NHL scores 2016: Cam Ward’s streak was broken by one bad mistake

Cam Ward reverted back to being the Cam Ward of old at the worst time. For the last month, Ward has been as hot as they come in net. With a save percentage north of .939 in his last five games prior to Thursday, Ward was silencing critics left and right.

Then, one bad goal 14 seconds into the third period of a tie game was just enough to unravel a five-game win streak for the Hurricanes. The 2-1 loss at the hands of the Canadiens was honestly a great game by Carolina. The Hurricanes held Montreal’s best line to a sub-50 Corsi and continued to uphold the league’s best penalty kill at north of 90 percent.

Of course, there was also that problem of a goaltender named Carey Price looming large at the other end of the ice.

Even so, letting in a stoppable goal 14 seconds into the final period of a 1-1 game is quite the backbreaker.

Ward has been as good as any top goaltender in the league over that five-game stretch. He even had some brilliant stops in the third period to keep the Hurricanes alive long enough to fight until the end!

Yet the reason why many haven’t been as high on Carolina this year is the question of sustainability. The Hurricanes have the makings of a strong NHL team. They boast the NHL’s third-best Corsi For percentage at 53.27. Their defense is young but talented. And still, the weakest link of the Hurricanes coming into the year was the goaltending of Ward and backup Eddie Lack.

Ward has shown over the month of November that he’s capable of playing the hockey Carolina needs him to play, but one slip-up is the difference between a six-game winning streak and a loss.

Senators 3, Bruins 1
Canadiens 2, Hurricanes 1

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1. The Canadiens are getting production from everywhere

Charles Hudon may only have six career NHL games to his name after being drafted at the 122 spot in 2012 by Montreal, but he’s making every one count. Hudon’s solid resume got him drafted by the Canadiens, and he’s showing them why it was the right decision after putting up four assists in six NHL games.

His helper on Andrew Shaw’s equalizer in the first period was a nice little showcase of the talents he can bring to an already strong Montreal offense.

2. Ottawa is starting to score again

Five days ago, the Senators were losing ground in the Atlantic thanks to injuries and a general lack of scoring. Now? Seven goals in two games might just have Ottawa out of its scoring slump. Bobby Ryan came back from injury, and Mark Stone is contributing on offense like he should.

Beware the Senators should they explode on offense, as Craig Anderson is playing some stellar hockey right now in net.

3. David Pastrnak is on pace for a breakout season in Boston

The Bruins get a lot of, understandably, grief for their missed opportunities in the 2015 draft. But the acquisition of Pastrnak at the 25th overall spot in the 2014 draft is turning into a boon for Boston. Pastrnak scored the Bruins’ only goal in a 3-1 loss to Ottawa on Thursday, but it’s his 15th point in 15 games. The Bruins third-year forward is tied for fifth in the NHL in goals scored. Not only that, he’s right behind Sidney Crosby in goals per game.

Boston’s got a lot of work to do to climb back into the Atlantic, but Pastrnak may just be the key there.

Ryan Dzingel was knocked out of the game for Ottawa for almost a full period of play after taking a puck to the side of the head from his own teammate.

A shot from Erik Karlsson is not one you want to get hit with, especially in the ear region.