News:Eric Staal (third-degree MCL sprain) faces a three-month recovery time but will not need surgery, Tampa Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson reports
Analysis: It's a significant injury, but the offseason should be enough time for Eric Staal to be ready for the 2013-14 season, which would have been in jeopardy had he suffered a tear. The news is good, in other words.
News: Following a knee-on-knee collision at the world hockey championships, Eric Staal had to be helped off the ice, the Canadian Press reports.
Analysis: At first glance, this doesn't look good, as Eric Staal, who clutched his right knee in pain afterward, was not able to put any weight on the leg.
News:Eric Staal (knee) will fly to Raleigh on Friday undergo an MRI on Saturday, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: The MRI will in all likelihood reveal the severity of Eric Staal's knee injury, which he suffered during the World Hockey Championships on Thursday. Staal's knee appeared to collide head-on with the knee of Sweden's Alex Edler, causing Staal to leave the ice in great pain.
News:Eric Staal scored his 18th goal of the season in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Flyers. He now has 47 points on the season.
Analysis: He's producing at the best pace of his career outside his 100-point sophomore season. Keep him rolling.
News:Eric Staal picked up a goal and an assist in Tuesday's loss to Ottawa, giving him points in four straight games.
Analysis:Eric Staal continues to push along at better than a point-per-game pace, something he hasn't done since back in '05-06. Unfortunately, that hasn't stopped Carolina from languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
News:Eric Staal had a goal and an assist Saturday in a 3-1 win over Winnipeg to help Carolina snap a seven-game winless streak.
Analysis: It's Eric Staal's first multi-point game in nine outings, but he still has 38 points in 33 games. It doesn't look like that visor he recently donned has hurt his production. Keep him rolling.
News:Eric Staal, along with brother Jordan, will begin wearing a protective visor following the recent eye injury to their younger brother Marc, the Raleigh News and Observer reports. "It's a decision that's been brewing for a little while," Eric said. "At this point I just feel like the risk [of injury] isn't worth it right now because of the injuries I've seen to other people in this organization, family."
Analysis: From a fantasy perspective, this shouldn't impact Eric's value too much, considering he previously wore a visor playing for Team Canada at both the 2007 World Championships and 2010 Winter Olympics and reported no issues. "I had no problem at all," Eric said. "It's something I can wear. It's just a matter of doing it, and I'm at that point." Bottom line, no need to worry, fantasy owners. Keep deploying the elder Eric Staal as you normally would.
News:Eric Staal scored Carolina's only goal Monday in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Rangers.
Analysis: No other Hurricane could break the plane on Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who was on top of his game Monday. Eric Staal's cruising along with a five-game points streak and a silly 15 points in his last 10 games.
News:Eric Staal scored the Hurricanes' only goal in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Lightning. It extended his current point streak to four games and five points (one goal, four assists).
Analysis: The eldest Eric Staal has 33 points on the season, good enough to sit in the middle of the top-10 league scorers. You know what to do.
News:Eric Staal racked up three assists in Tuesday's win over Buffalo, giving him points in four straight games.
Analysis: Three of those efforts have been of the multi-point variety, giving Eric Staal a nasty 10 points in his last four contests.
News:Eric Staal scored two goals Saturday against Florida to give him five points in his last two games and 12 goals on the season. He's now top-five in the NHL in goals scored.
Analysis: He's also top-10 in overall scoring. Just keep an eye on his shooting percentage -- it's abnormally high and that could result in a bit of a regression to the mean. And that will only hurt his owners come playoff time.
News:Eric Staal scored a goal and assisted on two more Thursday in a win over Pittsburgh.
Analysis: He'd gone a bit cold recently, notching just two points in his last five games after concluding a ridiculous 11-game point streak, but Eric Staal was back to looking dynamic in this one. Not only is he scoring at a rate reminiscent of his 100-point sophomore season, he's also plus-12 on the year -- a great improvement over the combined minus-30 he's posted over the last two seasons.
News:Eric Staal notched two assists Tuesday to stretch his points streak to 10 games.
Analysis: After two quiet games to start the year, Eric Staal's exploded offensively, working especially well with Jiri Tlusty. You know what to do.
News:Eric Staal currently leads the Hurricanes with 12 points in 10 games, and is riding an eight-game scoring streak.
Analysis: In previous campaigns, Eric Staal has tortured fantasy owners by being painfully slow out of the gate. However, that appears not to be the case this year, unless you count the first two games of the season - the only two games he's been held off the scoresheet - as his slow period. Staal is about as hot as they come right now, and deserves to be in your fantasy lineup at every opportunity.
News:Eric Staal scored the only goal in Friday's victory over Ottawa, giving him five goals in the last four games and seven points over that span.
Analysis:Eric Staal is one of the league's surer things when it comes to production, as he is usually hovering close to a point-per-game. He's buzzing this season with seven points in six contests and figures to be enjoying life with the Canes' new additions of his brother, Jordan, and Alexander Semin.
News:Eric Staal scored his first three goals of the year Thursday in a win over Buffalo.
Analysis: The clincher was an empty-netter, but you won't hear Eric Staal's fantasy owners complaining, especially after the Hurricanes' captain was held scoreless the first two games of the year.
Carolina Coach Muller To Skate Staal Brothers On Same Line
News: Head coach Kirk Muller will experiment during the upcoming preseason with playing Eric Staal and his brother Jordan on the same offensive unit, according to the Associated Press.
Analysis: Whether or not the Eric Staal brothers can establish in Carolina the same sort of uncanny, sibling connection the Sedin twins display in Vancouver, either party stands to benefit if there is any above-average chemistry to be had. Both Eric and Jordan recorded at least 24 goals and 25 assists in 2011-2012, showing an ability to both distribute and finish around the net.
Carolina Eyes In Off-Season Elite Line-Mate For Staal
News: Hurricanes management has identified nabbing a top-flight winger to skate alongside Eric Staal next year as their primary off-season priority, reports.
Analysis: Obviously the addition of a blue-chip offensive weapon onto Eric Staal's forward unit would bolster the 27 year-old's fantasy outlook. Don't get too worked up yet, but the purported short-list of potential free agency acquisitions includes Zach Parise, Patrick Marleau, and Staal's brother, Jordan.
Carolina's Staal Finishes With 70 Points, Minus-20
News:Eric Staal finished the 2011-12 season with 24 goals, 70 points and a minus-20 rating. He played in all 82 of the Hurricanes' games.
Analysis: It was nice for Eric Staal that he was able to hit 70 points, something he's done in seven straight seasons, but this was certainly a down year for Staal, who scored his fewest goals since his rookie season of 2003-04. However, if you take out the disastrous first two months of the year, Staal actually put up his normal numbers; he collected 12 points and a minus-18 rating in the first 26 games of the year, but 58 points and minus-2 rating in 56 games the rest of the way.
News:Eric Staal has been on fire the past five games, tallying eight points (four goals, four assists) in five games.
Analysis: For everyone who held onto Eric Staal during his dry spells, it is sure paying off now. Hopefully for Carolina, Staal continues his hot streak for if the team loses in regulation, they would be eliminated from playoff contention.
News:Eric Staal scored twice in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Florida, the second consecutive game in which he has scored two goals.
Analysis:Eric Staal is finishing the season strong after a rather poor start and he's enjoyed feasting on divisional foes the last week. Staal has four goals and and two assists the last three games. He's salvaging the season and could be a nice buy-low candidate next fall.
News:Eric Staal scored two goals, including a power-play tally, and added an assist Sunday against Winnipeg. He was also a plus-2, although he is still a career worst minus-14 on the season.
Analysis:Eric Staal has 21 goals and 64 points in 73 games, but he is still on pace to have his worst season since his rookie outing, although he owes that mostly to a terrible start to the season. If you held on to him through those early trials, he has mostly paid off.
News:Eric Staal recorded an assist on teammate Tim Brent's power play goal and hit the post on a potential game-tying goal in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Rangers.
Analysis: The point snapped a recent three-game drought, and gives the captain 41 helpers and 60 points in 70 games played this year.
News:Eric Staal's two assists in Saturday's loss extended his NHL-best point streak to 11 games (seven goals, 13 points) and his assist streak to 10
Analysis: The streak equals the Canes' longest in club history held by Cory Stillman and Eric Staal himself. Enjoy the ride.
News:Eric Staal extended his scoring streak to nine games with a goal and two assists in Tuesday's win over Nashville.
Analysis:Eric Staal has more than rebounded from his abysmal start and is giving Carolina the production owners expected from the veteran, save for the lack of a guaranteed 35-goal season. Staal remains the Canes' leader and will continue factoring into whatever offense Kirk Mullers' boys can muster.
News:Eric Staal lit the lamp twice and added an assist Monday against Washington. He was also a plus-3, although he still has a minus-15 rating on the season.
Analysis:Eric Staal really struggled early, but he now has 18 goals and 49 points in 60 games. He also has 11 points in his last six games, and 13 in his last 10.
News:Eric Staal scored twice and added an assist in Monday's win over Montreal, giving him four goals the last two games.
Analysis:Eric Staal is playing at over 1.30 points per game against the Habs in his career and all three of Monday's points came in the third period when the Canes were trailing 3-2. Staal did receive a penalty for an illegal hit following an elbow to the head of Montreal's Tomas Plekanec, so there is a chance Staal could face supplementary discipline later in the week.
News:Eric Staal tallied a goal and an assist in Friday's loss to the Avalanche
Analysis:Eric Staal has returned to his point-per-game form by tallying five points in his previous five games and seven in his last eight. Staal owners should breathe a sigh of relief knowing that one of their early draft picks is finally playing up to snuff.
