to forget. They were outshot 14-1, couldn't manage a shot on goal for the first 14 minutes, and Gary Roberts -- who tried to stuff one through Ward's pads with 5:43 left -- was the only player to put the puck on net.
Analysis: Fantasy owners can be happy with the fact that Ward won for the third time in four starts, but in leagues that reward heavily for saves, well that's a different story. Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in four of his last eight appearances. He has fallen on some hard times as of late, but coach Paul Maurice stands behind his goalie. For that, Ward remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward finished with 22 saves during Thursday's 6-2 win against the Islanders. Ward never trailed in the game and the Islanders only came close to winning when they tied the game at one 11:48 into the first period. Ward has won two of his last three starts.
Analysis: Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in just three of his last seven appearances. He has fallen on some hard times as of late, but coach Paul Maurice stands behind his goalie. For that, Ward remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 29 shots during a 5-1 loss to the Bruins Tuesday. Carolina held a 1-0 lead before Blake Wheeler tied the game at 17:25 of the first period on the power play and Shane Hnidy got the eventual game winner 5:34 into the second. Boston finished up with two short-handed scores, including an empty-netter by Patrice Bergeron, and a power-play score in the third period. Ward lost for the fourth time in six starts.
Analysis: Ward has allowed four goals in four of his last six starts. Despite his recent rough stretch, coach Paul Maurice continues to stick with him in net. For that, Ward remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward made 36 saves for his third shutout in 10 starts in the Hurricanes' 3-0 victory over the flat-footed Buffalo Sabres on Sunday night. Ward has four shutouts overall this season and 10 in his NHL career. Ward was hardly tested through two periods, before coming up big in the third period. Ward foiled Drew Stafford's attempt from the slot in the opening minute and then made a solid glove save on Tim Connolly's snap shot from the right circle.
Analysis: Just when it seemed like Ward had been falling off, he bounces back with a shutout of one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. He has only been playing like a second-rate Fantsy goalie of late but was obviously at an All-Star level on Sunday. Both Ward and the Hurricanes TG should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward faced only 19 shots against the Blue Jackets on Saturday, but allowed four of those shots to get past him in a 4-1 loss. The four goals allowed came on the heels of Thursday's game against the Panthers in less than 30 minutes. The loss drops his record to 21-18-3 on the year.
Analysis: Ward has now lost three of his last four starts, allowing exactly four goals in each of the three losses. He had turned it around in Carolina not too long ago, but it seems to be falling apart for him once again. He is only a No. 2 Fantasy goalie right now and the same goes for the Hurricanes TG. Ward does have the potential to be a No. 1 goalie, but he hasn't shown it this season.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward was unable to make it out of the second period against the Panthers on Thursday, getting pulled after allowing four goals in the game's first 30 minutes. The last two goals he gave up came within 12 seconds of each other. He was replaced by Michael Leighton who allowed one more goal in what ended up being a 5-0 loss for Ward.
Analysis: Ward had been playing much better since the All-Star break and this was his worst game since the break. He has been known to put up duds like these from time to time, but has for the most part looked like the old Ward in recent weeks. He can still be considered a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward made 30 saves and allowed two goals in what turned out to be a 7-2 pummeling of Phoenix on Saturday. Ward let the game get tied up with 10 minutes to go in the second period but the Hurricanes rattled off five unanswered goals the rest of the game. The win improves Ward's record to 20-17-3 on the season, having won three of his last four starts.
Analysis: Ward is playing much better of late and has two shutouts even since Jan. 19. He got off to a slow start and was injured but is now back to looking like the top notch goalie of years past. Ward keeps on starting the majority of Hurricanes games and can be considered a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News:Alexandre Burrows scored on a short-handed breakaway past Cam Ward with 1:22 left and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on Tuesday. After giving up two goals on Carolina's first three power-play chances, the Canucks' penalty killers finally delivered late. Ryan Kesler beat Joni Pitkanen to a loose puck and chipped it up to Burrows, who skated in alone from the blue line and roofed a backhand deke past the outstretched blocker of Ward, who made 20 saves.
Analysis: Ward battled back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits Tuesday, but just got caught out of position late. He lost for just the second time in six outings and allowed more than three goals for the first time in seven appearances. Ward continues to start most nights in net for Carolina and is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: The Raleigh News and Observer reports that Hurricanes G Cam Ward, who will make his 17th straight start on Tuesday night, is not feeling the effects of playing so much. "If you're asking me if I feel tired, no, not at all," Ward said. "I feel fresh as can be, and I'm just trying to get ready for each and every game and never take a night off."
Analysis: Ward has been a top 10 Fantasy goalie this season and is making a ton more starts than anyone really expected him to. He has won four of his last five games as the Hurricanes look to keep pressure on the Capitals in the Southeast Division. Ward is one of the best No. 2 Fantasy goalies at the moment and you could even make a case for him to be a low-end No. 1 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward didn't have to work very hard for his latest shutout -- and he still had a rather easy night. Ward made 19 saves for his second shutout in two weeks, and Matt Cullen had a goal and an assist for the second straight game in the Hurricanes' 2-0 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Saturday. "Typically, for a goaltender, these can be tough games, when you're only facing 19, 20 shots," Ward said. "But I felt sharp all night despite not getting much work."
Analysis: Can't complain with that result. Of course owners would like to see more saves in the game, Ward can only stop the shots he faces. Ward has now won four of five games and appears to be back on track to being one of the better goalies in the league. Ward is a No. 2 goalie at the moment and the Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option
News: Carolina G Cam Ward received a gift from Eric Staal as Staal scored the game-winning goal at the 18:24 mark of the 3rd period in Thursday's win over Tampa Bay. Ward stopped 27 shots but was tied at two before Staal won the game.
Analysis: Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in three of his last four starts so it makes sense that he's 3-1 over that span. That's a nice bounce back from his previous slide so hopefully he can continue this hot streak. Ward is coach Paul Maurice's choice to start most nights, so even if the wins are sometimes scarce, Ward is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy netminder. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 28 saves during a 3-2 loss to the Rangers Tuesday. Ward got behind early 2-0 in the first 10:03 and never recovered as Brandon Dubinsky's eighth goal 12:10 into the third period sealed the win. The loss snapped a two-game win streak for Ward.
Analysis: Ward has lost six of his last eight starts and has allowed three or more goals in each of those losses. He has pretty much had to have a solid night in net to win since Carolina continues to struggle offensively. Ward is coach Paul Maurice's choice to start most nights, so even if the wins are sometimes scarce, Ward is worth a look as a No. 2 Fantasy netminder. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward helped the Hurricanes jockey for playoff position on Tuesday night by defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1. Ward stopped 32 of 33 shots he faced and bested a great effort from Marc-Andre Fleury. The lone goal that Ward allowed came from Evgeni Malkin, the NHL's current points leader, in the 1st period. After that he was rock solid.
Analysis: Ward actually snapped an awful streak of five straight losses with his shutout on Monday and has now won two straight big games. Ward had allowed at least three goals in each of those games so Monday and Tuesday were nice changes of pace. Hopefully Ward can keep this recent solid trend going. Ward is usually a reliable No. 2 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News:Cam Ward made 35 saves and the Carolina Hurricanes snapped a five-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over the Maple Leafs on Monday night, giving coach Paul Maurice a victory in his return to Toronto. Joe Corvo and Chad LaRose scored to back Ward's second shutout of the season for Carolina. Toronto came out with more desperation in the third period but Ward was equal to the challenge -- getting his pad on Niklas Hagman's shot from in close before turning away Ian White's slap shot a few moments later. Ward later stopped Alexei Ponikarovsky's chance from the top of the crease to preserve the shutout.
Analysis: Ward was in net for all of the Hurricanes' recent losing streak, but put together a solid performance Monday and hopefully it will spark good things. Maurice has trusted Ward as his unquestioned starter since taking over and that makes Ward a reliable No. 2 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward lost his fifth-straight game on Saturday to the Buffalo Sabres, allowing three goals and making 23 saves in a 3-1 loss. During his current five-game losing streak, Ward has given up a total of 19 goals for a GAA of 3.80. He has lost to some pretty unimpressive teams as well including Florida, Ottawa and Toronto.
Analysis: Ward can't seem to buy a win to save his life over the past week or so, going up against some pretty mediocre competition and repeatedly coming up on the wrong side of the scoreline. He is one of the more talented goalies in the league but right now shouldn't be thought of as more than a high-end No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG is at best a No. 2 option at the moment.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward allowed five goals and made only 18 saves in a 6-4 loss to the lowly Maple Leafs on Thursday. The loss extends Ward's losing streak to four straight games. He has given up 16 goals over those four games with back to back games in which he allowed five goals.
Analysis: Ward has put up awful performances against pretty lackluster opponents in Toronto and Ottawa. Losing 6-4 on your home ice to one of the worst teams in the league is not what Fantasy owners want to see from Ward who remains a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is little more than a No. 2 option.
News:Cam Ward, pulled after allowing three goals in Saturday's 5-1 loss in Boston, stopped 35 shots in his ninth straight start for the Hurricanes during a 5-1 loss to the Senators Tuesday. "He obviously does the best he can every night and things fall squarely on our shoulders, the guys who are playing in front of him right now," defenseman Joe Corvo said. Ward never led in the game and allowed all even-strength goals.
Analysis: Ward has lost his last three starts and could really use a night off. Coach Paul Maurice has relied heavily on the veteran netminder since taking over as coach and that's a good thing for Fantasy owners. Still, Ward is more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward allowed three goals on 12 shots before being pulled from Saturday's loss to the Bruins early in the second period. He was replaced by Michael Leighton.
Analysis: Ward has now lost two games in a row after producing a four-game winning streak. While Saturday's outing was obviously a disappointing one, Ward should be able to bounce back in Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 12-18), as the Hurricanes have four games. Continue to view him as a nice No. 2 option in all leagues. The Carolina TG remains a No. 2 option as well.
