NHL: Carolina 6, New Jersey 0

RALEIGH, N.C., May 6 (UPI) -- Cam Ward had 21 saves for his first career playoff shutout Saturday as Carolina beat New Jersey, 6-0, in Game One of the NHL Eastern Conference semifinals.

Ray Whitney scored two goals and Eric Staal added a goal and two assists for the Hurricanes, who bounced back from a 2-0 series hole against Montreal and won the next four games in the opening round.

Ward was making his fifth consecutive start. Martin Gerber struggled in the first two games against Montreal, so Carolina Coach Peter Laviolette called on the rookie in Game Three. Ward, a former first-round pick, has stopped 126 of 131 shots.

Martin Brodeur, who allowed four goals during the four-game sweep of the Rangers in Round 1, allowed six goals on 35 shots for the Devils, who had put together a 15-game winning streak dating back to the regular season.

Game Two will be played Monday in Raleigh.