News:Eric Staal scored the first, and ultimately game-winning, goal for Carolina as they swept the season series with the Bruins on Thursday for the first time in franchise history.
Analysis: The goal was Eric Staal's 12th of the season, but the captain still remains with a horrendous minus-25 rating. Still, Staal would be a perfect buy-low candidate considering that he has been fantastic in 2012, netting 13 points in 12 games with only a minus-3 rating.
News:Eric Staal picked up three assists in Thursday's win over Tampa Bay, his sixth game in seven with a point.
Analysis:Eric Staal has really elevated his game of late, rattling off 13 points in those seven games. He also went plus-3 in the victory, the first time this season he's done that. Staal's got a long way to go to make up what's still a minus-21 rating, but this is an inspiring start.
News:Eric Staal registered an assist in Tuesday's loss to Philadelphia, extending a points streak to three games.
Analysis:Eric Staal has five points over the last three games, but worsened his league worst plus-minus rating to minus-24. Staal's offensive numbers have been picking up over the last month, and his production in the last week is what owners expected from the perennial 35-goal scorer.
News: With an assist on Saturday, Eric Staal has notched points in four of his last five games.
Analysis:Eric Staal owners can breathe a sigh of relief that Staal's previous six-game point drought looks to be a distant past.
News:Eric Staal picked up a goal and added two assists Friday night as Carolina downed Buffalo, 4-2. He now has eight points (3G, 5A) over his last four games.
Analysis: While both his points and plus-minus rating are not where they should historically be, Eric Staal is still firing the puck on net at an average rate of 3.5 shots per game, which is well above the league average.
News:Eric Staal will be centering Tuomo Ruutu and Jussi Jokinen on Carolina's first line
Analysis: This high-powered first line consists of the top-three active point scorers on the Hurricanes roster. Hopefully this will turn Eric Staal's miserable 6.3 shooting percentage and minus-23 rating around.
News:Eric Staal's second period assist of Jay Harrison's power-play goal Saturday gives the captain a team-leading total of 25 points.
Analysis:Eric Staal now has multiple-point efforts in consecutive games and is heating up for what will hopefully be a more fruitful 2012. Unfortunately, the two power-play assists won't help his team-worst minus-21 rating.
News:Eric Staal scored two goals, including the overtime winner, and added an assist Thursday against Toronto. He'd gone six straight games without a point and nine without a goal.
Analysis:Eric Staal scored on a third-period breakaway to cut a 3-1 lead in half, assisted on Zac Dalpe's game-tying tally, then rifled a one-timer past James Reimer in overtime for the win. He's struggled mightily this year, but with star players like Staal, it's just a matter of time to get back on track. It's too soon to say his season-long slump is over, but he looked like he had that extra gear Thursday.
News:Eric Staal posted an assist in Tuesday's overtime loss to Toronto, extending a points streak to four games.
Analysis: The talented center has six points in the last four games and 10 over the last eight. Following a massively forgetful start, Eric Staal has been strong of late and is rewarding owners who endured his woeful start. If you can take the plus-minus hit, time is running out to poach Staal from a frustrated owner.
News:Eric Staal (personal) will be in Tuesday's Hurricanes lineup against the Maple Leafs, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis: No injury worry here, but Eric Staal and his wife just welcomed their newest child into the world.
News:Eric Staal scored twice and added a helper in Tuesday night's 7-6 loss in Calgary.
Analysis: The Hurricanes dug themselves into a 3-0 hole before Eric Staal helped lead a furious charge to make the game close, including scoring with 5.8 seconds left. After a horrible start and a coaching change, the hope in Carolina is that this outburst is a harbinger of the return of the point-per-game Staal.
News:Eric Staal picked up an assist on two of Carolina's three goals Thursday against the New York Rangers.
Analysis:Eric Staal got off to a truly horrendous start to the season, but he has four points in his last three games. That being said, he still only has 14 points in 27 games and a minus-17 rating, so there is still a long way to go.
News:Eric Staal assisted on Carolina's only goal in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Panthers, giving him a point in each of the last two games.
Analysis: The good news for Eric Staal owners is that the Thunder Bay native only finished a minus-1, as he appears primed to challenge Ilya Kovalchuk's horrid stats from last season for the player to disappoint owners the most. Kidding aside, Staal has been active the last two games and is one of the league's most talented centers. He is not the only player struggling in Carolina, but mistakes from Staal tend to garner more attention. He's too good to simply remove from your lineup, but just be cautious.
News:Eric Staal was held off the score sheet against the Flyers on Saturday night but finished a miserable minus-4 in the 5-1 loss.
Analysis: He's now a whopping minus-13 in just 11 games and has just five points (three goals, two assists) in 11 games. We can't help but wonder if his head is more than a little messed up after his preseason hit on brother Marc of the Rangers left his sibling concussed and on the sidelines. Just thinking out loud, that's all.
News:Eric Staal scored two power-play goals and added an even-strength assist in Saturday's OT loss to the Capitals.
Analysis: He was the game's second star and the first goal was as beautiful as they come. He's picked up at least 70 points in every season since the lockout and has had at least 30 goals in six of the last seven seasons (he fell short by one when he missed 12 games two seasons ago). He's as good a fantasy guarantee as you're going to find.
News:Eric Staal will center a line with Tuommo Ruutu and Jeff Skinner this season, according to the team's official website.
Analysis: This line has a nice mixture of toughness, goal scoring, and playmaking, and should perform nicely this season. The fact that they will accrue extra time together on the ice during power play situations will benefit all three, and all should be solid plays throughout the season.
News:Eric Staal stayed put in Raleigh ahead of Carolina's preseason contest against the Jets in Winnipeg on Wednesday, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Eric Staal reportedly practiced Tuesday, so there shouldn't be any concern stemming from the fact that he didn't travel with the team for the exhibition contest. The captain has recorded at least 70 points in each of the last six seasons and missed only 14 NHL games since his draft year in 2003.
News: After the Hurricanes' season-ending loss Saturday night, coach Paul Maurice disclosed that Staal pulled his groin approximately three weeks ago and almost couldn't dress this past week, according to the Associated Press. He didn't miss a single game.
Analysis: He picked up an assist to finish the season with 76 points. And while we don't know the exact date of the injury, we do know that Staal's production actually picked up in the last while. He tallied 13 points in his last 11 games. Wow.
News: Staal set up three goals in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Red Wings, helping the 'Canes move just two points away from the eighth-placed Rangers in the playoff race.
Analysis: With the 'Canes still wrestling for playoff position, you can expect Staal to be heavily involved for the last two games of the regular season. The Thrashers, who the 'Canes play this Friday, is a team that Staal has only had moderate success against this season; he has a minus-1 rating but two goals and an assist in five games against Atlanta's team in 2010-11.
News: Staal did not practice Tuesday, but Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice said the captain will play Wednesday against Detroit, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: It's not clear what held Staal out of practice, but evidently it was not serious. Start him as you normally would for fantasy purposes.
News: Staal was not practicing Tuesday morning at the RBC Center, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: No reason was given as to why the captain was held off the ice, but we'll follow up once we learn more about this situation.
News: Staal recorded the 500th point of his career by scoring in Sunday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Sabres.
Analysis: Nice effort by Staal, but the 'Canes needed more from the captain in this pivotal Eastern Conference battle against the Sabres. On a lighter note, Staal has 226 goals and 274 assists in his career.
News: Staal scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's win over the Islanders.
Analysis: He has been held off the score sheet just once in the last seven games and he has 32 goals and 71 points on the season. He has six consecutive 70-point seasons and is the best option from the Canes.
News: Staal took advantage of a power-play opportunity by scoring in Saturday night's 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Staal ranks fourth in the NHL with 12 tallies on the man advantage this season.
News: Staal had a goal and an assist in the Hurricanes' 4-3 victory over the Lightning on Friday night.
Analysis: It was Carolina's fourth win in five games. Staal now has a modest three-game point streak going with one goal and three assists over than span.
News: According to coach Paul Maurice, Staal (lower body) is in line for fewer minutes as the Canes embark on a back-to-back set against the Lightning, which begins on Friday, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Staal sustained his injury Tuesday game against the Senators, but he is reportedly ready to play Friday night against Tampa Bay. According to Maurice, Staal is not likely to be utilized on the penalty kill against the Bolts, which is presumably where his reduction of minutes will come from. Despite this development, Staal remains a high-end fantasy option in most fantasy formats.
News: Staal (lower body) is likely to play against Tampa Bay on Friday, Raleigh News & Observer writer Chip Alexander reports.
Analysis: Staal didn't practice Wednesday and could sit out Thursday, too, but it's looking like it'd be a big surprise if he missed Friday's game.
News: Staal (undisclosed) did not practice Wednesday, Hurricanes.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: Staal was previously expected to be ready for the back-to-back against Tampa starting Friday, and there hasn't been any indication that that's changed. We'll follow Staal's activity leading up to Friday.
News: Staal left in the third period of Tuesday's win over Ottawa, but coach Paul Maurice said his exit was "precautionary" and expects Staal to play against the Lightning on Friday, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Hurricanes are off for two days and they're also at a point where every game is crucial, so we're expecting Staal to be on the ice this weekend. He registered an assist in the third period before departing.
News: Staal missed Sunday's practice to rest, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Staal has logged more than 24 minutes the past two contests, including Friday's win over the Islanders that was forced into overtime. Carolina is still in the thick of a playoff race, so it's critical for its captain to stay fresh.