News:Jay Bouwmeester and Nathan Horton scored early in the third period past Cam Ward to break a tie, and the Florida Panthers beat Carolina 4-2 on Thursday night to snap the Hurricanes' winning streak at a season-high four games. Ward, making his seventh consecutive start for Carolina, stopped 26 shots. The loss snapped a four-game win streak.
Analysis: Ward allowed more than two goals for the first time in five starts Thursday. He has been pretty solid for the Hurricanes since Paul Maurice came onboard in December. Ward is worth starting as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie while he is hot, but usually pans out to be a high-end No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG pretty much goes as Ward does.
News:Cam Ward continued his recent surge for the Hurricanes, making 26 saves during a 3-2 win Tuesday agaunst the Devils. Paul Martin scored a power-play goal for the Devils 12:12 into the third period to break Ward's shutout. Patrik Elias added another with 21.5 seconds left to bring the Devils within one. Ward won all three of his starts last week and posted a 1.33 goals against-average with a .944 save percentage.
Analysis: Ward hasn't allowed more than two goals in his last four starts and has won eight of 10 outings. He has really done well under coach Paul Maurice, who considers Ward his regular goalies when healthy. Ward is worth starting as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie while he is hot, but usually pans out to be a high-end No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG pretty much goes as Ward does.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward had to make only 17 stops against the Lightning in a 3-2 win on Saturday. Ward's GAA dropped to 2.47 on the season as he has now won three straight starts. During that stretch, he has given up only four goals.
Analysis: With Paul Maurice back at the helm in Carolina, Ward seems to have returned to his comfort zone. Ward is playing like a low-end No. 1 option, but should be treated as a No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward finished with 30 saves, stopping the first 23 shots he saw from St. Louis after turning aside the last 18 shots of the Atlanta win Wednesday, but David Backes' late goal denied him a second shutout of the Blues this season during Friday's 2-1 win. Ward has won two straight starts and six of eight.
Analysis: Ward has allowed just two goals in his last two wins and has been in a real groove since Paul Maurice came back on board as coach. Ward can be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie for times like this, but still remains more of a high-end No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 20 saves and allowed just one goal in a 3-1 victory over the Thrashers on Wednesday. Ward has recently received a vote of confidence from Head Coach Paul Maurice who hasn't been afraid of sticking with goalies through thick and thin according to The Sports Xchange. Ward has now won three of his last four starts for Carolina.
Analysis: Ward hadn't been great his past two games, but put up a solid performance on Wednesday against the Thrashers. Ward has the skills to be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie, but he usually plays more like your everyday No. 2 goalie. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Hurricanes look as if they're ready to ride it out with Cam Ward as their goaltender. He's capable of being exceptional, though often he has been ordinary the last couple of seasons. But if there's one thing coach Paul Maurice isn't afraid of doing, it's settling on a goalie and keeping it that way. Maurice made former goalie Arturs Irbe a fixture in the lineup during part of his first coaching go-around with the Hurricanes. Maurice has given every indication that he intends to give Ward a chance to experience the same treatment.
Analysis: Ward should be in good enough physical condition to deal with the workload. But he'll have to find the consistent mental sharpness to make it all work. There's little question that Ward should be in line to get the call when the Hurricanes play their next game Wednesday night against the visiting Atlanta Thrashers. That will come after the Hurricanes have a three-day break in the schedule. Ward can be a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie at times, but is best used as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option as well.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward allowed three goals on 21 shots in a 4-2 loss to the red hot Bruins on Saturday. Ward had won five of six games coming into the contest, having won five of six. The loss drops Ward's record to 12-9-3 on the year.
Analysis: Ward has now allowed three goals in back to back games after not having done so in the last eight games before those two. Despite the two average performances from him, consider Ward a high-end No. 2 option with the Hurricanes TG remaining a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward won for the fourth time in his last five starts Friday when he made 27 saves in a 5-4 victory over the Thrashers. Ward is now 12-8-3 on the season.
Analysis: Ward allowed more than three goals Friday for the first time in his last nine starts, but he still managed to pick up the win. He is now 4-1 with a 2.28 GAA in December. Ward should be considered a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 option for Fantasy Week 13 (Dec. 29-Jan. 4). The Hurricanes TG remains a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 26 saves as he picked up his third win in four starts Sunday in Carolina's 3-2 OT win over the Canadiens.
Analysis: Ward has had his ups and down this season, but he's been playing very well lately with only more than two goals against in one of his last eight starts. The Hurricanes play three times in Fantasy Week 12 (Dec. 22-28) with games against Minnesota, Atlanta and Boston. Ward should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option for the period with a lot of top goalies only playing twice. The Hurricanes TG remains a No. 2 option.
News: G Cam Ward allowed three goals and came up with 32 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Bruins on Saturday. Two of the three goals came in the third period and essentially put the game out of reach for the Hurricanes. The loss snaps a two-game win streak for Ward. This is the first time he has allowed more than two goals since Nov. 23 at Nashville.
Analysis: Ward ran into a buzzsaw in the Bruins on Saturday and was tagged for the loss. Ward has been one of the better goalies in the league as of late and a higher-end No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 option.
News: G Cam ward faced only 20 Panthers shots Thursday but needed overtime to pull out a 2-1 win. Ward had to stop only 19 Panthers shots to earn his 10th win of the year. Ward has now won two out of three starts since returning from injury, with the loss coming in overtime.
Analysis: In his last six starts, Ward has given up two goals or less, an impressive streak indeed. Ward is a high-end goalie when going well as it appears he may be going now. Still consider him a No. 2 option for the time being with the ability to be ranked a bit higher. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward stopped 22 shots on Tuesday night in a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens and Jaroslav Halak. His save of the game came from point-blank range by Montreal's Alex Kovalev with 10 seconds remaining in the game to save the victory.
Analysis: Ward hadn't picked up a victory since beating Philadelphia on Nov. 28 but has been very solid of late. He's not allowed more than two goals in any of his last five contests. Ward can be used as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at times, but is more of a No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Hurricanes seem to be all about first impressions these days, with players coming and going from the injury list and the minor leagues. All this is happening with Paul Maurice back with the organization as the coach for barely more than a week. Goalie Cam Ward played his first game under Maurice on Saturday night after missing time with a groin injury. It was a rather routine outing in many respects for Ward, who gave the team some stability after some up-and-down outings from Michael Leighton in his place. Ward's return should give the team some reassurance during this time that could be categorized as upheaval.
Analysis: Ward didn't give up an even-strength goal to the New York Rangers in his 27-save appearance Saturday. One came on a power play and the other short-handed before the post-overtime shootout. Ward should have his first home outing under Maurice on Tuesday night against Montreal. Ward can be used as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at times, but is more of a No. 2 option. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Goalie Cam Ward got back into the Carolina net for the first time in five games following a groin injury and stopped 27 shots, allowing two goals in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Rangers. Ward saw his first action since Paul Maurice took over for fired Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette.
Analysis: Ward returned a bit sooner than expected, making him someone Fantasy owners will want to take a look at for Fantasy Week 11 (Dec. 15-21). Ward is a No. 2 Fantasy Goalie and the Hurricanes TG is also a middle of the road pick.
News: Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward missed his third full game Sunday against the Hurricanes because of a groin injury. Coach Paul Maurice said Ward wouldn't return until he was at full strength.
Analysis: It appears as though Ward will not be returning Week 10 (Dec. 8-14) and could still be a few weeks away from playing. Ward should returning to his starting job when healthy, so keep him reserved in deeper formats. He is usually a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes G Cam Ward injured his groin on Sunday in a loss to the Ducks and could miss a few games.
Analysis: Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in six of his last seven starts and had been playing a lot better lately after a rocky start. He is usually a reliable No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy, but should be benched in all formats for Fantasy Week 9 (Dec. 1-7) and maybe longer. Michael Leighton will replace Ward as the starter in Carolina, but is no more than a No. 3 option at best. The Hurricanes TG remains a No. 2 Fantasy option, but only just.
News: Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette said the move to pull G Cam Ward on Sunday with a lower-body injury was a precautionary one. "We didn't want to risk any further injuries, so hopefully it's nothing that's long term," he said.
Analysis: Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in six of his last seven starts and has been playing a lot better after a rocky start. He is usually a reliable No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy, but remains an injury-risk start Week 9 (Dec. 1-7). The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Carolina goalie Cam Ward left after the first period Sunday against the Ducks because of what was announced as a lower-body injury. He was replaced by Michael Leighton, who stopped the first seven shots he faced before the consecutive goals by Teemu Selanne and Rob Niedermayer in the third period. Leighton took the 4-1 loss as Ward left in a 1-all game. Ward stopped 12 shots and Leightn finished with 11 saves.
Analysis: The fact Ward was able to finish a period before being pulled leads us to believe that the injury could be minor. Carolina doesn't play again until Thursday against Pittsburgh, but don't be surprised if Leighton is in net for Carolina. Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in six of his last seven starts and has been playing a lot better after a rocky start. He is usually a reliable No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy, but remains an injury-risk start Week 9 (Dec. 1-7). The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Carolina goaltender Cam Ward stopped 24 shots, including brilliant saves on breakaways by Scottie Upshall and Jeff Carter late in the first period, as the Hurricanes edged Philadelphia 3-2 in overtime on Friday.
Analysis: Ward is now 8-7-2 on the season and has only allowed two or more goals in one of his last six starts. After winning only four of his first 11 starts, Ward has now won four of his last six outings. Continue to view him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Carolina goalie Cam Ward stopped 24 shots on Wednesday against the Flyers, but it wasn't enough to win. Ward allowed two goals in the 3-1 loss -- the other came on an empty net -- and fell to 7-7-2 on the season.
Analysis: Ward has now lost two straight games but he was far better Wednesday than when he allowed five goals against Nashville three nights ago. He had won three in a row before that for the Hurricanes. He has a decent hold on the No. 1 job for now, but Michael Leighton is waiting in the wings should he slip up. Continue to view him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward gave up five goals on 30 shots in a loss to the Predators on Sunday.
