Cam Ward's stellar play in recent weeks is keeping the Carolina Hurricanes in the thick of the playoff chase.

The veteran goaltender, who is only five wins away from the franchise record for season wins, has helped move the Hurricanes into sixth place in the National Hockey League's Eastern Conference, en route to being named Monday as the NHL's first star of the week.

Pittsburgh Penguins centre Evgeni Malkin was named second star, while Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan earned the nod as the third star.

Ward stopped 100 of the 107 shots he faced on the way to posting a 3-0-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage during the week. His great play lifted the Hurricanes to three consecutive wins and back into a playoff spot with a 39-38-7 record.


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