News: Staal misfired nine shot attempts Wednesday in a loss to the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Staal was relentless in his pursuit of goals but nothing fell. It's been six games since the captain last scored, and its had an effect on the team's ability to move up from the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite his recent struggles, we don't advise benching Staal in fantasy leagues unless your roster happens to be stacked on elite forwards.
News: Staal returned from an upper-body injury, and netted a power-play goal in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Panthers.
Analysis: Staal's injury only ended up costing him one game, and that he was able to log 21:29 of ice time Tuesday suggests that he's safe to rely on moving forward.
News: Staal (upper body) will return to the lineup Tuesday against the Panthers, according to the captain himself and coach Paul Maurice, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Staal reportedly practiced Monday, saying afterward, "I feel good. I should be good to go tomorrow." He no longer appears to be a red flag for the new weekly scoring period, so start the star player as you normally would in all fantasy formats.
News: Staal (upper body) will be a game-time decision for Tuesday's game, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports.
Analysis: He was on the ice at RBC Center on Monday, so it sounds like there's at least a chance that Staal will be able to lace up his skates for Tuesday night's game against Florida.
News: Staal (upper body) is scheduled to undergo more physical testing Monday, which will help the Hurricanes determine whether or not the captain can face the Panthers on Tuesday, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Staal was injured last Friday against the Penguins, putting his fantasy owners in a tough spot as a new weekly scoring period approaches in fantasy hockey. He ranks among the elite, so it will be worth circling back for more information on his status as it becomes available.
News: Staal (upper body) will not play Saturday against the Canadiens, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: On Friday night, Staal was on the receiving end of a big hit from Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen, causing him to leave in the second period of that game. "We're hopeful that he plays in the next game," coach Paul Maurice said. The next game will not be played until March 1, when the team faces the Panthers at home.
News: Staal (upper body) will not play Saturday against Montreal, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: Staal is being called day-to-day, with no further information available about his status. Coach Paul Maurice said he hopes to have Staal back in the lineup Tuesday.
Carolina's Staal Suffers Upper Body Injury; Will Not Return
News: Stall suffered an upper body injury in Friday's game against Pittsburgh and will not return, according to the Penguins' official Twitter page.
Analysis: Staal left the game in the second period, but the extent of the injury is unknown. The Penguins play again Saturday, so consider Staal questionable until more details become available.
News: Staal ranks 10th in the league with 58 points (27 G, 31 A) in 60 games.
Analysis: Staal is only 26 years old, yet he's already in his seventh season in the NHL. As the main source of offensive production for the 'Canes, a young team fighting for a playoff spot, it will be up to Staal to continue leading by example.
News: Staal finished with a goal and an assist in Saturday's overtime loss to the Lightning.
Analysis: Staal's goal was his 27th of the season, and he also finished with a plus-1 rating and seven shots on goal. He looks set to finish the season at a point-per-game pace, so you've got to be happy about that.
News: Staal grabbed an assist in Tuesday's loss to New Jersey, his second point in two games.
Analysis: Staal's point-per-game pace continued as he has 54 in 54 games, registering a power-play helper in Tuesday's disappointing loss; which saw he and his teammates surrender a 2-1 lead late in the third period. Staal's an elite player on a team that can't seem to nail down wins and get consistent scoring from anyone not named Staal.
News: Staal potted two goals on a game-high eight shots in Sunday's All-Star Game at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Analysis: Team Staal fell to Team Lidstrom by a score of 11-10, but Staal was able to put on a show at the venue where the Hurricanes play their home games. The captain of the 'Canes is averaging over a point per game this season.
News: Staal had two goals and an assist in Carolina's 4-2 victory over the Islanders on Wednesday night.
Analysis: His second goal of the evening, and 25th of the season, proved to be the game winner. Staal has now scored at least 25 goals in six straight seasons.
News: Staal scored his 23rd goal of the season in Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh.
Analysis: He also picked up 10 minutes in penalties, a nice little bonus for those of you in sin bin leagues. Watch for him to deliver at a slightly higher clip in the second half.
News: Staal has been named team captain of the 2011 NHL All-Star Game along with Nicklas Lidstrom of the Red Wings, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: The contest featuring some of the league's best will be played Jan. 30 at the RBC Center, where Staal and the Hurricanes play their home games. According to the Raleigh N&O, this is the fourth All-Star Game for Staal, the team captain of the 'Canes.
News: Staal's scoring streak now stands at eight games after a goal and two assists Saturday.
Analysis: He has four goals and six assists in that span. Saturday's goal was a shortie and his assists came as one on the PP and the other at even-strength -- clearly, he does it all. We expect him to increase his pace slightly in the second half. His only shortcoming? His plus-minus, which stands at minus-6 after Saturday. We'll take that, though -- he's a stud.
News: Staal got the puck to Erik Cole, who had a nice solo effort to win the game on Sunday.
Analysis: The assist extended Staal's point streak to five games. He's obviously a must-start any given night and is playing just as well this year as any other.
News: Staal threw a wrist shot over the glove of Tomas Vokoun midway through the third period on Friday night.
Analysis: Staal is now on four game point streak and has scored goals in two consecutive contests. His point per game pace is status quo compared to previous seasons, so you can start him knowing exactly the type of play you're going to get.
News: Staal scored Carolina's only goal of the night in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Rangers on Wednesday.
Analysis: The goal was his 19th of the year. Staal is now on a three-game point streak with one goal and two assists over that span.
News: Staal scored twice in Tuesday's win over Toronto.
Analysis: Staal now has 18 goals in 35 games this season. He will have a tough time matching his career high of 45, set back in 2005-06, but he should finish with right around 40, assuming he stays healthy.
News: Staal consistently does well against the Capitals, a team the Hurricanes play against on Sunday. In fact, the star center has more points (47) than games played (45) against the Caps.
Analysis: Despite inconsistent production from his team, Staal is really getting it done this season. Expect Staal to hover around the 80-point mark by season's end.
News: Staal notched a natural hat trick in Saturday's 4-2 win over Anaheim.
Analysis: The first two goals came on the power play; the other at even strength. He's on a three-game point streak and has 33 points in 31 games overall. You know what to do.
News: Staal potted his 13th goal of the season Thursday, making a difference in a 3-2 SO win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Leading by example is exactly what team captains like Staal are supposed to do. The man from Thunder Bay, Ontario now has 30 points in as many games.
News: Staal earned his 17th assist in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Panthers.
Analysis: Fantasy owners probably wanted more from Staal considering the 'Canes generated four goals, but at least the helper put an end to his four-game pointless drought.
News: Staal scored for the second time in three games, grabbing Carolina's only goal Monday in the loss to Dallas.
Analysis: Staal has been his consistent self this season with a healthy goal total and 28 points in 24 contests. We've come to expect little else from Staal as he remains Carolina's top offensive player.
News: Staal scored the game-tying goal with three seconds left in regulation Sunday against the Caps.
Analysis: Staal also added an assist on Carolina's other goal by Erik Cole. Now if the Hurricanes could only get help elsewhere, they'd be in business.
News: Staal will be lacing up his skates for his 500th career game Wednesday against the Capitals, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Staal is just 26 years old, but the captain already has a wealth of accomplishments on his resume, including a Stanley Cup win in 2006. Also a team captain, Staal has 202 goals and 249 assists in what has been a highly successful career.
News: Despite scoring a power-play goal, Staal's 500th career game was spoiled by a 3-2 loss to the Capitals on Wednesday.
Analysis: Staal is a professional who probably cares more about winning than a personal milestone, but a victory at home after his 500th game would have been icing on the cake. The team captain is averaging greater than a point per game this season.
News: This season, Staal has eight multi-point games, but also 10 contests where he's been held without a goal or an assist.
Analysis: Carolina's captain is still averaging more points (23) than games played (20), but the inconsistency is obviously more tolerable in weekly league types. Still, it's best to leave Staal in your lineup no matter the format since the multi-point games add up quickly to overshadow goose eggs in the box score.
Canes' Staal Gets Five Points in Victory Wednesday Night
News: Staal had a hat trick and added two assists as Carolina drubbed Ottawa 7-1 Wednesday evening.
Analysis: He also recorded his 200th career goal in the win and was a force all night long. Staal now has 22 points (9G, 13A) in 18 games.
News: Staal set up both Carolina goals Saturday in a 7-2 loss to Montreal.
Analysis: He has four multi-point games in his last six outings; he has 10 points in that span. The multi-point efforts appear to be a significant trend for Staal. He has scored in eight games; seven of those were multi-point efforts. But he has also been held without a point in nine games. This kind of trend will only become problematic if the gaps between outbursts grow longer than they are today. Inconsistency will make for challenging head-to-head activations.
Carolina's Staal Has Four Assists in Tuesday's Win
News: Staal registered four assists in Tuesday's win over Edmonton.
Analysis: Tuesday's effort is already Staal's sixth multi-point game of the season. He needs to be more consistent, but his owners can't complain about the production.
News: Staal scored twice in Saturday's 3-2 win over Florida.
Analysis: Staal continues to produce in bunches. He has 11 points in 14 games this season but those 11 have come in just six contests. His inconsistency is a bit maddening, particularly for head-to-head owners.
News: Staal produced a game-winning goal and an assist in Carolina's 7-2 win over the Islanders on Wednesday.
Analysis: On Wednesday, Staal was paired on the top line with high-profile rookie, Jeff Skinner. The two players meshed well as Staal set up Skinner for a score on the man advantage. Staal has been wildly inconsistent this season, sandwiching his share of goose-egg performances with multi-point games. If only he can find a groove, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect the captain to average a point per game this season.
