Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward commemorated his 200th career win with a 40 save shutout of the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night, as the Canes won 2-0 at the newly named PNC Arena in Raleigh. It was the fourth shutout of the season and the 20th of his career for the one time Conn Smythe Award winner.
After two scoreless periods of hockey, Chad LaRose knocked in the eventual game winner on a wrap around attempt which was deflected past goalie Brian Elliott at 12:08 into the third. Elliott played a solid game in net himself, but also allowed a Jeff Skinner goal with two minutes and change left when Skinner made a dipsy do move to get around two defensemen.
It was Skinner's 20th of the season.
The Blues have the best record in hockey at the moment but Ward was quick to point out that "anyone can beat anyone" in this league. The Canes swept the Bruins, but were swept by the Islanders, so they have seen extremes in their play this season.
Next up for Carolina is a 2 p.m. afternoon game in Minnesota on Saturday.
Game Notes:
- The Canes were outshot 40-30, but had several good chances. Andreas Nodl hit the post on one good move and Tim Brent hit the crossbar with a shot that most initially thought went in the net. Skinner led the way with six shots on goal.
- The team had 25 hits led by Ruutu, Faulk, and LaRose with four each.
- Bryan Allen had a team high four blocked shots. The team had 14.
- Justin Faulk continues to lead the team with time on ice and had a team high 25:10 for this game. Derek Joslin had a team low 2:46.
- Once again Joslin played over a forward who was scratched. Jerome Samson sat out this one.
post game interviews: