The Canes' Cam Ward, a new contract soon to be signed and sealed, faced the ultimate test at the end of today's practice -- shootout shots.
One by one, the players fired shots at Ward. Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Tuomo Ruutu, Jussi Jokinen, Eric Staal ...
Erik Cole finally got the puck past Ward, but it took a spinning backhander.
"It's good for the guys in room, the organization and Cam," Cole later said of Ward's six-year, $37.8 million contract. "Everyone here believes in him. He's earned it.
"He's one of the elite goaltenders in the league."
With Eric Staal signing a seven-year extension before last season, the Canes now have their top two stars under long-term contracts.
"He has performed so well for this team," coach Paul Maurice said of Ward. "It's always good when you get your best young players locked up.
"I think it helps with the framework and the structure going forward. You have a real good idea of what your hockey club is going to look like at some pretty key positions."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