News: Staal's feast-or-famine season continued Saturday in Phoenix. It was famine's turn this time, as he was blanked in the Hurricanes' 4-3 overtime win.
Analysis: In Carolina's seven contests, he has yet to register a one-point game. If we could tell in advance which games would be his multi-point efforts and which would be his collars, we would cheerfully do so for you.
News: Staal added two more points Wednesday - a goal and an assist - but it came in a 4-3 loss to the Kings.
Analysis: Staal has four points in his last two contests. He remains a productive, low-maintenance option in fantasy hockey.
News: Staal tallied a short-handed goal and an assist in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Sharks.
Analysis: Staal has three pointless games, but four points between two contests where he found the net and had a helper. He remains a must-start in most leagues.
News: Staal logged a goal and an assist against Ottawa on Thursday for his first points of the season.
Analysis: That's more like it. Staal went pointless in both games against the Wild in Europe, but it looks like he is back on track. Keep Staal active, even through cold streaks, because he is capable of breaking out offensively on short notice.
News: Staal has yet to record a point in the new season.
Analysis: Two games is a small sample, but Staal hasn't contributed offensively despite leading the team with 10 shots on goal. Widely considered the team's best skater, it's probably only a matter of time before Staal starts sinking some shots.
News: Staal sat out of the final period of Monday's 5-3 loss to SKA St. Petersburg, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: This sounds like a precautionary move since the report added that Staal was not injured in the contest. "It seemed like they were getting closer and closer to his knees and there wasn't a big concern on the ice about it," Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice said. "He's a National Hockey League star player and he should be playing in the National Hockey League." While the 'Canes could have used Staal in the final frame, you can't blame the Carolina boss for protecting the franchise player.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal had three goals and a pair of assists during Thursday's 5-2 win over the Canadiens. He added one hit, and won 4 of 11 faceoffs. It was Staal's 10th career hat trick.
Analysis: While injuries have limited Staal to just 69 games this season, he's managed 29 goals and 41 assists. Staal is under contract for a while in Carolina, but his line mate Ray Whitney could be done in Raleigh. If the team can bring a solid offensive winger in to compliment Staal and the up-and-coming Jussi Jokinen on the top line, Staal might be able to find his 100-point game again. Regardless, Staal will remain a must-start Fantasy forward in 2010-11.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal exploded for two goals and two assists in Tuesday's 8-5 win over the Lightning.
Analysis: While injuries have limited Staal to just 68 games this season, he's managed to be his usual point-per-game self while healthy. Staal is under contract for a while in Carolina, but his line mate Ray Whitney could be done in Raleigh. If the team can bring a solid offensive winger in to compliment Staal and the up-and-coming Jussi Jokinen on the top line, Staal might be able to find his 100-point game again. Regardless, Staal will remain a must-start Fantasy forward in 2010-11.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal assisted on two goals scored against the Devils on Saturday night in a 5-2 win for the Hurricanes. Staal had a hand in on Ray Whitney's power play goal in the second period and later combined with Whitney on an assist to Jussi Jokinen in the third period.
Analysis: Staal ended January with points in eight straight games and that streak increased to 11 until it finally ended against the Islanders on Feb. 6. No matter, He's recorded three points over the next three games and with 50 on the season remains a must-start Fantasy option for use in all leagues.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal extended his point streak to a career-high 11 games with a goal and assist on Friday against the Sabres. The two teams combined for five third-period goals, with Staal starting things by giving Carolina a 2-1 lead with his team-leading 20th of the season just 34 seconds into the period. He has 10 goals and seven assists during his streak.
Analysis: Staal has been on an absolute tear since being named the team's captain. Carolina should have made the move earlier in the season and the team might actually still be in the playoff race. Staal has played up to standards since recovering from an injury in late November. Keep him active in Fantasy.
News: Carolina captain Eric Staal scored the lone goal for the Hurricanes during a 4-1 loss to the Flames on Wednesday. The Hurricanes tied it at 7:19 of the second period when Staal deflected a shot by Jussi Jokinen past Miikka Kiprusoff on another Carolina power play. Staal extended his point streak to 10 games. He has nine goals and six assists in that span.
Analysis: Staal has been on an absolute tear since being named the team's captain. Carolina should have made the move earlier in the season and the team might actually still be in the playoff race. Staal has played up to standards since recovering from an injury in late November. Keep him active in Fantasy.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal currently has a nine-game point streak going. He has eight goals and six assists during his sizzling run.
Analysis: Staal and the Hurricanes really started playing well a couple of weeks ago, mainly thanks to Staal getting the captaincy and being moved back to center. He remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored twice in Wednesday's win over the Rangers, giving him seven goals in his last four games.
Analysis: Carolina seems to have been rejuvenated over the last week or so, mainly thanks to Staal getting the captaincy and being moved back to center. He's clearly comfortable in his roles right now and is firing on all cylinders. Continue to rely on him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal continued his hot play Sunday as he scored for the fifth time in his last three games in Carolina's 5-1 rout of the Bruins.
Analysis: Staal is relishing his new captain role and being back at center once again. He heads into Fantasy Week 17 (Jan. 25-31) as a red-hot, must-start option in all formats.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored his 14th goal of the season in Saturday's loss to the Flyers. He now has 18 points in his last 11 games.
Analysis: Staal has been on fire since returning from an upper-body injury in late November. He has 11 goals and 28 points in his last 21 games. Continue to start Staal in all Fantasy formats.
News: It didn't take Eric Staal long to show how well he can lead the Carolina Hurricanes. Staal scored a season-high three goals in his first game since becoming Carolina's captain and the Hurricanes beat the Atlanta Thrashers 5-2 on Thursday night for a rare road victory. "It was kind of neat to start off this way," Staal said. The Hurricanes were last in the NHL with 35 points and had lost three straight when Staal took over as captain Wednesday for Rod Brind'Amour. "It's a challenge," said Staal of his new role. "We've had great leadership here for a long time. I'm excited for the opportunity to learn from a great captain who won us a Stanley Cup." Staal and the Hurricanes grabbed the momentum early. The 25-year-old All-Star center scored on a pass from Jussi Jokinen to open the scoring 3:31 into the game. Staal scored his second goal on the power play 2:19 into the second. Staal's third goal came with 44 seconds remaining in the third period after the Thrashers pulled goalie Ondrej Pavelec, who stopped 16 shots.
Analysis: Staal will represent Canada in the Olympics. General manager Jim Rutherford said Wednesday that Staal "is the player around whom the team will be structured." Added goalie Cam Ward after the game: "It feels good. Staal was a good choice." Staal's name has popped up in trade rumors, however, he is pretty much on the untouchable list according to Rutherford. His move to captain is a good indicator of that. Staal has been on a role since returning from an upper-body injury in late November. He has 10 goals and 27 points in his last 20 games. Continue to start Staal in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes C Eric Staal has been moved back to center after spending about a month on the wing. "It's obviously more skating and a little more work in the defensive zone, but I was battling some other things and now I feel strong enough to be back in the middle and I hope to play well down the stretch," Staal said Thursday.
Analysis: After a slow start to the season and an injury that caused him to miss most of November, Staal has been back on track lately with 17 points in his last 19 games. He is clearly a must-start option in all Fantasy formats for the time being.
News:Eric Staal is taking over as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes. The team said Wednesday that the 25-year-old All-Star center has replaced veteran Rod Brind'Amour as team captain. General manager Jim Rutherford says the switch comes as part of the team's rebuilding process because "Eric is the player around whom the team will be structured." The Hurricanes, who reached the Eastern Conference finals last season, entered Wednesday night's games with an NHL-worst 35 points. Brind'Amour had been the captain since 2005 and led the team to its only Stanley Cup in 2006. Rutherford says the 39-year-old will take Staal's spot as an alternate captain and will continue to hold a leadership role.
Analysis: The interesting part of this move is that Staal's name has come up in trade rumors. You have to wonder if Carolina is sending a message to the rest of the league that Staal is off limits or they will have to pay a hefty price to land the veteran. Staal has been playing his best hockey since returning from an upper-body injury in late November. He looks like his old self and is back to being a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal scored his 10th goal of the season on a power play in the 1st period on Tuesday as the Hurricanes defeated the Maple Leafs. Staal later added an assist on the game's final goal scored on the empty net by Ray Whitney.
Analysis: The goal was Staal's 10th on the year as he now has 30 points overall. He's recorded 10 points in his last six games alone. He's hot at the moment and can be starting in just about all Fantasy leagues.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal returned to action on Sunday against the Senators after missing two games for personal reasons. Staal added a insurance goal late in a 4-1 win, taking another nice pass from Ray Whitney and outwaiting Pascal Leclaire before sliding it underneath the goalie. Staal also finished at plus-2 in 18:41 of ice time.
Analysis: Staal has three goals and six assists in his last five games. He is also plus-7 in that span. It has been one of his best runs in what has been a disappointing campaign for Staal. However, he has played pretty well since returning from an upper-body injury in late November. He has six goals and 17 assists in his last 19 games. That's the type of production we expect from Staal, who remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes C Eric Staal will return to action Sunday vs. Ottawa after missing two games while he dealt with the death of his wife's sister.
Analysis: Staal was off to a bit of a slow start this season before putting up eight points in his four games before taking his leave of absence. Continue to use him in most Fantasy formats as a high-end forward.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal missed a second straight game on Friday against the Avalanche as he has taken a personal leave of absence. He is on leave due to the death of his sister-in-law.
