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Carolina Hurricanes: 10 thoughts after first quarter of the season

By Andrew Miller

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 24: Derek Ryan #7 and Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate Ryan's goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of an NHL game on November 24, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 24: Derek Ryan #7 and Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate Ryan's goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of an NHL game on November 24, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 19: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes goes down in the crease and keeps his eye on the puck during an NHL game against the New York Islanders on November 19, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 19: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes goes down in the crease and keeps his eye on the puck during an NHL game against the New York Islanders on November 19, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

8. Cam Ward is a great backup

Few expected Cam Ward to start the season the way he did. Through five starts, he actually has a winning record at 3-2-0 and posted a save percentage of .922. His starts are completely overshadowing Darling’s right now.

Ward is got the nod against the Leafs to kick off the weekend for the Canes. Peters should trust Ward’s production as he was the reason that the Nov. 19 matchup with the Islanders was won at home, 4-2.

If nothing else, Ward should be able to help Darling get more adjusted to the starting role, and help him find some success with this team. While Ward had a hard time keeping up his stat line the past few seasons, he knows how to win with the Canes.

Ward might be able to take advantage if he stays hot and Darling continues to struggle. Winning back the starting job could take less time than most would think with a string of good starts, and the save percentage being so far above Darling’s.

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