Article content continued

It’s his first start of this season. Veteran Cam Ward got the call in goal for the Hurricanes’ season opener, a 5-4 overtime loss in Winnipeg on Thursday. Carolina has been idle since then.

“I’m very, very excited,” Lack said after the Hurricanes’ skate on Saturday.

“Just being back and seeing old friends, and getting the season going for me, too. I felt like I had a really good preseason. I’m feeling good.”

Photo by Karl B DeBlaker / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lack struggled early last season in Carolina. He was 1-4-1, with a 3.28 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage in his first seven appearances. In two years in Vancouver, he was 34-30-9, with a 2.43 GAA and a .917 save percentage.

Things picked up for him in Carolina in the second half, as he finished up there 12-14-6, with a .2.81 GAA and a .901 save percentage.

“The start I had last year was horrendous,” he said. “I feel like I’ve done a good job this summer, putting everything behind me. I feel like I’m ready to go.”

Carolina coach Bill Peters should players facing an former team should be excited, explaining, “there should be some extra motivation there.

“But you have to control that emotion, too, and use it properly,” he added.

Lack made 18 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Canucks at Rogers Arena on Jan. 6 last season. Bo Horvat had a pair of third-period goals for the winners, including the deciding marker on a power play at 18:54 of the final frame.

Team history isn’t on Lack’s side, either, on Sunday. Carolina has not won in Vancouver since Oct. 15, 1999, posting an 0-6-2 record in eight games here since. The Hurricanes won 4-1 that night, behind two goals by Jeff O’Neill and a 15-save performance from Eric Fichaud.