Analysis: The Hurricanes have no set timetable for Staal's return and will give him as much time as he needs to grieve. Staal has 27 points on the season, including 19 assists. He has been a very disappointing Fantasy option, but he has been playing better as of late. His status for Week 15 (Jan. 11-17) remains up in the air.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal was not present for Thursday's game against the Predators due to personal reasons. He is on leave due to the death of his sister-in-law.
Analysis: The Hurricanes are going to give Staal as much time as he needs to grieve and take care of his family responsibilities. Staal shares the team's scoring lead with Ray Whitney with 27 points, and has a team-best 19 assists. He has been a very disappointing Fantasy option, but he has been playing better as of late. He should be back for Week 15 (Jan. 11-17).
News:Eric Staal is taking a leave of absence from the Carolina Hurricanes because of a death in his family. The Hurricanes said Wednesday that they granted the All-Star forward a leave a day after his wife's sister died of cancer at age 26.
Analysis: Staal shares the team's scoring lead with Ray Whitney with 27 points, and has a team-best 19 assists. He had started to pick up his scoring pace of late, including a five-point performance vs. Washington back on Dec. 28.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal was heavily involved in the Hurricanes' offense on Monday in a 6-3 win at Washington. Staal scored two goals and added three assists for his season high in points on the season. Staal's first goal came on a wrist shot in the first period and his second came on an empty net in the waning moments of the game. Staal increased his points total on the season to 27 with eight goals and 19 assists.
Analysis: Staal had a poor month of October to open up the season due to an upper-body injury, but he has been much better of late. This five-point outburst is certainly an encouraging sign for Staal's owners. Keep him active across the board as he has the potential to be one of the elite forwards in the game.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored and added two assists in Wednesday's win over the Stars.
Analysis: After a slow October and then an upper-body injury, Staal has been picking up the pace like crazy lately with 11 points in his last seven games. Get him active in all Fantasy formats while he's this useful.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes C Eric Staal has moved back to around the net on power plays since his return to the lineup from an upper-body injury. Prior to a 10-game absence with an injury, he began taking a position on the point on power plays as the Hurricanes sought a combination and alignment that would be more productive.
Analysis: Staal has scored only once since his return, but he does have nine assists in that span and is starting to look like his former self after a slow start. Staal is still a viable start in most Fantasy formats.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-2 during Monday's game against the Penguins. Staal had his third straight multi-assist game and has eight helpers in six games.
Analysis: Staal still hasn't scored a goal in 11 games, but his recent hot streak is a step in the right direction. Staal has failed to record a point in just one of six games since returning from an upper-body injury. It seems Staal is getting his act together and is working his way back to being a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal tallied a pair of assists and finished at even during Monday's game against the Capitals. He has four assists in four games since returning from an upper-body injury, but hasn't scored in his last nine games.
Analysis: It's not like Staal isn't trying to score. He has taken 22 shots since returning to the lineup, but is just coming up empty. Fantasy owners probably want to cut bait with a struggling Staal, but we say that is a bad idea. You made it this far, you might as well be the person to reap the benefits when Staal comes out of his slump.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal, who was recently taken off the IR, was active on Wednesday against the Ducks. He failed to score in the game but did have an assist and two penalty minutes in 16:50 of ice time. Staal had been on the IR with an upper-body injury.
Analysis: Staal hasn't done much of anything this season, but maybe this layoff will have given him time to think things over. If he shows some more signs of life this weekend, think about getting him back active in all formats for Fantasy Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6).
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal (upper body) has been removed from IR and could return to action on Wednesday at Anaheim.
Analysis: Staal hasn't done much of anything this season, but maybe this layoff will have given him time to think things over. If he can return and prove effective by the weekend, think about getting him back active in all formats for Fantasy Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6).
News:The Sports Xchange reports C Eric Staal (upper body) has returned to practice with the Hurricanes and appears to be within a week of returning to action. Coach Paul Maurice cautioned that he won't allow Staal to be rushed back to the ice in game situations, pointing out that it's a medical decision rather than a coach's decision as to when Staal comes back. He said Staal likely will proclaim himself ready to return before it's best to allow him to play.
Analysis: This upper-body injury has been icing on the cake for Staal in the early season since he has gotten off to a very slow start. He has scored only three times in 13 games and Fantasy owners are starting to worry. However, this time off might not be such a bad thing. Staal has the time to re-energize and prepare for the second half of the season. If you waited this long for Staal, you might as well keep him around. Track his progress leading up to Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6).
News: The Hurricanes' official Web site reports that C Eric Staal (upper body) returned to practice over the weekend and could get back in the lineup this week.
Analysis: Carolina plays four times in Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29), so even if Staal misses one game, he's still going to get enough action to be worth using in most leagues. Of course, there is still a good amount of risk involved in starting a guy coming off IR with no concrete return date. Use him at your own risk.
News: The Hurricanes have placed C Eric Staal on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
Analysis: This was more of a procedural move, as Staal has already missed nearly three weeks now. Staal has the talent to be a must-start Fantasy option when healthy and playing up to his potential, but he has been a disappointment so far in 2009-10 with a miserable five points in 13 games. Just continue to stash him away until he's ready to return.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes C Eric Staal (upper body) could return to the lineup next week. Coach Paul Maurice said the team doesn't want to rush Staal's return and have him reaggravate the injury.
Analysis: Staal has the talent to be a must-start Fantasy option when healthy and playing up to his potential, but he has been a disappointment so far in 2009-10 with a miserable five points in 13 games. Just continue to stash him away until at least Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29).
News: According to the Hurricanes official Web site, center Eric Staal is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with an upper-body injury suffered during Sunday's game against the Sharks. He missed a second straight game on Friday against the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: The Hurricanes haven't placed Staal on injured reserve yet, but it doesn't appear he will be back in the coming days. Keep him reserved for Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). Staal is a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy despite his slow start.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal sat out Wednesday's game against the Panthers because of an upper- body injury, snapping his streak of consecutive games at 349. It was the second-longest active streak in the NHL behind Calgary D Jay Bouwmeester's 355-game run.
Analysis: Staal hasn't been placed on injured reserve, so it seems Carolina will keep him on the day-to-day watch for now. However, the team does expect him to miss a few games. Staal has gotten off to a slow start in 2009-10 and Fantasy owners are waiting for his breakout run. This setback just adds injury to insult. Staal is a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News:The Raleigh News and Observer reports Hurricanes center Eric Staal is expected to miss some games with an upper-body injury suffered on Sunday against the Sharks, general manager Jim Jim Rutherford made the announcement Monday. Staal has played in 349 consecutive regular-season games, but that streak likely will end, Rutherford said. He has missed just one game in his career, late in his rookie season. "When things go wrong, they go wrong," Rutherford said. "All teams have to deal with injuries. We have enough players to step up but we'll have to do it with confidence at an all-time low."
Analysis: Staal hasn't missed a game since his rookie season in 2003-04, so that just goes to show you how durable he has been. Staal has gotten off to a slow start in 2009-10 and Fantasy owners are waiting for his breakout run. This setback just adds injury to insult. Staal is not a recommended Fantasy start for Week 5 (Nov. 2-8).
News: Making matters worse for the woeful Hurricanes, Eric Staal left Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Sharks with an upper body injury and didn't return. He had no points in 14:40 of ice time. "I don't know the extent of it, but it was significant enough to take him out," head coach Paul Maurice said. "He'll play through most things but he couldn't go."
Analysis: Staal hasn't missed a game since his rookie season in 2003-04, so that just goes to show you how durable he has been. Staal has gotten off to a slow start in 2009-10 and Fantasy owners are waiting for his breakout run. This setback just adds injury to insult. Staal is somewhat of a risky start for Week 5 (Nov. 2-8).
News: The Raleigh News and Observer reports that Hurricanes C Rod Brind'Amour has moved to the wing and C Eric Staal will now run the point on the power play. "It doesn't really matter," Brind'Amour said about his move to wing on a line with Matt Cullen and Scott Walker. "As long as I'm getting out there, I don't care where it is. It's a little bit of an adjustment. You have to think a little differently. But your responsibilities are not that much different the way our system is."
Analysis: Brind'Amour had been languishing on the third line until this move, and now goes up to the scoring lines. That should help his offensive production a little bit, but for now he should be benched in all but the deepest of leagues until he starts to pick up the pace a little. Hopefully Staal's move jump-starts his season, which has got off to a sluggish start. Continue to roll with him in as a high-end Fantasy forward in all leagues.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal let his emotions get the best of him with just 40 seconds left in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Avalanche. After being called for a slashing penalty and unsportsmanlike conduct, Staal also received a misconduct and game misconduct for going after the refs. In all, Staal had five penalties and 26 infraction minutes in the game. He did have an assist and plus-1 rating.
Analysis: It's easy to see Staal's frustrations boil over Friday since Carolina has been poor to start the season and Staal hasn't been his normal offensive self either. Hopefully, he can use Friday's meltdown as a rallying point and get his act together. Staal remains a must-start Fantasy option through thick and thin.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored and assisted in Wednesday's loss to the Islanders, doubling his point total for the season.
Analysis: It's taking Staal a little while to get his game going so far in 2009-10, but hopefully this performance will jump-start things a bit. Continue to rely on Staal as a high-end Fantasy forward in all formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes C Eric Staal put eight of the team's 26 shots on goal in Saturday night's loss at Tampa Bay. He tends to be most active when the team needs him most considering that in the Hurricanes' seven-goal outburst a night earlier against Florida he had only two shots on goal.
