PIERRE MCGUIRE'S IN THE CREASE

Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward has rebounded from a slow start. He made 47 saves in a 3--0 shutout of the Bruins on Feb. 2. Some credit goes to Carolina goalie coach Tom Barrasso, who has Ward challenging shooters more often.... Devils LW Zach Parise and Predators D Ryan Suter have a lot in common: They're two of the NHL's best players, they're due to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, and they're close friends. With all the chatter in the press over where either player might sign, one thing that hasn't been mentioned is the possibility of both signing with one team as a package deal. That's the prospect some G.M.'s are discussing.

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