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.