Twenty years ago when Roy was a rookie, he was spectacular in posting a 15-5 record in the playoffs with a 1.92 goals-against average to lead the Habs to their first Stanley Cup in seven seasons.
In recognition for his outstanding play, Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, an award he would win another two times in his illustrious career.
Ward no doubt hopes the 2006 post-season will launch his career into orbit the way the 1986 playoffs did for Roy.
Goaltender Cam Ward has backstopped Carolina to three consecutive playoff victories over Montreal. (Andy Marlin/Getty Images)
So far he's off to a pretty good start: since replacing starter Martin Gerber in the first period of Game 2 of Carolina's Eastern Conference quarter-final with Montreal, Ward has stopped 100 of 107 shots and backstopped the Hurricanes to three consecutive victories and a 3-2 series lead.
The 22-year-old rookie sports a miniscule 1.68 goals against average and a sparkling .935 save percentage in his NHL post-season debut.
In his first career playoff start in Game 3 on Wednesday, Ward made 27 saves in Montreal to guide Carolina to a 2-1 win in overtime.
"I was extremely excited about the opportunity. The atmosphere definitely gave me some goose bumps," Ward told Hockey Night in Canada about his playoff debut as a starter.
Ward didn't seem affected by any butterflies in Game 4, either, making 23 saves in a 3-2 victory for the Hurricanes.
He followed that up with a stellar 30-save performance in Carolina's 2-1 win at home in Game 5. The triumph gives the Hurricanes a shot at closing out the best-of-seven series on Tuesday in Montreal – a position few would've imagined they'd be in after losing two playoff games at home.
"He's a great goaltender," Carolina's Eric Staal said of Ward after the Game 5 win. "He has so much composure out there and that's a good feeling for the guys in front of him."
The even-keeled Ward's calming influence on his teammates is apparent even to the opposition.
"He's made some great saves, no question," said Montreal's Sheldon Souray. "He's come in and given them some hope after being down in the series."
Not bad for a goalie who spent most of the season on the bench backing up Gerber.
Maybe Ward's amazing form in the playoffs shouldn't be surprising, though. In his first NHL regular-season game in October, he stopped Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby and Ziggy Palffy in a shootout to lift the Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory.
Ward said that before his first playoff start, he talked to his father, who told the young goalie to remain positive and have confidence in his abilities.
"We always had the golden rule that the more fun I have the better I do. We strongly believe that. No matter what was going to happen I was going to enjoy the moment," said Ward.
Having fun, explained Ward, has been the key to his playoff success thus far.
"It's the most fun time of the year. This is where you have more fun," said Ward. "It's a new beginning, you put the regular season to rest. I've learned a lot through the regular season that I want to bring into the playoffs."
Ward has also received sage advice and support from Gerber.
"He just wished me the best of luck. I have a lot of respect for Marty. All the guys in the dressing room know he's a big reason why we're here in the first place, and we won't let that be forgotten," said Ward.
If, like Roy 20 years ago, he can carry his team to playoff glory, Ward will be the one most difficult to forget.
