Cam Ward diagnosed with concussion, placed on IR

The Carolina Hurricanes have been impressive this season, compiling 48 points through 47 games, putting them three points out of a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Now imagine if they got some support from their goaltending?

A weak spot this season will be tested further with Wednesday’s news that Cam Ward was diagnosed with a concussion and placed on injured reserved. Daniel Altshuller has been recalled from the AHL to back up Eddie Lack.

Hurricanes GM Ron Francis told Chip Alexander of the News and Observer they aren’t sure exactly the cause of the concussion, but said Ward was bumped during their game against Vancouver on Friday and also took a Phil Kessel shot off the mask last week.

Ward and Lack have combined for an even strength percentage this season of .905. In 11 games in Charlotte, Altshuller has posted a .941 save percentage.

Lack has only made 18 starts this season, and with Ward set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, now is his opportunity to grab the starting job and run with it, otherwise Francis will have some decisions to make this summer about his goaltending situation.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy

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