Analysis: Staal has gotten off to a slow start with just two goals and no assist in five games. However, he is still converting at 10 percent, which is just slightly off his career average (11.6). Staal should get on a roll eventually and threaten for 40 goals. Continue to view him as a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Eric Staal had three goals and an assist, and finished with a club-record fourth hat trick of the season during Tuesday's 9-0 win against the Islanders. Staal polished off his record hat trick before the second period was over. He stretched Carolina's lead to 2-0 midway through the first, when he took a feed from Erik Cole, faked a pass from the left circle and shot the puck around defenseman Mark Streit and past Yann Danis. His backhander past Joey MacDonald made it 4-0 early in the second. Then he completed his eighth career three-goal game at 16:51 of the second, taking a pretty pass from -- who else? -- Cole and one-timing it by MacDonald for his 39th goal. "It's a pretty good glimpse of the chemistry that we have together," Staal said of his linemate.
Analysis: Staal was starting to heat up before Cole came back on board at the March 4 trade deadline with 13 points (six goals) in 13 February games. But then he exploded for a season-high 18 points in March and has seven points and a plus-6 rating in three April games. Staal was a bit lost early in the season sans Cole, but now the speedy forward is back, Staal is hitting on all cylinders. Staal still has high-end Fantasy potential heading int 2009-10.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Rangers. Staal gave the Hurricanes an early lead about 4 1/2 minutes in on their first power play -- and just their second shot on goal -- of the night. He unloaded a hard slap shot from behind the circle that appeared to click off younger brother Marc Staal's skate and past Henrik Lundqvist for his team-leading 35th goal. It was his first score in six games.
Analysis: With one more point, Staal will notch his 70th of the season. It will be a fourth-straight season has has reached that feat. Staal has pretty much looked like a 70-80 point player the last three seasons after reaching 100 in 2005-06. He had a season-high 18 points in March and has been playing some of his best hockey the last two months. Staal still has high-end Fantasy potential as a 30-goal scorer.
News:Eric Staal, the Hurricanes' leading scorer, left the game briefly in the second period Friday against the Islanders. He collided with goalie Peter Mannino on a breakaway and hit his head on the goalpost. Staal appeared dazed but skated off on his own and missed less than five minutes of the game. He didn't have a point in 20:06 of ice time and finished at plus-2.
Analysis: Staal saw a point streak end at four games Friday, but the more important thing is that he is OK and it appears safe for Fantasy owners to keep him active. Staal has been playing exceptionally well the last two months with 28 points (13 goals) in 22 games. He is back to being an elite Fantasy option.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal gave Carolina a 2-0 lead over the Devils on Wednesday 1:25 into the second period with a sharp-angle slap shot from the bottom of the right circle. Staal extended his point streak to four games with the goal. He has two goals and four assists during this stretch.
Analysis: Staal is up to 64 points on the season and he has been red hot of late. In his last seven games, Staal has 14 points with six goals and eight assists. Six of those points game against the Lightning over a week ago. He is a high-end option who is making a big difference at the moment.
News:Eric Staal had his best offensive game, and helped the Carolina Hurricanes continue their playoff push. Staal tied franchise records with four goals and six points and the surging Hurricanes hammered the Tampa Bay Lightning 9-3 on Saturday. "That's one of those games that don't happen very often," Staal said. "It was a good win for our team, which was the bottom line. But it's fun getting points and being on the offensive side of the game. I've been on the other end of it before." Staal scored twice in the first to help Carolina take a 3-1 lead. He had a short-handed goal off a pass from Rod Brind'Amour during a 2-on-none at 7:01 of the first, and then reached the 30-goal plateau for the fourth consecutive season from the slot with 10:20 left in the period. Carolina scored six times -- one off the franchise record -- in the second for a 9-1 advantage. Staal had two goals, coming at 12:48 and 16:45. "That was a great game," Brind'Amour said. "Everything he touched was gold."
Analysis: It was the third time -- the first since Ron Francis on Feb. 12, 1984, against Edmonton -- that a Hartford-Carolina player had four goals. Staal's six-point night was the fourth in franchise history. He has 32 goals this season, and has five goals and 12 points during a five-game point streak. He has been red hot in the two games since Erik Cole has returned from Edmonton, but was even starting to heat up before then. Staal has been sort of an anomaly at times in 2008-09 with his offense, but this recent stretch reminds us that Staal does have high-end Fantasy potential.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal tallied a pair of assists and finished at even Friday against the Flames. He has one goal and five assists during a four-game point streak.
Analysis: Staal hasn't been as swift with the assists in 2008-09 as we have seen from him in the past, but now he has Erik Cole back and the two already hooked up for a goal Friday in Cole's first game since the trade with Edmonton. Staal has high-end Fantasy potential, so hopefully he can keep this points streak going.
News:Eric Staal scored two goals, including one in Carolina's big first period, and the Hurricanes kept pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race with a 6-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday. Staal hit the 25-goal mark for the fourth time in his five NHL seasons less than a minute after Matt Cullen snapped a 1-1 tie with 3:45 remaining in the first period. Staal netted No. 26 late in the second as the Hurricanes pulled away for their fourth straight road win .Staal made it 3-1 by turning a pass from Sergei Samsonov in the left circle into a drive over Joey MacDonald's right shoulder with 2:51 left in the first. Staal got back on the board with 3:11 remaining in the second, off another assist from Samsonov, and Dennis Seidenberg pushed the lead to 5-1 with 15.4 seconds left.
Analysis: Staal has six multi-goal games in 2008-09. He hasn't had a very successful season by his standards as he has struggled under both Peter Laviolette and Paul Maurice. He is still getting plenty of scoring chances, but just isn't capitalizing at the pace he can. Staal remains a high-end Fantasy option since owners invested a lot in him on Draft Day.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal had a goal and two assists in the Hurricanes' 3-0 victory over the flat-footed Sabres on Sunday night. Staal's goal game when Sergei Samsonov hit the left post while attempting to convert his own rebound. Staal then deflected Anton Babchuk's point shot, which glanced off Patrick Lalime's glove and then off the right post.
Analysis: Staal had failed to record a single point in his previous two games before his three-point outburst against the Sabres. He now has 42 points on the season with 24 goals and 18 assists. He has recently had to deal with a lower body injury which has hopefully gone away completely. He is a high-end option and should be starting in most leagues.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal was able to play in Saturday's game, playing in his 308th consecutive game in a 7-2 win over the Coyotes. He scored a goal in the second period on the power play on a wrist shot. Staal was shaken up in the second period Thursday against the Sharks with what was called a lower body injury.
Analysis: Staal wasn't going to let whatever his injury was keep him out of the lineup on Saturday. He earned the third star in the game and was apparently able to pass a stress test the morning before which he was supposed to undergo. He seems like a safe start for the upcoming scoring period and should be active in all leagues as a high-end option.
News:The Raleigh News and Observer reports a lower-body ailment could keep Hurricanes All-Star forward Eric Staal out of Saturday's game against the Coyotes. Staal has played in 307 consecutive games, the third-longest streak among active players in the NHL, but was injured in the second period Thursday against the Sharks. Coach Paul Maurice said Friday that Staal will undergo a stress test Saturday before the morning skate. If he passes, he might be able to play. "The streak means absolutely nothing to anyone here," Maurice said. "We respect the fact Eric has been so durable. The key to the streak is being on the ice and available to his team. But making a bad decision is not an option. Unless he passes the stress test and then skates and tells me it's great, we're not going to play him. We will minimize the downside on it. If he skates and tells me he feels great, my expectation is he will play against Phoenix."
Analysis: Maurice said Staal missing the third period Thursday was a precautionary move. Staal has missed one game to injury (March 19, 2004) in his NHL career. Including playoff games, he has played in 332 consecutive games for Carolina. Staal has scored three times in his last six games and has 22 tallies on the season. He has been his normal explosive self ever since Maurice took over as head coach, but still hasn't been much of a passer (16 assists). Continue to keep tabs on his progress leading up to Week 19 (Feb. 9-15). Staal has high-end Fantasy potential when healthy.
News: Hurricanes All-Star forward Eric Staal left Thursday's game against the Sharks before the third period because of a lower-body injury. It wasn't clear when Staal, Carolina's second-leading scorer with 38 points, was injured or what happened, but he didn't play after the second intermission. He had no points in 14:37 of ice time. Staal finished at minus-1 and took two minor penalties.
Analysis: Staal has scored three times in his last six games and has 22 tallies on the season. He has been his normal explosive self ever since Paul Maurice took over as head coach, but still hasn't been much of a passer (16 assists). Staal has high-end Fantasy value when healthy, so hopefully he isn't out for long.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal's 21st goal of the season was a big one on Thursday night against Tampa Bay. Staal scored at the 18:24 mark of the 3rd period to give the Hurricanes the lead for good and the game's final margin of 3-2.
Analysis: Staal has 36 points on the season for Carolina and has struggled of late with just two points in his last five contests. The fact remains, Staal has gotten dramatically better since the coaching switch to Paul Maurice. Staal is a very durable player and that's another facet Fantasy owners love. The 2007-08 All-Star MVP remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes C Eric Staal played in his 300th consecutive game Saturday at Buffalo, marking the longest streak of any player since the franchise's relocation to North Carolina in 1997. It's the second-longest stretch in franchise history behind Dave Tippett's 419 games from March 1984-October 1989. Staal has missed one game in his NHL career, that coming in March 2004 with a hip injury.
Analysis: Staal has just two goals and five points in eight January games after totaling nine goals and 14 points in December, but the fact remains he has gotten dramatically better since the coaching switch to Paul Maurice. Staal is a very durable player and that's another facet Fantasy owners love. The 2007-08 All-Star MVP remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Carolina C Eric Staal had a goal and an assist against the Islanders in a 6-4 loss on Thursday at home. Staal hadn't scored a goal in his previous five games and only had two assists to his credit. Staal now has 19 goals and 15 assists on the season.
