Matt Karash: Canes Game #4:Striking contrast from 2012-13 version of this game AND A WIN

Nathan Gerbe is exactly the kind of guy that the Canes need to succeed. He works his butt off out there beating out much bigger players for puck possession, creating plays which lead to scoring chances. What a great player.

Nathan Gerbe is exactly the kind of guy that the Canes need to succeed. He works his butt off out there beating out much bigger players for puck possession, creating plays which lead to scoring chances. What a great player.
- Zannjusk

Couldn't agree more. There is obviously a size/hitting difference, but his game really reminds me of my first impressions of Ruutu. Even if you win a puck battle against him you're not done. He just keeps hounding the puck and makes it real hard to do anything with it even if you do get it from him.

Solid win, liked the attention to detail and compete level. If we ever get healthy with Ruutu, Gleason and Komisarek ( not sure if injured or a healthy scratch) all the better.

so the backup is 2-0 and the starter is winless in regular time.

so the backup is 2-0 and the starter is winless in regular time.
- gocanes0506

Don't read too much into it. Ward's losses were to Detroit and Pittsburgh which are clearly teams that will finish in the upper echelon. Khudobin's wins came against teams that are a combined 2 - 6 right now and are struggling. Ward is still the #1 but it is nice that the Canes have a quality backup right now.

Nathan Gerbe is exactly the kind of guy that the Canes need to succeed. He works his butt off out there beating out much bigger players for puck possession, creating plays which lead to scoring chances. What a great player.
- Zannjusk