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Carolina Hurricanes: 3 ways to continue momentum from win over Pens

By Andrew Miller

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 04: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the third period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on January 4, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 04: Sebastian Aho #20 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the third period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on January 4, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 2: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes participates in warmups prior to an NHL game against the Washington Capitals on January 2, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 2: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes participates in warmups prior to an NHL game against the Washington Capitals on January 2, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Cam Ward getting another shutout

It took a while for the Canes to get the first shutout of the season, 40 games in fact. Yet, it was not the high-profile off-season acquisition from the Chicago Blackhawks, Scott Darling, that accomplished the feat, but the supposed backup.

Cam Ward stopped all 21 shots the Pens threw his way in the 4-0 victory. He’s earned the starting spot for Peters between the pipes and is projected to get the start against the Bruins. Ward’s only slip up in the past few weeks came in the overtime loss to the Caps on Jan. 2.

Having a hot goaltender is something the Canes have rarely got the luxury of possessing since the 2009 run to the Eastern Conference Finals (also with Ward). Of all things that could keep the momentum going for the Canes, keeping a hot goalie is the most important.

However, if Darling gets going anytime soon, the Canes will have a really good problem on their hands. Two goaltenders, that both have a lot of playoff experience, could jolt this team into the top three in the Metro.

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