Canes hoping for Dec. 5 return by Ward
The Hurricanes have set a target date for goaltender Cam Ward's return -- Dec. 5, against the Vancouver Canucks at the RBC Center.
"We're hopeful of that," general manager Jim Rutherford said Wednesday. "That would be the earliest. It may be longer."
Ward, who suffered a leg laceration Nov. 7 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, has been placed on long-term injured reserve. Rutherford said that would give the team some flexibility with salary-cap concerns.
"We have a little cushion if we need it," he said.
Rutherford said a decision would be made Thursday on bringing up a forward from Albany (AHL). He said it probably would be either Jerome Samson or Patrick Dwyer.
Defenseman Joni Pitkanen and forward Scott Walker both missed Tuesday's game in Montreal with injuries. Their return is uncertain.
About the blogger
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is in his second season as the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at chip.alexander@newsobserver.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @ice_chip.
Comments
Five goalies played for the
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 10:58 — ctillFive goalies played for the 1997-98 Canes (Kidd, Burke, Jablonski, Fountain, and McLean).
just wait
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 10:10 — FurbishLousewartI really don't want to see Wardo come back too soon. I miss the hell out of him, but when he returns I want it to mark the time of our winning streaks. If we keep losing with him back, I don't want there to be this nagging thought in the back of our minds, "Well he wasn't at 100% yet..."
With that said, dammit I wish Leighton could keep playing. In my uneducated fan mind, I trust him the most of our backup goalies. What the hell kind of team has FOUR goalies! :( We miss you Leighton, get back in there!
It's Too bad
Wed, 11/18/2009 - 21:37 — esteban1949in a way that the Canes couldn't bring them both up, as both have good stats and they play well together...and as i listen to the Rats Game Conboy is doing and holding his own. has Mo or JR said on what kind of "injuries" Joni & Scotty have ?And like many of the fans there in RTP area...i too am happy that Cam is going to be back sooner than many of us thought !!! Thanks Chip !! Go Rats !!! Go Canes !!Rats UpDATE: they beat the crunch 5-2....a good over all team effort...
Rats beat the Crunch
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 08:16 — Caniac5I wonder if it has to do with the coaching staff?...(Things that make you go "mmmmmmmm')
i had to
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 08:46 — esteban1949laugh...as i had the same thoughts...as Harrison & now Conboy are geting more ice time too...mmmm...yes very "strange" ...but I'm a fan, what would i know ??
Harrison and Conboy
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 17:28 — Hockeydogplayed at the NHL level and have proven they are marginal NHL players. AHL is a step down the performance ladder from the NHL so they will have more of an impact. Conboy s a heck of good guy and will do whatever the team asks of him, but he just can't make a real impact at the NHL level, even as a grinder.