Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward could miss the remainder of the regular season with a sprained knee.

Ward was hurt during the second period of Sunday's game against Florida and tests Monday revealed a third-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament. He will not undergo surgery, but will likely be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks.

An eight-week time frame would coincide with the conclusion of the shortened NHL season on April 27.

In 17 games this season, Ward is 9-6-1 with a 2.84 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage.

The Hurricanes currently lead the Southeast Division with 25 points and will likely turn to Dan Ellis as the primary netminder. Ellis, who took over for Ward on Sunday, is 3-2-0 with a 2.53 GAA and .923 save percentage in seven games.