Ward remains perfect in Game 7
In the hustle and bustle of Rod Brind'Amour scoring the Hurricanes' first goal before leaving the game in overtime after getting hit in the face with a puck on the bench, and Sergei Samsonov scoring against his former team, and, oh yeah, Scott Walker of all people scoring to eliminate the Bruins, it's easy to overlook Cam Ward.
Now 4-0 in Game 7s after stopping eight shots in overtime, including a nasty shot from Chuck Kobasew on the right wing, and 34 of 36 on the night, Ward's play in the postseason has been near impeccable. The next playoff series he loses will be his first.
"We just completely take him for granted," Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice said, intending it as the highest of compliments.
That being said, Ward enjoyed Walker's goal as much as anyone.
"I think I jumped as high as I can jump on skates, ever," Ward said. "We're enjoying the ride right now and trying to make the best of it. It's only going to get harder from here."
Ward's career Game 7s:
June 1, 2006 Carolina 4, Buffalo 2 24 shots-22 saves
June 19, 2006 Carolina 3, Edmonton 1 23 shots-22 saves
April 28, 2009 Carolina 4, New Jersey 3 35 shots-32 saves
May 14, 2009 Carolina 3, Boston 2 (OT) 36 shots-34 saves
About the blogger
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or luke.decock@newsobserver.com.
Comments
PA: Category 5 hurricanes on
Fri, 05/15/2009 - 08:30 — RPadiPA: Category 5 hurricanes on forecast (maybe 6)
Cam Ward is on fire.
Fri, 05/15/2009 - 06:05 — LainiencHaving bested Martin Brodeur and Tim Thomas, my opinion is the Canes have the edge in goal over the Pens.
Congrats to the Canes on the big win in spite of the officiating. After the first goal one could begin to wonder if the refs had bets on the B's winning. Both teams play was outstanding. Canes fans will probably be needing cardiologists before the season ends!l
Congrats Canes!!
Fri, 05/15/2009 - 07:46 — Penscrosby87What a great game!! Should be a great series coming up. Ward is playing unreal!! I look forward to the Staal vs Staal storyline and how it will unfold. I love that Ronnie Franchise is behind the bench as well....always a classy guy!! I am sure the Canes are a better team having him there.
Bruins have nothing to be ashamed of
Fri, 05/15/2009 - 00:21 — AllenHThat was a FABULOUS game. I still haven't come down!
Either team could have won it. Both brought their A-games and played to one of the most exciting finishes ever.
Kudos to Boston fans, they stayed and applauded. I have no illusions they applauded us but for the Bruins who gave them a great season.
On to Pittsburgh...
AllenH
Fri, 05/15/2009 - 07:32 — NCBuff_CaniacYou took the words right out of my mouth. Last night's game was the epitome of playoff hockey. Both teams played their collective butts off and the Boston fans showed real class in staying to salute and applaud their team after the game ended. Not real classy to throw a bunch of crap on the ice after Walker's goal however.
I am glad we will be done with JumptheShark and fignewton, at least for a while.
GO CANES!!!!