Ben Case: The DR is in the House as Canes Down Blues-Off to Face Hawks Tonight The DR (Derek Ryan) was in the building against St. Louis yesterday. Last night the Canes pulled out an exciting 4-2 win over St. Louis. It was exactly the type of effort the Canes needed after two previous disappointing results. They’ll be looking to build on another strong effort tonight though as they travel up to play Chicago before they head home for four-games.

Do you think Ward goes again tonight or do you think we will see Leighton?

Do you think Ward goes again tonight or do you think we will see Leighton?
- Barbecued Hockey

I could see either. I have a slight lean in thinking it'll be Leighton bc of two reasons. First, how much Ward has played and will most likely continue to play. Second, Coach Peters appears to like to play guys in "significant" mental games-Leighton was drafted by Hawks and spent decent time with them, so I could see him give Leighton the nod.

That being said, I prefer to see Ward tonight and wait to next week to split them on the back to back against NYI/Buff. Ward has done well this year in back to backs at 3-1-0, a 1.71 GAA and a .933 SV%. Either way, whoever is in net knows these are huge points on the line.

Looking at January, the NYI/Buff back to back is the only place I believe Ward may get a night off unless it happens tonight. The other scenario is one of the three games they have against CLB over next 8 total games. If Ward gets shelled by them first 2 games, then Coach Peters may decide a different look.