Analysis: Ward had allowed only five goals over his previous three games, so this was quite the abrupt end to his nice little streak. He has a decent hold on the No. 1 job for now, but Michael Leighton is waiting in the wings should he slip up. In Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 24-30), Carolina plays four times against the Panthers, Ducks and Flyers twice. Ward will likely get three of those starts, so continue to view him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward stopped 26 shots for Carolina during a 5-2 comeback win Friday against the Coyotes. Ward and the Hurricanes trailed 2-1 heading into the second period before running off four unanswered goals. Ward allowed just one power-play score as he won a third straight start.
Analysis: Ward has not allowed more than two goals in any game during his winning streak. He has definitely responded to the added pressure put on by Michael Leighton's strong start to the season. Ward is still the Hurricanes' No. 1 goalie, but he remains more of a No. 2 Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward allowed a 2nd period goal to Montreal's Robert Lang and then tightened up between the pipes as the Hurricanes scored two goals in the 3rd period to give him a 2-1 win. Ward improved his record to 6-5-2 by stopping 28 of the 29 shots he faced.
Analysis: Ward has now won two straight games for the Hurricanes and he's allowed three goals over those two games. Prior to that he had lost three in a row so it is nice to see him pull out of that funk. Ward is still the No. 1 goalie in Carolina, but needs to continue to improve. Consider Ward a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Rick Tocchet lost his debut as Tampa Bay Lightning coach when Tuomo Ruutu and Rod Brind'Amour each scored in the shootout and Cam Ward stopped two shots in the tiebreaker to lead the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory Sunday. Ward fell behind 2-0 4:09 into the second period after Vincent Lecavalier's power-play goal. However, Wade Brookbank and Brind'Amour tied the game before the period ended. Ward made 26 saves in the win.
Analysis: Ward won for just the second time in six starts and put an end to a three-game losing streak Sunday. He hasn't been very good as of late and that has opened the door for Michael Leighton. Ward is still the No. 1 goalie in Carolina, but needs to improve quickly. Consider Ward a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 22 shots during a 3-2 loss to the Thrashers Friday. Ward never lead in the game as Atlanta built a 2-0 lead 3:32 into the second period on a pair of even-strength scores. Atlanta won the game on a power-play score by Slava Kozlov 4:12 into the third period.
Analysis: Ward has lost three straight starts and four of five. He has allowed three or more goals in four straight starts. He hasn't been very good as of late and that has opened the door for Michael Leighton. Ward has already been benched six times this season. He is still the No. 1 goalie in Carolina, but needs to improve quickly. Consider Ward a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: The Raleigh News and Observer reports that Hurricanes G Michael Leighton will get the start Wednesday when Carolina hosts Washington.
Analysis: Leighton has won four of his five appearances this season and is proving to be a capable backup to Cam Ward. He is providing great competition for Ward and that could keep Ward honest. Leighton might get a few extra starts with his solid play, but he is still a backup netminder for the time being. Leighton remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward lost in regulation to the Thrashers for the first time in seven games during a 5-2 loss Sunday. Ward, who made 17 saves, had a 2-1 lead 5:50 into the second period before Atlanta scored four unanswered goals to finish off the game. He allowed one power-play goal.
Analysis: Ward has now lost two straight starts and three of four. He can't really afford to sit on his laurels or be a .500 goalie with Michael Leighton winning four of his first five starts. The Hurricanes aren't ready to make a goalie switch, but Ward needs to get a little better in net. He still passes as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a decent No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Alexander Semin scored twice in the final three minutes, getting the game-winning goal past Cam Ward with 10.9 seconds left, to rally the Washington Capitals past the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Thursday night. The Capitals trailed 2-1 before Semin scored from close range with 2:43 to go. Then, with time running out, he ended a rush toward the net by beating Ward with a wrist shot from inside the right circle. Ward made 30 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Ward has lost two of his last three starts, but has allowed more than three goals just once in his last six outings. He has improved dramatically in recent weeks since the start of the season and continues to hold off Michael Leighton for the majority of starts. Continue to view Ward as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Carolina defeated Toronto in a high-scoring affair on Tuesday night in Canada. The Hurricanes G Cam Ward allowed four goals but it was enough to earn the victory as he stopped 38 shots in the OT game. Ward stopped the only two shots he faced in overtime before the Hurricanes won it for him to improve his record to 4-2-2 on the season.
Analysis: Ward was coming off a loss to Edmonton but is now 2-1 over his last three games. Ward has responded very well to Michael Leighton stealing a few of his starts and ultimately trying to take his throne as Carolina's No. 1 goalie. Ward is looking very sharp in net and remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward allowed two goals in Wednesday's loss to Edmonton. He stopped 29 shots in the 3-1 loss with the third goal being the result of an empty netter.
Analysis: Ward has responded very well to Michael Leighton stealing a few of his starts and ultimately trying to take his throne as Carolina's No. 1 goalie. Despite the tough loss, Ward is looking very sharp in net and remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Carolina goalie Cam Ward stopped 19 shots and Tuomo Ruutu scored in the third period, helping the Hurricanes to a 1-0 victory Thursday over the St. Louis Blues. St. Louis didn't get its 10th shot until 3:17 of the third period when Andy McDonald was thwarted by Ward. Ward, a No. 1 draft pick in 2002, didn't have much to do until the third period, when the Blues had 10 shots on goal. He earned his seventh career shutout in the victory.
Analysis: Ward has responded very well to Michael Leighton stealing a few of his starts and utimately trying to take his throne as Carolina's No. 1 goalie. Ward has won two of his last three starts and has allowed just five goals in his last three outings. He even had a 57-save effort in that stretch. Ward is looking very sharp in net and remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Carolina lost to Montreal 3-2 in a shootout on Tuesday and Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward stopped 23 shots in regulation. The Canadiens' power-play unit of Alex Kovalev, Saku Koivu, Robert Lang and Andrei Markov pressed hard in overtime for the winning goal but couldn't beat Ward. He made a huge stop on Lang in the extra session. Ward, however, could not stop Koivu in the shootout and took the loss.
Analysis: Ward came into the game 2-1-1 on the season. He continues to be hot-and-cold in net, and the more erratic he is, the better chance Michael Leighton has of getting in net. Ward still should see the majority of starts for Carolina, but is at best a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Goalie Cam Ward made 57 saves and Chad LaRose scored twice to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Islanders 4-3 on Saturday night. Ward also picked up a two-minute delay of game penalty.
Analysis: Ward had his great save total Saturday after losing his last two starts after winning the opener. He continues to be hot-and-cold in net, and the more erratic he is, the better chance Michael Leighton has of getting in net. Ward still should see the majority of starts for Carolina, but is at best a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward couldn't hold a 3-1 lead Friday against the Kings and ended up losing the game 4-3 in overtime. Michal Handzus scored 3:21 into overtime for the game winner. Carolina defenseman Dennis Seidenberg gave up the puck in the neutral zone and Handzus skated into the zone with it before beating Ward with a short wrist shot. The Kings were trailing 3-1 when Dustin Brown took a 30-foot wrist shot from the slot that beat Ward low to the glove side at 17:55 of the second period. Anze Kopitar got the equalizer with 9:41 left in regulation, backhanding the puck past the right arm of the sprawling Ward from the left of the crease after scoring attempts by Brown and Kyle Quincey. Ward made 20 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Ward has lost his last two starts after winning the opener. He continues to be hot-and-cold in net, and the more erratic he is, the better chance Michael Leighton has of getting in net. Ward still should see the majority of starts for Carolina, but is at best a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward couldn't outperform G Ty Conklin in his Detroit debut Monday as Carolina fell 3-1 to the Red Wings. Ward made 33 saves for Carolina, but a second-period power-play goal from Tomas Holmstrom proved to be the difference and Henrik Zetterberg iced the game with an empty net goal. Conklin made 27 saves.
Analysis: Ward played well enough to win his second start this season, but beating the defending Stanley Cup champions is no easy order. Ward had a career-high 37 wins last season, but had some turbulent times. He added some bulk in the offseason and changed his diet to give him a bit more stamina. He has a stranglehold on the No. 1 job in Carolina, but the Hurricanes will still throw some starts to Michael Leighton. Consider Ward a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: G Cam Ward stopped the final four shots he faced, and Matt Cullen's goal with 26.4 seconds left sealed the Hurricanes' first season-opening victory at home since 2001 during Friday's 6-4 win against the Panthers. Ward finished with 29 saves. He fell behind 2-0 in the first period before Carolina rallied to take a 3-2 lead early in the second. Ward allowed two power-play goals.
Analysis: Ward had a career-high 37 wins last season, but had some turbulent times. He added some bulk in the offseason and changed his diet to give him a bit more stamina. He has a stranglehold on the No. 1 job in Carolina, but the Hurricanes will still throw some starts to Michael Leighton. Consider Ward a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes G Cam Ward spent another summer in the Raleigh area, give or take a vacation or two. He decided to add back a little weight from last year, moving to about 183 pounds, because he felt tired at times last season. That's still considerably lighter than he was during the 2006-07 season. In the summer of 2007, he altered his diet and conditioning to drop weight.
Analysis: Ward had an up-and-down season in 2007-08, but still managed to finish 37-25-5 with a 2.75 GAA and .904 save percentage. As long as he stays healthy, he will see the majority of starts in net for Carolina. Ward remains a borderline No. 1/No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 23 saves Wednesday as he increased his best ever win mark to 37 games in a 6-2 victory over the Lightning.
Analysis: Ward is not a spectacular goalie, but he plays for one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and that makes him a No. 1 goalie in most formats. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward allowed two late first-period goals Tuesday against the Capitals and couldn't recover as Washington went on to win 4-1. Ward, who allowed at least one goal in each period, finished with 35 saves. He has lost his last two starts, but Tuesday was the first time in four starts he allowed more than two goals.
Analysis: Ward came into Tuesday's game with a 4-0-1 record and 1.78 GAA in five starts against the Capitals. He had their number, but just ran into a playoff-hungry team. Oh well. Ward is not a spectacular goalie, but he plays for one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and that makes him a No. 1 goalie in most formats. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward stopped 19 shots for Carolina in a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. Ward started his 17th straight game and Carolina lost for the fourth time in 16 games.
