After 17 consecutive starts, goaltender Cam Ward is due a rest. Canes coach Paul Maurice will start Michael Leighton in goal tonight against the San Jose Sharks.
Leighton has not made a start since Dec. 23, in a 3-2 loss at Minnesota.
"I think (Ward) needed a day off the ice based on the normal wear and tear you put on a goalie who plays that many games," Maurice said today after the morning skate. "We going to give him a bit of a work day today to kind of get back in his groove and we expect him back in there in Phoenix (Saturday)."
Leighton isn't used to sitting after working 58 games last year for the Albany River Rats, when many believed he should have been named the MVP of the AHL. Signed by the Hurricanes to a two-year contract in June that will pay him a total of $1.2 million, he has a 5-6-2 record with a 3.05 GAA and .897 save percentage.
"I know the situation here," Leighton said. "Cam has been playing great hockey, so there's no way I could be grumpy about the situation.
"Obviously, I want to play any chance I get. It's a little tougher because last year I played a lot of games. This year, I haven't played a lot but that's all part of being the backup goalie.
"All I can do is work hard in practice and show my teammates and my coaches that I'm ready. It's hard not to collect bad habits in practice and that's what (goaltending coach) Tom Barrasso and I have been working on — trying not to cheat on certain situations in practice and always kind of play it like a game."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
awful in front of leighton
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 17:41 — hellfishHey ,he has got to play some.you just can't expect cam to play every game.Since Leighton played last the canes are playing alot better in front of him and on ST ,MUCH better. "The Sharks are a big cigar but they can be smoked."
Wanna hear another joke ?
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 17:39 — esteban1949Jussi Jokinen cleared waivers today and TB is threatening to send him the the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL...which is in the same division as the Albany River Rats play in. Gee i wonder if JR is waiting for something like a re-waiver thing, so if the canes got him,the canes wouldn't have to spring for Jokinen's full 1.875 million dollar contract..hmmm, who knows maybe the sharks will get sick of eating too much sushi..and be too ill to play. At least then Leighton might have a better chance. But who knows, the sharks may still win, but like in the NFL or NBA anybody can and are beaten on any given day. I has hope. Go canes !
I was thinking the saame thing
Fri, 02/06/2009 - 00:44 — JRs_FaultJJ would be a decent pickup, for his shootout skills alone. I also agree w/starting Leighton tonight... it's a common strategy to give your #2 time to play on the road against tough opponents... no joke, no shame.
Start Leighton
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 17:30 — vacanesIf you are going to rest your #1 guy. You always want to rest him in games that are the hardest to win. Phoenix is a should/must win game. Must win means you have to have your best goal tender in net to have that chance to win. Not a goalie that is going to give up soft goals. I can only imagine all of your comments if the canes loose against Phoenix and Leighton was in net.
Leighton and the Sharks
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 17:00 — abramsdougIf I were Paul Maurice, I would have started Leighton tonight. The Sharks are almost invincible at home. Leighton has to get some time in net -- even though his play deteriorated dramatically from the start of the season. I'd let the new lines try to ratchet up their play; and if it's a blow-out, Ward is still fresh for Phoenix. All I hope is that if the Hurricanes go down, they go down battling every second of every shift.
Got to be more
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 16:18 — totalkevCam's got to be dinged up or something. I don't think Mo wanted this. There's a reason he waited until after the morning skate to make a decision. Cam's probably not 100%.
Calm Down
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 16:19 — IggyReillyCam Ward would've made 18 straight starts if he started tonight. He had a streak of great play, and a mediocre performance on tuesday, maybe he is just getting a little worn out. A little rest isn't a bad thing.
San Jose may be one of the best teams in the league, and Leighton has certainly not given the fans any reason to show much confidence in him, but this game is still 2 points like any other and Cam needs some rest.
This almost seems like an
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 15:31 — dustinlammersThis almost seems like an admission of a loss and let's be ready for Saturday. I hope Leighton blows them out of the water and we get a big win!
What a joke!
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 15:16 — Canes101This is a joke hopefully, even though I know its not!
The only thing I can hope for is that this will make the players in front of the goalie come out and play harder KNOWING that they have their #2 goalie behind of them!
What a joke!
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 15:16 — Canes101This is a joke hopefully, even though I know its not!
The only thing I can hope for is that this will make the players in front of the goalie come out and play harder KNOWING that they have their #2 goalie behind of them!
Poor Guy...
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 14:59 — mrrichmond49Sacrificial lamb. This is a bush league move by Maurice. Give up the game before the team steps on the ice. The team knows you don't think they have a chance when you "rest" the starter vs one of the best teams in the league.
They'll fold before it starts. Well, I shouldn't have to stay up too late for this one then.
It doesn't matter, the
Thu, 02/05/2009 - 14:44 — JPMajorIt doesn't matter, the sharks WILL win..
boy was I wrong.. that's ok
Fri, 02/06/2009 - 13:53 — JPMajorboy was I wrong.. that's ok though, makes the win even more sweet =]
That's ok
Fri, 02/06/2009 - 15:31 — CanenutIt is ok to be wrong is every once in awhile.
What a great win.