Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said today that the doctors treating Cam Ward's back injury want to observe him for a couple of weeks before making a decision on how to best move forward.
"After a couple of weeks they'll have a better understanding of his condition," Rutherford said. "They'd like to see how it settles down, then go from there."
Rutherford said surgery could "not be ruled in or ruled out."
Ward began experiencing back pain in the Canes' game Wednesday in Calgary. His back tightened up Thursday during the team flight to Buffalo, and Ward left the team Friday to return to Raleigh.
Ward has been slowed by back spasms in the last year, including the Eastern Conference finals during the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, but Rutherford has said this was a different kind of back injury.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Yikes
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 17:07 — GoShelfThat's not the kind of news you want to hear about the Franchise goalie.
It is typical of
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 17:43 — abramsdougIt is typical of this season. The good news is that the Hurricanes this season are not in the throes of the playoff chase and therefore the injury to Cam Ward won't risk sinking an otherwise perfect season. The other good news is that Legace and Peters are playing well and have the ability to help the Hurricanes win games. It is a great opportunity to see Peters in action. My guess is that he will rise to the occasion.
My concern is whether Cam Ward has an injury that will continue to bother him next season and beyond.
another thing AD is
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 18:05 — esteban1949will JR put Ward on IR ? personally i think he should as a form of protection ...but the front ofice will do what it will.and we the fans will be informed...after the fact...On a side note...I'm going to watrch the sharks tonight 7 see what Wallin will do...be safe...
The Canes are Good,My Grandkids are Better, and Life is Great !! Go Canes !!
Sharks game
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 09:50 — GoShelfthought he played well, looks like he was paired with Boyle most of the night, not a bad d partner. Little weird seeing him in a Sharks jersey.