Cam Ward says he worked on his physical conditioning this summer and changed his diet, with an eye towards earning back the No. 1 goaltening job for the Hurricanes this season, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports. "Every summer you lear

Ward says he worked on his physical conditioning this summer and changed his diet, with an eye towards earning back the No. 1 goaltening job for the Hurricanes this season, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports. "Every summer you learn new things," Ward said. "For me, I became addicted to watching what I eat and looking for ways to improve my weight training. I focused a little more on strength and growing the muscles and I feel a lot stronger physically."

Analysis:

Ward suffered an assortment of injuries last season and wound up posting a disappointing 10-12-6 record along with a dismal 3.06 GAA and .898 save percentage. In his place, Anton Khudobin wound up posting excellent numbers (19-14-1, 2.36, .926) and eventually surpassed Ward as the team's everyday starter. The good news is, despite offseason trade and buyout rumors, Ward looks to open the upcoming season in at least a time-share with Khudobin for the starter's gig. However, if he falters, don't be surprised if Ward is once again relegated to the backup role at some point as the season progresses.