Analysis: Ward has wins in nine of his 12 starts in March. Ward is not always his sharpest in net, but he does have a good offense and defense in front of him. He is playing like a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at this time and can be treated as such. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward made 24 saves in his career-high 16th straight start for the Hurricanes, who extended their division lead over idle Washington to four points with four games left after a 7-1 thrashing of the Atlanta Thrashers. Carolina has earned points in 14 of 16 games (12-2-2). The Hurricanes are close to a return to the playoffs after slipping from Stanley Cup champions in 2006 to postseason no-shows last year.
Analysis: Ward has wins in nine of his 11 starts in March. Ward might not always look all that impressive in net, but the Hurricanes are a good offensive team and always seem to bail out Ward. He is playing like a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at this time and can be treated as such. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward was beaten by Viktor Kozlov in the third round of the shootout and the Carolina Hurricanes lost 3-2 to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. Carolina picked up a point to strengthen its grip on the Southeast Division lead and holds a four-point lead with five games remaining.
Analysis: Ward has wins in eight of his last 10 starts in March. Ward might not always look all that impressive in net, but the Hurricanes are a good offensive team and always seem to bail out Ward. He is playing like a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at this time and can be treated as such. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward stopped Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss in the shootout for the Carolina Hurricanes, who snapped Florida's team-record tying, seven-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory over the Panthers on Thursday night. Ward made 36 saves in regulation and overtime. The Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes have 87 points, seven more than second-place Washington.
Analysis: Ward has now won eight of nine starts in March. He might not always look all that impressive in net, but the Hurricanes are a good offensive team and always seem to bail out Ward. He is playing like a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at this time and can be treated as such. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward stopped 31 of 34 shots after making his 13th straight start and the Carolina Hurricanes took a 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday night. Since Feb. 21, Carolina has won 10 of 12, including three victories over the Thrashers. The Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes, who improved to 5-1-1 against Atlanta this season. Ward has now won seven of eight starts in March.
Analysis: Ward might not always look graceful in net, but the Hurricanes are a good offensive team and always seem to bail out Ward. He is playing like a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at this time and can be treated as such. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 16 shots during a 5-1 win Sunday against the Senators. He has now won six of seven starts in March. He has allowed two or fewer goals in four of those games.
Analysis: Ward might not always look graceful in net, but the Hurricanes are a good offensive team and always seem to bail out Ward. He is playing like a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at this time and can be treated as such. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward made just three saves, gave up four goals before 14 minutes elapsed, and was pulled in favor of John Grahame in Friday's forgetable 7-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The Hurricanes had a five-game win streak snapped, and had their lead atop the Southeast Division cut to five points after both Washington and Florida won Friday.
Analysis: Ward, who made his 11th straight start, also lost for the first time in six games. Ward is a solid low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The same can be said for the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward made 25 saves for his fourth shutout of the season, and Eric Staal had a goal and two assists to lead the surging Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Ward, who made his 10th straight start, has five straight wins and has posted his sixth career NHL shutout. He helped Carolina win its fifth straight and eighth in nine games to strengthen its hold on first place in the Southeast Division. Ward is a solid low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The same can be said for the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward stopped 27 shots but probably would like to replay the first two Buffalo goals in Saturday's 4-3 overtime win. On the initial one, he was alone with the puck behind his net and tried to clear it along the boards. Derek Roy followed up a bad bounce and poked the puck in to cut Carolina's lead to 2-1 in the second period. The Hurricanes have won seven of eight, improved to 10-2-1 since Feb. 12 and opened up a seven-point lead over Washington and Florida in the Southeast Division.
Analysis: Ward is a winner of four straight games and took his season total to 31 wins. He is a solid low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The same can be said for the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward made nine of his 26 saves in a chippy, scoreless third period for the Hurricanes, who managed just two shots in the final 20 minutes but edged the Minnesota Wild 3-2 on Thursday night. The Hurricanes have won six of seven, improved to 9-2-1 since Feb. 12 and opened up a five-point lead over idle Washington in the division.
Analysis: Ward is a winner of three straight games and took his season total to 30 wins. He is a solid low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The same can be said for the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward allowed a goal in each period but still came away with a 6-3 win over division rival Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday. He finished with 21 saves and won for the fifth time in the last six games.
Analysis: Ward took his season total to 29 wins. He is a solid low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The same can be said for the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward made 22 saves, including 18 in the first two periods and the Carolina Hurricanes easily handled the penalty-prone Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 Saturday night. In the final 20 minutes, the Lightning hardly put up a fight, finishing with four shots as the Hurricanes put the game away.
Analysis: Ward won for the fourth time in the last five games and took his season total to 28 wins. Ward is a solid low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The same can be said for the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward lost for the first time in four starts when he was touched for four goals on 28 shots in a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Thursday. It was the second time in nine games Carolina failed to earn a point (6-2-1).
Analysis: Ward has won six games in 12 February appearances. He is still rather inconsistent for Carolina, wlhouth he has played better in the net recently. Ward is a solid low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The same can be said for the Hurricanes TG.
News: G Cam Ward stopped 23 shots and picked up the victory Tuesday as Sergei Samsonov tapped in his own rebound with 3:24 left in overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes past New Jersey 2-1 on Tuesday. Ward has now won his last three starts and has allowed seven goals in the process.
Analysis: Ward has been playing some strong hockey as of late with six wins in 11 February outings. He is still putting up some clunkers, but is the No. 1 goalie on a team that is a playoff contender. Ward is a solid low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. The same can be said for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricnaes goalie Cam Ward made 31 saves for a big 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday. It was Ward's second win in thre nights. He has not allowed more than three goals in the last five outings.
Analysis: With 26 wins, Ward is somewhat under where one might expect him to be as a starter for one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes are contenders and that makes Ward a viable Fantasy option despite his struggles. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 25 saves during a 5-3 win Thursday against the Thrashers. He stopped all five shots he saw in the first period before allowing two goals on 16 shots in the second period. It was his first win in three starts, but he hasn't allowed more than three goals in any of his last five outings.
Analysis: Ward is now 2-1-1 in four starts against the Thrashers in 2007-08. He continues to be just an average goalie on one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes are contenders and that makes Ward a viable Fantasy option despite his struggles. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News:David Krejci scored in the third round of the shootout past Cam Ward to lift the Boston Bruins past the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Tuesday night. Krejci's shootout clincher came when he beat Ward with a wrist shot to his glove side. Ward allowed two goals in the shootout frame. He made 36 saves in regulation and overtime. He is now winless in his last two outings, but has allowed two or fewer goals in three of his last four starts.
Analysis: Ward came into Tuesday's game 3-3-0 with a 3.11 GAA in February. In fact, he has been over 3.00 since the calendar year turned to 2008. He hasn't been totally unfortunate, as he has won eight times in his last 19 outings. The Hurricanes are contenders and that makes Ward a viable Fantasy option despite his struggles. The Hurricanes TG is more of a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette might opt to return to Cam Ward in net to face Boston Tuesday. John Grahame started during a 5-1 loss Monday against the Devils. Ward is 6-1-1 with a 2.50 goals-against average in eight career starts against the Bruins, including wins in three starts this season. He posted a 1-0 shutout in Boston on Jan. 8.
Analysis: Ward is 3-3-0 with a 3.11 GAA in February. In fact, he has been over 3.00 since the calendar year turned to 2008. Still, he has posted eight wins in 18 outings. The Hurricanes are contenders and that makes Ward a viable Fantasy option despite his struggles.
News:Cam Ward, who was making his 13th straight start, stopped 10 shots but allowed three goals agains the Florida Panthers. John Grahame relieved him and also made 10 saves and got a 5-4 win on Saturday.
Analysis: Not the most reliable goalie, Ward has won three of his last five starts and is 24-20-3. Fantasy owners should continue to treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward won his second game in a row after he stopped 20 shots in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Carolina held an overwhelming 46-22 shots advantage and won its second straight game to move back into the division lead ahead of idle Atlanta and Washington.
Analysis: Not the most reliable goalie, Ward has won three of his last four starts and improved his record for the season to 24-20-3. Fantasy owners should continue to treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward almost let a 3-0 lead disappear late in the third period Tuesday against the Bruins, but the third-year netminder held on for the 3-2 win and made 32 saves in the process. Ward had a shutout in the works before Shawn Thornton had two goals in a 27-second span with the first one coming at the 14:50 mark of the third period. Ward now has two wins in his last three starts.
Analysis: Ward is a very unreliable goalie. Just a few days ago he allowed six goals in a loss to a team that struggles offensively (New Jersey). But he then comes out Monday and nearly posts a shutout. It is good to see he has a short memory, but Fantasy owners should continue to treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward was yanked after Jay Pandolfo's goal, surrendering six goals on 20 shots before John Grahame came finished up the game for a 6-1 loss to the Devils. Ward stretched his consecutive string to 10 starts.
Analysis: Ward has just 10 wins in the last 26 starts. He has his moments when he can be a top Fantasy goalie, but he is best considered a secondary option as is the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward made 33 saves for the Carolina Hurricanes to take a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Friday. Ward allowed just a third period goal to Alexander Semin and snapped a two-game skid.
Analysis: Ward recorded just his 10th win in the last 25 starts. He has his moments when he can be a top Fantasy goalie, but he is best considered a secondary option as is the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward was good on Tuesday night for the Carolina Hurricanes, but just not good enough. Ward stopped 33 shots total, but was beaten just once in the third period to take a 1-0 loss at Nashville.
Analysis: Ward has been just mediocre with nine wins in his last 24 starts. At times he can be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie, but for now he is good as a secondary option as is the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward stopped 18 shots in the first two periods, but the Penguins touched him for four goals in the third en route to a 4-1 win Saturday. Ward gave up the goals on 11 shots in the third.
