Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward had an overnight stay in the hospital on Saturday after receiving a cut on the ice during their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Coach Paul Maurice didn’t reveal much in a press conference, saying little more than it was a ’significant injury’ that would keep Ward off the ice for an undetermined amount of time.  General Manager Jim Rutherford said Ward could be out for up to four weeks.

The incident happened when Ward extended his leg to make a save while Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash skated through the crease at the 7:35 mark in the first period. After blocking the shot, Ward remained on all fours while play continued down the ice.  The whistle was blown and Ward was attended to.  Two trainers eventually helped him off the ice with blood trailing him all the way to the locker room.  He remained in the hospital over night and was unable to return to Raleigh because of concerns that the flight would further aggravate his injury.  He is expected to return on Monday.

Judging by the amount of blood in the crease, it certainly looked like a scary moment.  Of course, Ward is no stranger to on ice incidents like this one as the same thing happened to him in 2007 when the skate of NY Rangers forward Brad Isbister sliced open Ward’s knee.  He commented on the injury, saying that he didn’t immediately notice it, but it was deep enough for him to see the muscle.

Carolina’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, which gives them some time to prepare for more than a few games without their starting goalie.  It will be interesting to see how they cope.

In the meantime, there are plenty of other games going off throughout the week, including the Kings visiting the Blackhawks on Monday night.  This is the first time these two teams have met this season, and with both coming off of disappointing losses each will be hoping to grab a win.

Chicago is the first stop on a 5 game road trip for the Kings.  They’ve won six of their last eight games, but suffered a disappointing loss at home against the Predators.  The Blackhawks will be their toughest test during this five game streak and luckily they have been performing quite well on the road so far.  Expect points leader Anze Kopitar to continue dominating on the forward line, while the net is solidly looked after by goalie Jonathan Quick.

The Blackhawks are coming off of a short road trip of their own and I think it’s safe to say that things did not go according to plan as they fell 1-3 to Phoenix on Thursday and 3-4 to Colorado on Friday. ( Take it with a grain of salt, Chicago, as both of these teams are dominating the ice this season!)  They have lost three of their last four games, so a home game in the United Center is likely sounding pretty good right now.

This game should be a close one as the Hawks roster has a couple of missing players.  Top scorer Jonathan Towes is questionable as is Dave Bolland.  LA will be boasting a full, healthy lineup (minus Alex Martinez), which might just give these guys the edge.  LA has been playing hard (anyone see that impressive rally against the Pens??) and will definitely give the Blackhawks a tough game.  In the end though, I think the Blackhawks will be anxious to get the win and get back on track.  BetUS is offering the following odds:

Los Angeles Kings @ Chicago Blackhawks
Puck Line
Kings: +1 ½ -245
Blackhawks: -1 ½ +205
Moneyline
Kings: +125
Blackhawks: -145

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