NEW YORK -- Cam Ward is riding a wave few could've anticipated.

The Carolina Hurricanes' new No. 1 goalie has his first playoff series win behind him ... and a huge challenge in front of him: Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils, the owners of a 15-game winning streak.

"As a little kid growing up, I idolized him," Ward said of Brodeur. "I'm sure excited about the opportunity to face him."

New Jersey was in danger of missing the playoffs completely, but an 11-game winning run to close the regular season vaulted the Devils to the Atlantic Division title. They weren't slowed a bit by the New York Rangers in the first round and advanced in a four-game sweep with a 17-4 scoring edge.

For Carolina, Ward was the one who made the biggest difference in the first round. He didn't get into the action until the Hurricanes lost two games to Montreal at home.

He took over in Game 2, which was already a lost cause, and then led the Hurricanes to four straight wins over the Canadiens. Carolina made a quick turnaround once Ward bailed out Martin Gerber, who allowed nine goals on 34 shots while fighting a stomach illness. Ward faced 133 shots and only let eight get by him.