Analysis: Ward has just nine wins in his last 23 starts. At times he can be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie, but for now he is good as a secondary option as is the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward made 24 saves to earn his 21st win of the season, but the Carolina Hurricanes had to do it in overtime, 3-2, over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Ward has just nine wins in his last 22 starts. At times he can be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie, but for now he is good as a secondary option as is the Hurricanes TG.
News: Goalie Cam Ward gave up a goal 62 seconds into the game against the Rangers, but was perfect the rest of the way for a 3-1 victory on Tuesday. Ward stopped 10 shots in the second period, 14 in the third and finished with 34 saves.
Analysis: Ward collected his 20th win of the season. He opened this season quite nicely with 12 wins in his first 20 appearances. Then he slowed down and now has eight victories in his last 21 outings. Ward can be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at times. For now, treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward's short two-game win streak came to a crashing end Tuesday when he allowed five goals on 30 shots in a 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders. Ward gave up three goals in the second period on 18 shots.
Analysis: Ward opened this season pretty nicely, with 12 wins in his first 20 appearances. But he has just seven victories in his last 20 outings. Ward can be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at times. For now, treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 23 shots during a 3-2 overtime win against the Islanders Monday. He has now won consecutive starts after losing four straight from Jan. 10-17. Ward has allowed four goals while making 39 saves during his winning streak.
Analysis: Ward could really use a long winning streak as his season has gone pretty much south after opening with 12 wins in his first 20 appearances. He has just seven victories in his last 19 outings, but can be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie at time. For now, treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward was only lightly tested on Friday when he stopped 16 shots in Carolina's 7-2 win over Edmonton. Ward wins for the first time in five games and has just two wins in the last nine appearances.
Analysis: It might be a win that can get Ward, who has otherwise been shaky lately, back on track. He did start the season with promise. Ward remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he plays with more notable consistency.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward got the start Thursday but made no impression in giving up five goals in the 5-1 defeat at Ottawa. Ward allowed the goals on 32 shots. He has just one win in his last eight appearances.
Analysis: Ward continues to be shaky lately, although he did start the season with promise. He remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he plays with more notable consistency.
News: Carolina G Cam Ward replaced Michael Leighton for the final 18:35 of Tuesday's 5-4 loss at Toronto. Ward gave up two goals on 13 shots he faced. Leighton allowed three goals on 23 shots before he was chased in favor of Ward.
Analysis: Ward has not played particualrly well lately, although he did start the season with promise. He remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he plays with more notable consistency.
News:Cam Ward allowed five goals on 29 shots in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Avalanche. Ward has just one win in the last six games and only three wins in the last 11 games.
Analysis: Needless to say Ward has been struggling, although he did start the season with promise. He remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he plays with more consistency.
News:Cam Ward allowed four goals on 24 shots in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Devils. Ward has just one win in the last five games and only three wins in the last 10 games.
Analysis: Although he started the season with promise, Ward has not performed well lately. He remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he plays with more consistency.
News:Cam Ward stopped 19 shots to earn his third shutout of the season in Carolina's 1-0 victory at Boston on Tuesday. Ward lost his previous three starts and has just three wins in the last 10 games.
Analysis: Despite opening the season with promise, Ward has been struggling lately. But this might be a solid win to get him back on track. For now he is a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he plays with more consistency.
News: Carolina goalie Michael Leighton, called up from Albany of the American Hockey League when veteran backup John Grahame was waived on Thursday, made 23 stops during a 4-3 win Friday against the Thrashers. Leighton started over Cam Ward, who was 2-5-1 with a 3.88 goals-against average in his last nine games. Leighton said he was surprised to be called up. The start was even more unexpected. "An hour after I arrived, I was told I'd start," Leighton said. "I did pretty good -- in the second and third periods."
Analysis: The Hurricanes might throw Leighton a bone or two in the next week or so, but we fully expect that Ward will regain his job as top goalie very soon. He opened the season with such promise, but has fallen into a slump. He is nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he gets on track.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward allowed the decisive goal with 31.5 seconds left in overtime during a 5-4 loss Wednesday against the Thrashers. Ward struggled in net against Atlanta, allowing five goals on 14 shots. He allowed three goals on nine shots in the first two periods.
Analysis: To say that Ward was flat out awful Wednesday is an understatement. He was barely tested, but looked as though he has never been in net. He is winless in his last two starts and has allowed eight goals in that span with just 26 saves. Ward had a rough December and only won four times. He allowed three or more goals six times. Hopefully he can iron out his problems in January, but remains a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie at this time. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G John Grahame didn't last long in his first start since Dec. 20, allowing three goals in a four-shot span before he was pulled for Cam Ward with 14:15 left in the second period during a 4-1 loss Monday against the Islanders. Grahame finished with 11 saves before giving way to Ward, who stopped nine of the 10 shots he faced.
Analysis: Grahame made a few starts in December while Ward was struggling, but didn't look impressive at all. Ward remains the top dog in Carolina and Grahame remains the backup. Ward had a rough December and only won four times. He allowed three or more goals six times. Hopefully he can iron out his problems in January, but remains a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie at this time.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 18 shots in Friday's 4-3 win over Boston. It was just his second win in his last six games.
Analysis: Ward was lucky to face just 21 shots in the game because he wasn't very sharp. He's hit a bit of a rough patch of late and should only be considered a No. 2 goalie in Fantasy play.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward allowed four or more goals for the fourth time in his last five games Wednesday night when Carolina fell 4-2 to the New York Rangers. Ward did make 35 saves in a busy night.
Analysis: Ward is only 3-5 this month and the memories of his six wins in eight starts to begin the season seem very distant. The Hurricanes haven't won two consecutive games since mid-November but Ward has a cushy schedule in Fantasy Week 14, as he faces the Thrashers twice, the Blues and the Islanders. He should start in all formats next week, despite his rough stats of late.
News:Cam Ward stopped 29 shots to lead the Carolina Hurricanes past the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 on Saturday. The loss snapped a three-game losing streak for Ward, in which he allowed 15 goals in that span.
Analysis: Ward sorely needed the win Saturday against the Lightning after putting up some real poor efforts. The Hurricanes had gone to John Grahame, but it appears as though Ward has earned the right to start again. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News:Dion Phaneuf scored the go-ahead goal past Cam Ward midway through the third period Friday night to help the Flames hold off the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Phaneuf came up with the winner by grabbing the puck when Matthew Lombardi won the faceoff and burying a low shot by Ward for the lead at 11:48 of the third. Ward mad 17 saves in losing his third straight start.
Analysis: Ward has lost four of his last five starts and has looked pretty awful in the process. During his three-game losing streak, he has allowed a total of 15 goals. Ward has just hit a wall right now, but should rebound in the games to come. John Grahame is not a better option despite Ward's struggles. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News: It was an ugly night for Hurricanes G Cam Ward against the Senators Wednesday. Ward allowed goals on two of the first four shots he faced and finished with 20 saves during a 6-0 loss. He posted a scoreless second period, but the Senators scored three goals in the first and last frames to send Ward to consecutive losses.
Analysis: Ward has allowed 11 goals in his last two starts, and if he is not careful, John Grahame might steal some of his starts. Ward has just hit a wall right now, but should rebound in the games to come. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 33 saves during a 5-2 loss Sunday against the Red Wings. It was his second loss in three starts, but the first time he allowed more than three goals in seven contests.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Ward had a solid Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 3-9), including a shutout of the Rangers. He has had a few rough moments this season, but has posted 14 wins and remains a No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 35 saves during a 5-1 win Saturday against the Canadiens. He lost his shutout at the 9:36 mark of the second period when Andrei Kostitsyn scored on the power play. Ward has won three of his last four starts, including a shutout Monday against the Rangers.
Analysis: Ward has allowed a total of three goals in his last three starts and had a solid Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 3-9). He has had a few rough moments this season, but has posted 14 wins and remains a No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG is also a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Cam Ward made 32 saves at Tampa Bay Thursday for the Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes, who have lost four of six. He gave up two goals in the loss. "It's always a challenge when you're coming in here and playing the Lightning," Ward said. "For the most part, we did a pretty good job on not giving them the high-quality scoring chances like we have in previous games against them."
Analysis: Ward had been solid on the road this season, and really, giving up two goals against a Lightning team that's in the top five in scoring is pretty good. Ward remains a high-end Fantasy option. The same goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News:Cam Ward stopped 28 shots in his second shutout of the season and the Hurricanes bounced back from a blowout loss to beat the New York Rangers 4-0 on Monday night. Ward made their early lead stand up, stopping 28 shots for his fourth NHL shutout. It was quite a turnaround for the Hurricanes, who played their fourth game in six days and offset an 8-1 drubbing in Buffalo on Saturday that kicked off a five-game road trip.
Analysis: Ward had gone 2-2 with a 3.54 goals-against average in his previous four starts -- all at home -- but he is 6-1-1 with a 2.23 GAA on the road this season. As long as the Hurricanes keep posting wins, Ward remains a high-end Fantasy option. The same goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 32 shots to help Carolina even the series at two games apiece during Friday's 4-3 win against the Capitals. Ward stopped three good scoring chances in the final 90 seconds to preserve the win. It was his fourth win in his last seven starts. Ward has an 8-3 career record against Washington.
Analysis: Ward has allowed three or more goals in six of his last eight starts. Despite allowing a fair amount of goals, the Hurricanes have actually be able to counteract Ward's unsteady hand with some solid scoring outputs. As long as the Hurricanes keep posting wins, Ward remains a high-end Fantasy option. The same goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 31 saves during a 3-1 loss to the Flyers Wednesday. It was the third loss in his last five starts. He has allowed three or more goals in five of his last seven starts.
Analysis: Despite allowing a fair amount of goals, the Hurricanes have actually be able to counteract Ward's unsteady hand with some solid scoring outputs. As long as the Hurricanes keep posting wins, Ward remains a high-end Fantasy option. The same goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 25 saves during a 4-3 win Friday against the Lightning. He has won four of his last six starts, but has allowed three or more goals in five of his last seven starts.
