All the latest from the blue paint...
Carolina rolling with Ward
Cam Ward will make his fifth straight start on Friday night as the ‘Canes look to win their fourth consecutive contest, and second in a row against Columbus.
After splitting time with Anton Khudobin to start the year, Ward has emerged as Carolina’s No. 1 netminder (for now). His run began with a 4-1 defeat in Vancouver on Oct. 28 -- a game in which he allowed three goals on 24 shots -- but from there Ward was excellent, posting a 3-0-0 record with a 1.34 GAA and .947 save percentage.
For Columbus, Curtis McElhinney will get the start in goal.
Elsewhere...
Oilers at Sabres: Michal Neuvirth for Buffalo, Viktor Fasth likely for Edmonton.
Devils at Red Wings: Cory Schneider vs. Jimmy Howard
Caps at Hawks: Braden Holtby vs. Corey Crawford
Coyotes at Ducks: Mike Smith vs. Frederik Andersen