Checkers blanked in Ward's debut

In his first action since being assigned to the Charlotte Checkers on a conditioning stint, Cam Ward stopped 35 of 36 shots in a 1-0 loss to Lake Erie at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday.

The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Checkers, who had not been shutout this season until Friday night.

Monsters goalie Calvin Pickard stopped all 33 shots he faced just one-week after the Checkers put up a season-high nine goals (on 47 shots) against his brother, Chet, who plays for Oklahoma City.

The game's only goal came five minutes into the first when Paul Carey sent a one-timer from the slot past Ward.

Both Aaron Paushaj (seven games) and Greg Nemisz (six games) saw their point-streaks come to an end in the shutout. It was just the third time in the last 19 games that Palushaj failed to record a point.

Ward is expected to get the start in net again tonight, as Charlotte concludes its two-game set with the Monsters. The puck drops at 7 p.m.

Here's a look at some of the highlights, courtesy of Lake Erie...