Analysis: Ward continues to come out on the winning end more often than not, but it still hurts to see him yield so many goals. Hopefully he can be a little more consistent as the season drags on. Ward and the Hurricanes TG remain high-end Fantasy options.
News: In a loss to Philadelphia Wednesday, Cam Ward stopped 15 shots for the Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes, who have lost three of four.
Analysis: Ward has been victorious in 10 games this season and three of his last five appearances. He, as well as the Hurricanes TG, remain No. 1 Fantasy options at this time.
News:Cam Ward stopped 27 shots during Saturday's 2-1 win over the Panthers, a night after the Atlanta Thrashers beat him for two goals on 24 shots during a 3-0 victory. Florida broke up Ward's shutout bid at 13:59 of the third period on Nathan Horton's seventh goal. His deflected shot caught Ward leaning to his left, and the puck squirted under his stick for a power-play goal.
Analysis: Ward has been victorious in 10 games this season and four of his last six appearances. He has allowed just three goals in his last two starts and could be ready to go on another impressive run. He, as well as the Hurricanes TG, remain No. 1 Fantasy options at this time.
News:Cam Ward stopped 22 shots for Carolina during a 3-0 loss to the Thrashers on Friday. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for Ward. It was just his fourth loss this season.
Analysis: It is alarming to see Ward having allowed 23 goals in his last seven appearances, but the Hurricanes offense has been pretty effective and that has kept Ward in the win column more often than not. He, as well as the Hurricanes TG, remain No. 1 Fantasy options at this time.
News:Cam Ward stopped 27 shots in a win at Florida on Monday. He has now won three of his past four starts.
Analysis: Ward still remains a No. 1 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG, until further notice.
News: Cam Ward stopped 32 shots for Carolina during Saturday's 5-3 win over the Thrashers. It was his second win in his last five starts (2-3-0). It was also the fourth time he allowed three or more goals in that span.
Analysis: Ward was so strong to open the season, winning six of his first eight starts. He did not allow more than three goals in any of those starts as well. The last five games have been a different story. He did record a shutout Monday against the Capitals, but those three losses have been ugly. Hopefully he can right the ship soon. Posting a win Saturday is a good start. Ward still remains a No. 1 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG, until further notice.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 26 saves during an embarrassing 5-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday. Ward has now lost three of his last four starts, while allowing four or more goals in each losing effort.
Analysis: Ward was so strong to open the season, winning six of his first eight starts. He did not allow more than three goals in any of those starts as well. The last four games have been a different story. He did record a shutout Monday against the Capitals, but those three losses have been ugly. Hopefully he can right the ship soon. Ward still remains a No. 1 Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG, until further notice.
News: Cam Ward made 35 saves for the Southeast Division leaders against Washington Monday.
Analysis: All three of Ward's regular season shutouts have come against the Capitals. "It seems like I've had those opportunities to get shutouts, but it always seems like they get a late one or something like that," Ward said. "It's nice to get rewarded." Ward remains a must-start Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG, since this team remains one of the top five outfits in the NHL.
News: Cam Ward stopped 28 shots at Florida Wednesday, but he allowed four goals in the third period in the loss. The Hurricanes took seven of their eight penalties in the third period.
Analysis: Three of those four goals allowed were because Florida had a man-advantage because Carolina was uncharacteristically undisciplined late. Ward has lost two in a row, but he has four wins in his past seven games and he remains a must-start Fantasy option, as is the Hurricanes TG, since this team remains one of the top five outfits in the NHL.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward was yanked after one period during Friday's 7-4 loss to the Canadiens. Ward managed 10 saves at even-strength, but was beaten for five goals during power play opportunities for the Canadiens. John Grahame replaced Ward in the second period. He allowed just one goal and made 13 saves.
Analysis: Ward came into Friday's game as one of the top goalies in the early going. He suffered his first loss and is now 6-1-2. Still a very solid mark. Ward remains the top goalie in Carolina and remains a must-start Fantasy option. Don't be surprised if Grahame is in net next time out for the Hurricanes, but he remains just a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. The Hurricanes TG is a must-start Fantasy option.
News: G Cam Ward won for the first time in four regular-season outings against Buffalo Wednesday. He's 1-2-1.
Analysis: Ward allowed two goals and he made 19 saves. He has yet to lose a game this season and he remains a solid starting goaltender in all Fantasy formats.
News: Cam Ward allowed just one goal on 20 shots in Monday's game against Vancouver, improving to 5-0 in regulation with the win. He outshined Roberto Luongo, who allowed two goals on 30 shots.
Analysis: Ward is 5-0-2 overall and he has a 1.83 GAA and .937 save percentage so far this season. He has re-emerged as a must-start No. 1 Fantasy goaltender and has other goalies in the league scrambling for the diet books. He lost about 20 pounds during the offseason and is looking back to his Stanley Cup winning form.
News: Sidney Crosby had the winning shootout goal and the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on Friday night. All three Penguins shooters scored in the shootout against goalie Cam Ward, who made 26 saves before the shootout period. Ward allowed one first period goal and two in the second frame. He has not allowed more than three goals in any of his six starts (4-0-2).
Analysis: Despite playing poorly in overtime, Ward has been solid in his first six starts. He has allowed just one goal in three of those contests and came into Friday's game with a four-game winning streak. He is playing like a top goalie and should be starting as a No. 1 Fantasy option. As should be the Hurricanes TG until further notice.
News: TSN.ca reports Cam Ward has earned the NHL's top star for the past week, posting a 1.67 GAA and .939 save percentage in the past week, including a pair of road wins in Toronto and Ottawa.
Analysis: Ward has managed a 4-0-1 record with a 1.79 GAA and .942 save percentage in five games this season. We're not quite ready to say he is a must-start No. 1 Fantasy goaltender, but he is definitely showing symptoms. The Hurricanes will be back in action on Saturday at Pittsburgh.
News: Cam Ward made 23 saves for Carolina during Saturday's 3-1 win over the Canadiens. The win gave Ward his fourth straight victory. He has allowed just one goal in three of those four victories.
Analysis: All of a sudden Ward has looked like the guy who led the Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup two seasons ago. That makes his a must-start Fantasy goalie. The same goes for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Ward allowed three goals on 30 shots in Thursday's game at Ottawa, dealing the Senators their first loss of the season and keeping the high-flying Daniel Alfredsson off the stat sheet.
Analysis: Ward, who has won three consecutive starts, remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. The Hurricanes will be back in action against the Canadiens on Saturday in Montreal.
News: Cam Ward, who lost 20 pounds during the offseason, is looking a lot lighter on his feet. He stopped all but one of the 28 shots he faced in Tuesday's game at Toronto to pick up his second consecutive win.
Analysis: Ward has allowed just one goal in each of his past two starts. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. He'll try and keep it going against former understudy Martin Gerber and the Senators in Ottawa on Thursday.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 33 shots and took a shutout into the final minutes of Friday's 4-1 win over the Penguins. Ward flirted with a shutout before Mark Recchi scored on the power play with 3:23 to play. Still, through two games the 2006 Conn Smythe Trophy winner has stopped 70 of the 74 shots he has faced.
Analysis: In the first two games, Ward (1-0-1) has looked every bit like the goalie who led the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2005-06. He is coming off a 30-win season. He is best used as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie at this time, but has the abilities to perform as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Hurricanes TG should also be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option until told otherwise.
News: Cam Ward, who lost 20 pounds this offseason and during a sharp preseason allowed two goals in 2 1/2 games, finished with 37 saves in Wednesday's regular season opener against the Hurricanes. He took the loss in overtime, as Saku Koivu beat him for his second power play goal of the game.
Analysis: Despite starting out with the overtime loss, Ward remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in all formats. The Hurricanes return to the ice on Friday night against the Penguins and then Saturday at Washington. Look for Ward to split those two games with backup John Grahame.
News: Cam Ward has managed a shutout in his only preseason action so far, as he looks to rebound from a rather marginal season in 2006-07.
Analysis: The Hurricanes are more interested in seeing veteran John Grahame and newcomer Michael Leighton, as they try and figure out who their backup goaltender is going to be. Ward is a solid low-end No. 2 Fantasy option at this point, but he might re-emerge as a must-start if the Hurricanes are much improved.
News: Ward allowed four goals on 29 shots in Friday's game against the Lighting in a loss.
Analysis: Ward and the Hurricanes will look to bounce back on Sunday at Florida, although it is likely John Grahame gets another start.
News: Carolina goalie Cam Ward scored on himself in Tuesday's game at Toronto. Last year's playoff MVP was replaced midway through the second period after allowing five goals on 19 shots. John Grahame allowed a goal on 13 shots in relief.
Analysis: Ward knocked in Toronto's second goal with his own stick and looked bad on Toronto's other goals. It would not be surprising to see Grahame in between the pipes for Wednesday's game at Philadelphia as poor as Ward looked.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward (knee) relieved John Grahame in goal at the start of the third period on Wednesday against the Capitals and earned his 28th win of the season. Grahame allowed three goals on six shots through 40 minutes. Ward faced only four shots in his first appearance in 11 days since sustaining a lacerated knee against the New York Rangers.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Ward back into active Fantasy lineups. It looks as though he is ready to go. He is a solid high-end Fantasy goalie when healthy. Grahame on the other hand is only useful in leagues that use averages in a scoring system.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports Cam Ward (knee) is expected to dress for Thursday's game against the Capitals, although it is uncertain whether he will start or serve as the backup to John Grahame. The team assigned Craig Kowalski back to Florida of the ECHL as a result.
Analysis: Keep Ward reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return to the lineup and prove his health.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports Cam Ward (knee) will be sidelined at least a week, although it is not a hard timetable at this point. John Grahame will get the starts in Ward's absence with Craig Kowalski recalled from Florida of the ECHL to serve as the backup.
Analysis: Keep Ward in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health. You might be forced to keep him reserved through Fantasy Week 25 (March 19-25) at this point. Stay tuned for more information later in the week.