Analysis: Staal had been hot when new Carolina head coach Paul Maurice came on board but he has fizzled out a bit since. He remains a high-end Fantasy forward but hasn't been a model of consistency this season.
News:Eric Staal scored his team-leading 18th goal, and the surging Carolina Hurricanes prolonged St. Louis' road struggles by beating the Blues 2-1 on Friday. Staal made it 1-0 on a power play about 5 1/2 minutes in when he scored on Carolina's second shot. Roughly 30 seconds into a hooking minor on David Perron, Sergei Samsonov uncorked a slap shot that hit Tuomo Ruutu in the leg. He recovered in time to pass to Staal, who hammered the puck past Chris Mason from point-blank range for his fourth goal in four games. Not long after that, Staal left the ice in pain after taking a shoulder from David Backes. The Hurricanes' marquee player -- and their most durable, having played in 293 straight games since 2004 -- returned with about 4 1/2 minutes left in the period.
Analysis: Luckily for Staal he dodged a serious injury and it appears he will keep playing. That's good news for Fantasy owners since Staal has been red hot since Paul Maurice came on as coach. Staal has 10 goals and five assists in his last 12 games. He is back to being Mr. Reliable and a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal made it 10 goals in his last nine games when he scored a hat trick in Friday's win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: After a slow start, Staal has simply been unconscious since Paul Maurice regained control in Carolina. He is back looking like the guy who put up 100 points three seasons ago, and should be starting in all formats right now.
News:Eric Staal scored two power-play goals and the Carolina Hurricanes took advantage of the penalty-prone Montreal Canadiens for a 3-2 victory Tuesday. Staal got things started in the first period by finishing off a nice pass. With a little more than two minutes remaining in the period, Staal added his second goal when Joni Pitkanen's pass from the left circle went off Staal's skate in the crease and past Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak.
Analysis: Staal has scored five times in Carolina's last four games. He has 22 points on the year and should be active in most Fantasy formats at this time.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal picked up his 20th point of the season Saturday when he assisted in a loss to the Rangers. He now has five points in his last three games.
Analysis: Staal has been one of the NHL's biggest disappointments this season after averging 84 points over his last three campaigns. But he has shown some signs of life lately and plenty of Fantasy owners are still relying on him in their starting lineup simply because of his potential.
News: C Eric Staal had two goals and an assist on Thursday against the Flyers. Staal has now scored three goals in the past two games. Before that, he hadn't scored a goal since a hat trick on Nov. 21 against the Capitals.
Analysis: Staal is not putting up the same types of numbers he was putting up last season. He only has 18 points so far this season after putting up 84 last year. With a new coach in Carolina, it might light a fire under him and that's exactly what Fantasy owners are hoping for. He's making a case to slide into your starting lineup if he hasn't already.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored for the first time since his hat trick on Nov. 21 when he lit the lamp Sunday in a win over the Capitals.
Analysis: After averaging 84 points over the last three seasons, Staal's offense has, well, stalled in 2008-09. He only has 15 points in 25 games so far and some people were blaming his poor play for Peter Laviolette's firing. Maybe this coaching change will do Staal some good, but we'll have to wait and see. For now he's better off being on your bench than in your lineup, but he's a hard guy to leave out of your lineup, especially in deeper leagues.
News:Eric Staal is in an offensive funk, a drought that ultimately contributed to the firing of Carolina Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette. As Laviolette stated last Friday after his final win behind the Hurricanes bench, Staal's goals and assists often lead to Carolina wins. The points dried up along with the victories, and Laviolette was dismissed Wednesday. Staal led the Hurricanes with 38 goals and 82 points last season when Carolina missed the playoffs for the second straight year after its Stanley Cup championship, but he had only eight goals and 15 points in his first 26 games this season. In his previous 15 games before this weekend, Staal posted just three goals -- all against Phoenix on Nov. 21 -- and three assists as the Hurricanes went 6-9. Staal was pointless in Thursday's 5-2 home loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins when Paul Maurice began his second stint as Carolina coach. "Let's be honest, points by him lead to wins for our hockey team, so it does come down to that and his offensive gifts," Laviolette said last Friday after an overtime win at Philadelphia. "He can get frustrated, but I'd rather focus on the work than the frustration."
Analysis: Staal admits to being a little bit frustrated, but said it could be a more dire situation if he didn't often find himself in scoring position. Despite being in his fifth NHL season, Staal is only 24 years old. He scored 113 goals in his previous three campaigns. "I want to score goals," Staal said. "I consider myself an offensive guy, a guy that can create chances. It's not like the chances aren't there. I'm getting the opportunities, I'm getting shots they're just not falling. Sometimes they go in and sometimes they don't. For us, it's about getting wins and that's what we're focused on." Now that Maurice is in charge, it could lead to Staal finding his offensive game once again. He has high-end Fantasy potential and is usually a must-start through thick and thin.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal came into Friday's game having gone without a goal in eight straight games. He scored three goals against the Coyotes for his first hat trick of the season.
Analysis: Staal hasn't been as frequent a visitor to the points column as Fantasy owners would like early in the season, but this could be just what he needed to get him out of his doldrums. Staal remains a high-end Fantasy forward since he does have 90-100 point potential.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes C Eric Staal has now gone eight games without a goal and has scored only once in the past 12 games. Staal has five goals in 19 games this season.
Analysis: Staal doesn't have a history of slumping, so we're not sure what's going on with him right now. Usually a must-start in all formats, Staal has gone from being active in 93 percent of leagues at the start of the season to just 80 percent now. He remains a high-end Fantasy forward, but you can probably bench him when he only has a couple of games until he starts to pick things up.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal would have been without a goal in the last four games if not for the empty-net, power-play tally Sunday against the Maple Leafs. The games without a goal matches his longest span without scoring since a seven-game span last season that stretched from January to mid-February.
Analysis: Staal has points in just six of 11 games this season and has just three multi-point games. He hasn't been as frequent a visitor to the points column as Fantasy owners would like early in the season, but he does have nine points in 11 games so it hasn't all been bad. Staal remains a high-end Fantasy forward since he does have 90-100 point potential.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored a goal during Saturday's 4-3 win against the Islanders. Staal intercepted Freddy Meyer's pass in the offensive zone and beat Joey MacDonald for his fourth goal of the season. It was his second in three games.
Analysis: Staal has six points and a plus-6 rating in seven games. Surprisingly, he doesn't have any power play goals. Staal is well on his way to 30-plus goals for a third straight season and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored and assisted in a win over the Ducks on Sunday. He now has five points in his first five games.
Analysis: Staal signed a huge extension in the offseason, but he is still looking to get back to the 100-point mark and prove he is worth every dime. He is off to a good start in 2008-09. Staal remains a scoring force and a must-start Fantasy option.
News:Eric Staal scored the tying and winning goals Saturday night to help Carolina overcome a three-goal deficit for a 4-3 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Staal tied the score at 9:56 of the third period, prompting Lightning goalie Mike Smith to shatter his stick with two hard slams on the crossbar. Staal then got the game-winner from the left circle with 23.6 seconds remaining in the extra session. Staal finished at plus-2 and took eight shots on goal.
Analysis: Staal signed a huge extension in the offseason, but he is still looking to get back to the 100-point mark and prove he is worth every dime. He is off to a good start in 2008-09. Staal remains a scoring force and a must-start Fantasy option.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports Hurricanes C Eric Staal did not play in Thursday's preseason game against the Capitals, but head coach Peter Laviolette stressed because it wasn't Staal was injured. "He is not injured. HE is not injured," Laviolette said, adding the emphasis. "The way that (treatment) room is filling up already, there's really no need for him to get into these first two games. He came in as one of the top fit athletes in camp."
Analysis: Staal signed a seven-year extension earlier in September, so the Hurricanes aren't going to risk injury in the preseason. Staal, the center of Laviolette's No. 1 line, had 100 points three seasons ago in leading Carolina to its first Stanley Cup. The Hurricanes haven't made the playoffs since, though he bounced back from a subpar 2006-07 season with 38 goals and 44 assists last season. Despite getting a fat extension, Staal remains a must-own Fantasy forward.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes signed Eric Staal to a seven-year contract extension Thursday. The deal worth $57.75 million will pay the center an average of $8.25 million starting in 2009-10 and will last through the 2015-16 season. "When you get a player this young that's this good, you have to make sure you keep him long term," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "And if you don't, your team, your franchise will go backwards."
Analysis: The 23-year-old two-time All-Star, MVP of last year's All-Star game and key component of the Carolina team that won the 2006 Stanley Cup had been discussing the new deal with team officials all summer, with Rutherford making a long-term deal one of his top priorities heading into training camp, which starts next week. Staal, the center of coach Peter Laviolette's No. 1 line, had 100 points three seasons ago in leading Carolina to its first Cup. The Hurricanes haven't made the playoffs since, though he bounced back from a subpar 2006-07 season with 38 goals and 44 assists last season. Despite getting a fat extension, Staal remains a must-own Fantasy forward.
News:Eric Staal had a goal and two assists and the Hurricanes routed the Atlanta Thrashers 7-1 on Friday night to move closer to clinching the Southeast Division title. Staal has 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in eight games against the Thrashers. The Hurricanes improved to 6-1-1 against Atlanta, scoring at least five goals in all but one of those victories.
