2010-11: The playoffs there never was
Cam and the Canes had had some success and some issues, but Ward was starting to come into his own as a starter in the NHL. Nothing spectacular, but still a great goalie never the less. And in 2010-11 he had his best season at any level ever. It was so disappointing he did not get rewarded for it, but he was outstanding.
In 74 games, ward had 37 wins, 4 shutouts, a .923 save percentage. 2.56 goals-against average. He finished 7th in voting for the Vezina and was among the top 50 in voting for the Lady Byng as the individual awards were handed out. He was also selected to the all-star game. He was really becoming a top tier goalie and had all the tools to become one of, if not the best in the league.
He dragged a horrible Carolina team kicking and screaming to a win and in scenario for the playoffs. All they needed to do was beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Hurricanes would have some more postseason hockey. It was so simple, and with one of the best goalies in hockey, it wasn’t an impossible task.
Carolina lost and failed to make the playoffs for a 3rd straight year. Despite being within touching distance of the post-season, they had failed to make it again.
Not only had the Canes missed the playoffs, they had wasted the best performance by a goaltender in the history of the hockey club. It was one of the great wasted performances by any goaltender ever. Carolina could not capitalize on a spectacular season.