News: Cam Ward will be out indefinitely due to a deep laceration above his left knee. He suffered the injury in Sunday's game when Brad Isbister slid into the crease feet first, causing him to get stitches to close the wound. "It actually didn't feel like that much, feel that serious, then I took a look at my knee and you could see something was wrong," Ward told the Charlotte Observer. "The Rangers came in the zone a couple more times, and I froze the puck. Once I looked, you could see the muscle."
Analysis: There is timetable on how long Ward will be sidelined. John Grahame will be the starting goaltender in his absence, but this is a tough injury for Fantasy owners considering the fact the team said on Sunday they didn't think the injury is serious. Skate cutting leg plus seeing muscle equals serious.
News: Ward was injured midway through the second period of Sunday's game at N.Y. Rangers, when he was cut on the leg by the skate of Brad Isbister. The MVP of last year's playoffs took stitches on the knee after stopping 12 of 13 shots, but said the injury isn't serious.
Analysis: Ward is considered day to day. Since his injury is not considered serious, he remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in all leagues for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Cam Ward recorded his second career regular-season shutout - both against Washington - and Justin Williams, Niclas Wallin and Andrew Ladd scored leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-0 win on Friday night. Ward made 25 saves for the defending Stanley Cup champions, who entered the day in a three-way tie for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff berth with the idle Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers. Ward has now won three of his last six starts.
Analysis: Ward is having a great season at 27-17-6, but you could have a lot worse of Fantasy options. And seeing how the Hurricanes are fighting for a better playoff position, he remains a must-start Fantasy goalie.
News: Cam Ward had 22 saves and the Carolina Hurricanes got a much-needed victory by beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 on Friday night. Ward ended a personal two-game losing streak Friday with the win. He now has three wins in his last six starts.
Analysis: Ward has been known to suffer a few extended losing streaks, so this is nothing new. He remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 24 saves in a 2-0 loss to the Senators Wednesday. He has now lost three of his last four games.
Analysis: Ward has been known to suffer a few extended losing streaks, so this is nothing new. He remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Ward (25-26-6), playing in his eighth straight game, made 20 saves in a 3-1 loss against the Thrashers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Ward might get a much-needed rest on Thursday against the Flyers. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in all formats.
News: Cam Ward stopped 43 shots for Carolina in a 5-3 win over the Canadiens Saturday.
Analysis: Ward has won four times in the last six games. Ward has been a little up and down recently, but he remains a must-start in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Cam Ward allowed four goals on 27 shots in Thursday's game against Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers.
Analysis: Ward has been a little up and down recently, but he remains a must-start in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Cam Ward made 21 saves in Tuesday's game against the Kings and didn't face much pressure in earning a relatively easy win. "Right now you can't worry about who you're catching or who's catching you," said teammate Scott Walker, who scored his 17th goal of the season. "You've got to worry about the team you're playing and get the two points. That's what we focused on."
Analysis: Ward will likely be tested a little more in Thursday's game against the Rangers. He remains a solid option in all Fantasy leagues, especially when the matchup is favorable such as Tuesday.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward was yanked from net in the first period Saturday after giving up three goals on eight shots in a loss to the Wild.
Analysis: Ward had won his previous two starts before Saturday's game. He has struggled the last few weeks and is currently a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie.
News: Cam Ward made 34 saves in Thursday's game at Boston while allowing two goals in the win. He was helped out by four goals in the second period, including three by veteran Ray Whitney.
Analysis: Ward looked decent and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues despite the fact the Hurricanes have struggled at times lately. He has managed just three wins in his past nine starts, but has pieced together back-to-back wins.
News: Cam Ward stopped 25 shots on Tuesday in the Hurricanes' first game in Montreal since they eliminated the Canadiens in six games in the first round of their run to the Stanley Cup last season. "I think this is one of those games that you circle on the schedule, especially with what happened last year and knowing what kind of atmosphere the fans bring to Montreal," Ward said. "We were really excited and we knew that this was a kind of do-or-die game for us. We needed this win really bad and we were just fortunate to come out on top."
Analysis: Ward looked decent and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues despite the fact the Hurricanes have struggled at times.
News: Cam Ward turned aside 29 shots for Carolina in a 4-3 loss to the Bruins Saturday.
Analysis: Ward has now lost three straight games and has only one win in his last seven appearances. Ward is known for these kinds of spurts, but he could break out of his slump any day now. Which is why he remains a must-start Fantasy goalie.
News: Ward stopped 34 shots in Tuesday's loss against the Maple Leafs, allowing three goals. He was spectacular for a majority of the game, but was beaten by Nik Antropov late in the third period for a pair of goals.
Analysis: Ward will look to rebound in Thursday's game against the Lightning, unless coach Peter Laviolette turns to John Grahame to face his former teammates. We'll let you know.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 16 saves in a 7-3 thrashing at the hands of the Capitals on Saturday.
Analysis: Ward should be able to rebound from Saturday's poor outing. He remains a solid Fantasy starter in all formats.
News: Cam Ward made 24 saves for the Hurricanes in a 6-2 win over the Capitals on Friday.
Analysis: Ward was able to snap a nasty streak, in which he had three consecutive shootout losses. He remains a solid Fantasy starter in all formats.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 24 saves in a 6-5 SO loss to the Lightning on Saturday.
Analysis: Ward has now lost three consecutive shootout losses, but luckily they don't go toward his loss total. Ward remains a solid Fantasy starter in all formats.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 23 saves in a 4-3 SO loss to the Thrashers on Saturday.
Analysis: Despite not getting the win on Saturday, Ward remains a solid Fantasy starter in all formats.
News: Cam Ward stopped 28 shots in two periods, and was benched after allowing three goals in the second. John Grahame finished the game and stopped six shots, getting six third-period goals from his offense to pick up an improbable victory.
Analysis: Ward did not have a great night against the Panthers, but he'll be back. He was making his seventh consecutive start and was due for a poor night.
News: Cam Ward started his sixth straight game on Tuesday at Toronto and he didn't disappoint. He made 29 saves while allowing just one goal in the win.
Analysis: Coach Peter Laviolette is apparently settling on Ward as his full-time No. 1 starter after giving backup John Grahame a lot of work early in the season. This bodes well for Ward's value, as he becomes a bona fide No. 1 Fantasy goaltender once again.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 33 shots to earn the 4-2 win Saturday over the Islanders.
Analysis: Ward and the Hurricanes TG remain must-starts in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Cam Ward stopped 26 shots for the Hurricanes on Thursday night against the Coyotes. They were blanked for the sixth time this season and were booed by the RBC Center crowd when they couldn't manage a shot on goal during a third-period power play.
Analysis: Carolina has been held scoreless in consecutive games for the first time since November 2003, but Ward and the Hurricanes TG remain must-starts in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Cam Ward allowed three goals on 37 shots in Tuesday's game at Pittsburgh to take the loss.
Analysis: After winning five straight starts, Ward has dropped two in a row against the Flyers and now the Penguins. Despite the loss, he remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 25 saves in a 4-2 win over the Ducks on Friday.
Analysis: Ward has now won five starts in a row. Needless to say, he is a must-start Fantasy goalie. As is the Hurricanes TG.
News: The Hurricanes' John Grahame finished with 22 saves in Thursday's loss at Buffalo. It was his second start in three games, and first against the Sabres this season. Cam Ward had started the three previous games against Buffalo, posting a 4.25 goals-against average in the three losses.
Analysis: Ward will likely be back in the crease for Friday's home game against the Ducks. Set your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly.
News: Cam Ward stopped 24 shots in his third consecutive win for Carolina on Friday in a 5-1 decision over the Islanders.
Analysis: Ward has got the hot hand right now. Keep him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Cam Ward stopped 29 shots as the Hurricanes won their second consecutive game on Tuesday at Philadelphia. "We've been struggling, too," Ward said. "We knew that we couldn't take them lightly. It was important that we were mentally ready because they still have a very good first line and some young guys working hard."
Analysis: After a rough patch, Ward has re-emerged as a useful Fantasy goaltender in most formats.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 21 shots for the Hurricanes, who lost 4-3 to the Maple Leafs on Friday.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Ward remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy goalie.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward was beat on his only shot on goal in overtime Friday and took the 4-3 loss to the Canucks. He made 27 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Ward should remain active in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Cam Ward made 17 saves and held Boston scoreless in the final two periods as the Hurricanes won 5-2 on Saturday.
Analysis: Ward has returned to must-start Fantasy status.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward stopped 26-of-30 shots on Tuesday in a 4-0 loss to the Rangers.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Ward has been playing strong in net as of late. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Cam Ward, back in Carolina's net after a rare night off, stopped 21 shots in a 5-4 win over the Stars on Saturday.
Analysis: Ward has been playing better as of late after a rough start to the season. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Ward allowed six goals on 33 shots in Monday's loss against Buffalo and the Sabres also managed an empty goals.
Analysis: The Hurricanes are 0-for-3 against the Sabres this season, which is something to remember next time you see them on the upcoming schedule.
News: Cam Ward, coming off his first career regular-season shutout two nights earlier against Washington, made 18 saves and improved to 4-1-0 in five career starts against the Penguins with a 6-2 victory for the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Analysis: Ward has now won five of his past six starts and allowed two or fewer goals in the same amount of games. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues, especially since the Hurricanes have rebounded after a slow start.
News: Ward stopped all 20 shots he faced in Thursday's game against the Capitals, as he recorded his first-career regular season shutout.
Analysis: Ward has won four of his past five starts and allowed two or fewer goals in the same amount of games. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues, especially since the Hurricanes have rebounded after a slow start.
News: Ward allowed just two goals on 20 shots in Tuesday's game at New Jersey before being edged by Martin Brodeur and the Devils in the shootout.
Analysis: Ward has allowed two or fewer goals in three of his past four starts after a four-game run allowing four or more. He remains a solid play in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 24 saves for the defending Stanley Cup champions, who improved to 7-6-2 with a 3-2 win over Ottawa on Saturday.
Analysis: Ward has been playing extremely well as of late and bounced back nicely from a loss on Thursday. He remains a nice starting goalie in all formats, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News: Cam Ward stopped 23 shots, but allowed four goals in the Hurricanes' 4-0 loss to the Canadiens on Thursday.
Analysis: Ward had been playing extremely well as of late and this one loss shouldn't deter him. He remains a nice starting goalie in all formats, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News: Cam Ward flopped all over the ice, blocking nearly every shot that came his way. Ward made 40 saves at Atlanta Wednesday for the win. "Cam made some really tough saves," coach Peter Laviolette said. "A lot of them seemed headed for the net, but all sudden there was a toe, a pad, a shoulder to get in the way. He was extremely sharp, extremely focused."
Analysis: Ward has won four of his past six starts, and he remains a nice starting goalie in all formats, as is the Hurricanes TG.
News: Cam Ward finished with 19 saves as the Hurricanes beat the Lightning 6-4 on Friday.
Analysis: Ward hasn't been overly spectacular to start the season, but since the Hurricanes are considered contenders to win another Stanley Cup, Ward remains a must-start Fantasy goaltender. As is the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward was replaced by former Lightning goalie John Grahame after allowing four goals on 21 shots through two periods in Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Lightning. Grahame had six saves and allowed one goal.
Analysis: Ward hasn't been overly spectacular to start the season, but since the Hurricanes are considered contenders to win another Stanley Cup, Ward remains a must-start Fantasy goaltender. As is the Hurricanes TG. Grahame will get his chances to play but remains the backup despite Ward's struggles.
News: Goalie Cam Ward finished with 32 saves against 36 shots Wednesday as the Hurricanes beat the Thrashers 5-4 in OT.
Analysis: Ward hasn't been overly spectacular to start the season, but since the Hurricanes are considered contenders to win another Stanley Cup, Ward remains a must-start Fantasy goaltender. As is the Hurricanes TG.
News: G John Grahame made his second start for the Hurricanes on Saturday but could not get the win as the Islanders won 4-3 in OT. Grahame had 21 saves.
Analysis: Starter Cam Ward will continue to get most of the starts in Carolina, so consider Grahame a solid No. 3 Fantasy goaltender when he plays. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 1 option because of Ward.
News: For Hurricanes G Cam Ward, last year's Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP, Friday's 5-4 loss to the Sabres was a disappointing setback after strong showings in his previous three starts. The 22-year-old allowed 11 goals in his first three starts before settling down and holding opponents to five in his next three.
Analysis: Ward is 2-1 with a 2.36 goals-against average in his career facing the Islanders, the Hurricanes opponent on Saturday. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. The same holds true for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward, who was making his fourth consecutive start and seventh overall, finished with 24 saves Friday in a 5-4 loss to the Sabres.
Analysis: Ward had gotten off to a difficult start to the season, but he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. The same holds true for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Ward made 34 saves to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 Monday night. Ward stopped Martin St. Louis on two breakaways in the first. He also made second-period saves on in-close shots by St. Louis and Brad Richards. "The win is all that matters," said Ward, who lost the bid for his first-career shutout late in the third.
Analysis: Ward had gotten off to a difficult start to the season, but he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. The same holds true for the Hurricanes TG.
News: Carolina goalie Cam Ward stopped 25 of 26 shots Saturday night in a 5-1 win over the Penguins. Ward won for the second consecutive night.
Analysis: It looks as though the Hurricanes are finally putting everything together. Keep Ward and the Hurricanes TG active for the upcoming scoring period.
News: G Cam Ward stopped 31 shots for the Hurricanes on Friday and the defending Stanley Cup champions got their first win of the 2006 season beating the Thrasher 4-3.
Analysis: It was just a matter of time folks until the Hurricanes got in the win column. This could be the game that sparks the Hurricanes on a winning streak. Keep Ward and the Hurricanes TG active for the upcoming scoring period.
News: G Cam Ward had another poor outing Saturday and the the defending Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes remain winless after losing 5-2 to the Capitals. Ward made 30 saves but allowed five goals to slip by.
Analysis: Don't be overly concerned just yet with Ward's poor performance to start the season. He probably just needs to shake off the rust and get back to game-ready condition. Keep Ward active but do keep an eye on his next few performances.
News: G Cam Ward finished with 26 saves for the Hurricanes on Friday night, but let four goals get passed him as the defending Stanley Cup champions lost to the Devils 4-0.
Analysis: Ward is a solid Fantasy option in all leagues, as he has showed what he can do in the magical playoff run for Carolina a season ago. He has struggled somewhat in the team's first two games, but don't worry. He should rebound nicely.
News: Cam Ward allowed just two goals on 32 shot in Wednesday's shootout loss to the Sabres. He also recorded an assist on the team's first goal of the game.
Analysis: Ward is a solid Fantasy option in all leagues, as he has showed what he can do in the magical playoff run for Carolina a season ago. Don't worry about this loss.
News: Cam Ward made 30 saves at Washington Sunday.
Analysis: Carolina begins the regular season Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals. He's a nice Fantasy starter in all formats this year as the Canes try to defend their title.
News: Ward made 22 saves in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Oilers on Monday night to lead the Carolina Hurricanes to the championship. He made several brilliant saves, leading his team to two consecutive Game 7 wins on the way to the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Analysis: Ward will be a highly-coveted goaltender in Fantasy leagues on Draft Day 2006 when the regular season nears. He has also improved his keeper value immensely for owners who took a chance on him during the regular season.
News: Ward allowed five goals on 28 shots in Wednesday's game against the Capitals to take a surprising loss.
Analysis: Ward looked pretty decent earlier in the season, even splitting time with Martin Gerber at one point, but he is now only worth using as a No. 3 goaltender in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: Ward allowed three goals on 28 shots in Wednesday's game against Boston, as he picked up the win.
Analysis: Ward ended a brief two-game losing streak with the victory. Look for Martin Gerber to get a majority of the starts down the stretch, but for Ward to be a decent No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in leagues which average points per game in a scoring period.
News: Cam Ward has been an outstanding backup to Martin Gerber in Carolina, posting 11 wins with a 3.44 GAA and a .887 save percentage in 22 appearances.
Analysis: Ward is best used as a No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in leagues which average points per game in a scoring period.
News: Martin Gerber and Cam Ward are turning into the best tandem in the NHL. The Hurricanes are smoking right now -- 14 wins in their past 15 games.
Analysis: Gerber gets about two starts to every one of Ward's. Gerber is 9-1-1 with one shutout, a 2.46 GAA and .910 save percentage in that span. Ward is 5-0-0 with a 2.00 GAA and .940 save percentage in during the streak. Start both in all formats while the Hurricanes continue to roll.
News: Cam Ward made 30 saves while allowing just one goal in Thursday's win at Atlanta.
Analysis: Ward and Martin Gerber are in a rotation right now, so look for the Swiss netminder to get the start on Saturday in the second half of the home-and-home against the Thrashers.
News: Ward did not start on Wednesday, as Martin Gerber denied the Panthers in a shootout on Wednesday to pick up a win. He allowed three goals on 35 shots against his Southeast Division rivals.
Analysis: Gerber and Cam Ward are working in a rotation now, so expect the young Ward to get the nod against the Thrashers in Atlanta on Thursday. Set your daily lineups accordingly.
News: Martin Gerber and Cam Ward have recently been rotating as starters for Carolina in net. The last time one of them started back-to-back games was on Jan. 7-13, when Gerber started three in a row. Since then Gerber has two starts and Ward has three.
Analysis: Ward has been the better of the two recently, including a 3-0 record and sub-3.00 GAA in his past three games. While he's hot and Carolina continues to swap them in goal, pick him up as a No. 2 goalie.
News: Cam Ward allowed three goals while making 31 saves in Monday's game against Montreal, as the Hurricanes started a new winning streak after having their nine-game winning streak snapped at Washington over the weekend.
Analysis: Ward is 4-0-1 in his past five starts, but that is dating back to Dec. 29. Despite the hot streak, he is only worth using as a No. 2 goaltender in larger leagues which average points per game.
News: Ward allowed two goals on 33 shots in Sunday's game against the Blues to pick up a win.
Analysis: Ward has won his past two starts, but he is not worth using in anything but leagues which average points per game, as Martin Gerber is entrenched as the No. 1 goalie in Raleigh.
News: Cam Ward was recalled from Lowell of the AHL on Monday.
Analysis: Ward will serve as backup to starter Martin Gerber, who is playing extremely well.
News: The Hurricanes assigned Cam Ward to Lowell of the AHL on Wednesday for a conditioning assignment.
Analysis: Kevin Nastiuk was recalled to serve as the backup to Martin Gerber. Reserve Ward in all Fantasy leagues immediately.
News: Ward allowed five goals in Saturday's game at Phoenix, making only 12 saves. He was chased after 30:57 of ice time giving way to Martin Gerber who also allowed three goals.
Analysis: There will be a lot better days for Ward, who is one of the bright young stars for the Hurricanes. Unfortunately for Fantasy owners, he has allowed at least three goals in each of his past seven starts and is no longer a viable Fantasy option.
News: Ward suffered an arm injury in Saturday's game against the Capitals and he was replaced by Martin Gerber who helped preserve the shutout.
Analysis: Ward is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues, as it is likely Gerber will start on Monday against Ottawa.
News: Ward allowed only one goal and made 27 saves in Saturday's game at New Jersey, as he continues to play well with Martin Gerber (hip) nursing an injury.
Analysis: Gerber might find himself as the backup to Ward when he is healthy. Consider adding Ward as a No. 3 Fantasy goaltender, as it is possible he might remain the starter in Raleigh.
News: Ward will make his first-career start on Friday against the Penguins in place of the injured Martin Gerber (hip).
Analysis: Ward is not worth adding to a Fantasy roster. Kevin Nastiuk was recalled from Lowell of the AHL to serve as his backup.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes might give Ward a long look during training camp. He might compete with newly-acquired Martin Gerber for a starting job.
Analysis: The team has yet to give Kevin Weekes a qualifying offer and with the acquistion of Gerber, it appears more and more likely as if Weekes is out. Ward is a sensational prospect in keeper leagues.
