Eddie Lack’s timing couldn’t have been worse.
In his first start since early November, the Carolina Hurricanes goaltender faced a Washington Capitals team that had won nine straight games at home at the Verizon Center. Among those roughed up by the Caps in the nine-game run were the Chicago Blackhawks (6-0), Philadelphia Flyers (5-0), Los Angeles Kings (5-0) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (5-0), ending the Blue Jackets’ 16-game winning streak. Washington also beat the Canes 6-1 on Jan. 23.
The Canes were back Tuesday, with Lack in net. The goalie has recovered from what he said were two concussions, and the decision was made to slot him in against the Caps and give Cam Ward, who started a back-to-back Friday and Saturday, the night off.