For 12 years, Cam Ward has secured the goalie position for the Carolina Hurricanes. The veteran shot-stopper won the Stanly Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy his rookie season and has gone on to be nominated for the Vezina Trophy twice. While he has been paramount to the Hurricanes’ success, his reliability has decreased with age.
After a career-high save percentage of .923 in the 2010 season, Ward has seen his save percentage dip every season since. He also missed a majority of both the 2012 and 2013 seasons with injuries but has since been consistent. Undoubtedly the best goalie in team history, his starting role has never been questioned.
However, a new face in Carolina has turned some heads in Sweedish goalie Eddie Lack. Finishing his second season with the team, Lack has increased both in popularity and skill. Lack was only able to play in 20 games this season due to injuries, but he replaced Cam Ward as the starter in several of the late season playoff push games.
His magnificent play at the end of the season was almost enough to propel Carolina into the playoffs. He suffered a neck strain with eight games left and went on to post a 1-2 record while allowing nine goals after the injury. He posted a .902 save percentage and allowed 2.64 goals per game on the season. Lack brought an energy on the ice that surged through his exciting saves. The Swede is only four years younger than Ward at 29, but he seemed to mesh with the younger players well and has a goofy and comical personality.
Cam Ward recorded a .905 save percentage and allowed 2.69 goals per game in 2016. Despite his age, he ranked ninth in the NHL in time on ice. Ron Francis and company have an important choice regarding the starting goalie next year.
Ward is a Carolina legend but has most likely seen his glory days on the ice while Lack proved sensational in the clutch. Providing that Lack stays healthy and plays a full season, he and Ward could potentially split the season in half, but knowing who is going to be the starter for big games is still imperative.
I think Ward will be the better pick for the Canes starting goalie. His veteran leadership and poise are necessary for such a young team and his ability to make himself the anchor of the team is incredibly valuable. Hopefully, Lack stays healthy and can lift some of the burdens off of Ward’s shoulders, as he won’t be able to play 60 or more games in a season forever.
No matter who is in net, the Hurricanes are putting themselves in a good position to win with either of these guys. I expect both to lower their goals allowed averages and the uprising Carolina defense will only help them get better.