4. Scott Darling can be a No. 1 goalie in the NHL
It took a breakaway goal from Sonny Milano in overtime to get more than one goal past him on nearly 30 shots on goal from the Blue Jackets. He had a much better season statistically than he did against the Wild.
Darling gave the Canes every chance to win, holding the Jackets off the scoreboard until around the 10-minute mark of the third period. The one goal that did get past him was a somewhat lucky shot on Milano’s first goal of the contest.
After giving up four goals on less than 30 shots in the season opener, Darling almost has his save percentage above .900. The reason that Carolina acquired him was to be a guy that can post around a .915-.920 save percentage in the starting role.
It was interesting that Bill Peters had the confidence in Darling to go with him again after the Wild game. Cam Ward might get the start against the Winnipeg Jets, though. For now, we can appreciate the fact that Darling played well on Oct. 10.