Ward to start game 4

Hurricanes netminder Cam Ward was the big story for the Canes in game three of the Habs-Canes series. His outstanding performance on Wednesday will be rewarded with another opportunity to start. He'll be the man in net tonight for the important game four of the series.

If the Canes can pull off another win on the road, they'll even the series at two games and restore home ice. Martin Gerber, who was suffering from a stomach virus, will watch the game from the bench. He hasn't been particularly good since before the Olympic break, and is perhaps in need of a rest. I wouldn't be surprised to see Gerber back in net at some point.

This goaltender scenario should ring a bell to Canes fans. During their '02 Cup run, they used a goaltender by committee approach with Kevin Weekes and Arturs Irbe.

Tonight's puck drop will be at 7:00.

In other games, the Stars have their back very much against the wall as they face elimination on the road in Denver. I'm guessing, though, that they'll live to see at least one more day.