Analysis: Carolina has earned points in 14 of 16 games (12-2-2). The Hurricanes are close to a return to the playoffs after slipping from Stanley Cup champions in 2006 to postseason no-shows last year. Staal has six goals and 15 assists in 11 March games. Staal remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Eric Staal scored his 35th goal and Sergei Samsonov added a goal and an assist in the Carolina Hurricanes' 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday night. Since Feb. 21, Carolina has won 10 of 12, including three victories over the Thrashers. The Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes, who improved to 5-1-1 against Atlanta this season, led 3-0 after Staal beat goaltender Johan Hedberg with a wrister from the slot 13:33 into the first period.
Analysis: Over the past 16 games, Staal has 26 points, including eight goals, to lead the NHL since Feb. 14. Staal, who was the MVP of the All-Star Game two months ago in Atlanta, has six goals and six assists against the Thrashers. The Hurricanes improved to 28-10-4 when Staal has a point and 22-5-3 when he scores. Staal has four goals and 11 assists in seven March games. Staal remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Eric Staal had a goal and two assists to lead the surging Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Staal scored for 3-0 with 7:15 left in the first as he slipped past the Chicago's defense, then broke in alone on Corey Crawford. The Hurricanes scored all three goals during a 3:48 span midway through the first period.
Analysis: The Hurricanes improved to 27-10-4 when Staal has a pointand 21-5-3 when he scores. He has nine three-point games. Staal has four goals and seven assists in the last five games. Staal remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Eric Staal scored two goals and added an assist to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Atlanta Thrashers 6-3 on Wednesday night for their second straight win. Staal's second goal was credited as an empty-netter even though goaltender Johan Hedberg had yet to reach the Thrashers' bench. Staal has four goals and five assists in the last five games.
Analysis: The Hurricanes improved to 25-10-4 when Staal has a point, 20-5-3 when he scores. He has eight three-point games, including back-to-back efforts after finishing with two assists in a win Saturday over Tampa Bay. He has nine points in the last six games (2 goals, 7 assists). Staal remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Just like three games ago against Washington, Eric Staal scored a goal and collected two assists in Saturday's 5-1 win over Tampa Bay. Staal did not have any points in the two games in-between, but he is a consistent player this season with 31 goals and 30 assists right now.
Analysis: Staal has stepped up in the absence of Rob Brind'Amour (knee) and should center the top line for the rest of the season. He has nine points in the last six games (2 goals, 7 assists). Staal remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Eric Staal had the go-ahead score late in the second period to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Washington Capitals 6-3 on Saturday. Staal also had two assists, while recently acquired defenseman Joe Corvo scored his first goal with Carolina since coming over in a trade from Ottawa earlier this month.
Analysis: Staal's goal was his 30th of the year, marking the third straight season he has reached that mark. Staal has stepped up in the absence of Rob Brind'Amour (knee) and should center the top line for the rest of the season. He has 10 points in the last six games (3 goals, 7 assists). He remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Tuesday's game against the Bruins. He now has three multi-point games in his last four contests. He has two goals and four assists in that span.
Analysis: Staal was having an All-Star hangover after he walked away with MVP honors at the classic in late January. He didn't record a point in six straight games before getting on the board Feb. 14 against the Penguins. He has stepped up in the absence of Rob Brind'Amour (knee) and should center the top line for the rest of the season. He remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored a goal with an assist for the second consecutive game Saturday against Florida.
Analysis: Staal appears ready for a hot streak, coming off a cold streak that saw him go without a point for seven games. If you reserved him for that reason, now is a good time to activate him again.
News:Eric Staal snapped a lengthy scoring droughts with a power-play goal when he tied it a 2 with a wrister off a rebound after Ray Whitney's shot. It was Staal's first goal since he was selected MVP in last month's All-Star Game.
Analysis: Staal, who now has 28 goals this season, also picked up an assist (22) on Whitney's goal. Staal is owned in all Fantasy league formats and should be treated as a starter in all of them.
News:Eric Staal wanted to make the Atlanta fans happy by setting up a shot for hometown favorite Ilya Kovalchuk. Instead, Kovalchuk returned the pass and helped Staal put the finishing touches on a memorable performance in Sunday night's NHL All-Star game. Staal won the most valuable player award, finishing with two goals and an assist in the Eastern Conference's 8-7 win over the Western Conference. The Carolina Hurricanes center helped set up Marc Savard's winning goal with 20.9 seconds left. Kovalchuk said he didn't mind setting up Staal for the starring role. "He's a great player, no question about it," Kovalchuk said.
Analysis: Staal ended a streak of MVP honors going to players on the losing team four straight years. Rick Nash, who had three goals for the West, and Alex Ovechkin, who had two goals for the East, also were strong contenders. "I think the fact we won and I was on the ice when we won and had the last goal gave me a good shot at it," Staal said of the MVP award. Staal entered the All-Star break on a five-game points streak (four goals, three assists). He has 20 goals and 20 assists for the third straight season and is one of the few constant factors in Carolina. Continue to treat him as a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal extended his point streak to five Tuesday when he scored a goal in a 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders. He has four goals and three assists during the streak.
Analysis: Eric is the most offensively successful of the Staal brothers so far and appears headed for a third straight season of 60 or more points. He remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Eric Staal scored three goals in the third period as the Hurricanes routed the Edmonton Oilers 7-2 on Friday night. "Everyone just had one of those attitudes where we weren't going to be stopped," Staal said. It was his fourth career hat trick and first since November 2006
Analysis: Staal hadn't had a goal in five games, so this hat trick has to be taken as a great sign that he's ready to start streaking again. He has had a point in three straight games now and Fantasy owners should hurry to get him active if they'd reserved the No. 1 Fantasy C.
News: C Eric Staal scored the only goal the Hurricanes needed in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Boston. Staal picked up the puck by the back boards and fired a wrist shot to beat Tim Thomas between the pads from the bottom of the right circle for his 23rd goal of the season. Staal has three goals in three games and eight goals in the last 11 games.
Analysis: Staal struggled some from mid-November to mid-December, but the fourth-year forward has been on a roll since Dec. 15. He is back to being a reliable Fantasy option and one worth starting in all formats.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal guided a shot by Jeffrey Hamilton into the net at 5:10 of the second period during Friday's 4-3 win against the Thrashers. It was his 22nd goal of the season, second in two games, and seventh in 10 games. Staal, who finished Friday with two assists, now has a point in nine of his last 10 games. He has the seven goals and six assists in that span.
Analysis: Staal dealt with a slump from mid-November to mid-December, but the fourth-year forward has been on a roll since Dec. 15. He is back to being a reliable Fantasy option and one worth starting in all formats.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal had his points streak snapped at seven games Monday against the Islanders. Staal had score five goals -- including one in four straight games -- and had three assists during the streak.
Analysis: Staal had a pretty slow start to December until heating up in the middle of the month. He has 35 points in 41 games and appears headed for a third straight season of 60 or more points. He remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal extended his point streak to six games Friday with a goal and an assist against Boston.
Analysis: Staal has just one game during that streak with more than a point and that came Friday, but you can't ask for much more than what you are getting from him at the moment. He's red hot and should be starting in all leagues at this time.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal had an empty-net goal with 2.8 seconds to play during Saturday's game against the Lightning. Staal extended his points streak to four games. He has two goals and two assists in that span while totaling a plus-4 rating.
Analysis: Staal is putting together another solid season, but will need to pick up the pace a little if he wants to post 100 points again like he did in 2005-06. Staal is usually good for a point per game average and remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Eric Staal put the Hurricanes back in front Saturday against the Flyers with a one-timer from the right circle at 13:20 of the second period. Carolina eventually won 6-5 in a shootout. It was Staal's first point in four games. His previous goal came on Dec. 8 against the Canadiens.
Analysis: Staal is putting together another solid season, but will need to pick up the pace a little if he wants to post 100 points again like he did in 2005-06. Staal is usually good for a point per game average and remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored a goal and finished at even during Saturday's game against the Canadiens. It was his first goal since Nov. 23, but he does have three assists in his last five games.
Analysis: Staal is putting together another solid season, but will need to pick up the pace a little if he wants to post 100 points again like he did in 2005-06. Staal is usually good for a point per game average and remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: C Eric Staal had gone four games without a goal, his longest stretch of the season, until scoring on a third-period power play against Philadelphia Wednesday night.
Analysis: Staal has produced 170 points in his last two seasons and already has 21 in 19 games this season. He could still hit the 100-point plateau for the second time in his career. Continue to start the talented center in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: Not that any one player should be held responsible for the 6-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night, but the Hurricanes expect more out of Eric Staal. In possibly his worst performance in the NHL, the center was a minus-5 in plus/minus rating. And on top of that, he never registered a shot on goal. Staal showed signs early in the season of snapping back to the type of player he was two seasons ago. But now more than a month into the season, he's not among Carolina's top three point producers and his performances have started to fluctuate from game to game even though the solid early start has given him.
Analysis: This dismal outing came on the day that the Hurricanes announced that Staal's name appears on the All-Star Game ballot. Perhaps a change of scenery will help. The Hurricanes ended a three-game road trip with the setback at Tampa Bay. They return home for Friday night's game against the Atlanta Thrashers. Staal has produced 170 points in his last two seasons and already has 21 in 19 games this season. He could still hit the 100-point plateau for the second time in his career. Continue to start the talented center in all Fantasy formats.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal scored a goal and assisted on another one during Saturday's game against the Thrashers. Staal now has five goals and four assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Staal has produced 170 points in his last two seasons and already has 21 in 17 games this season. He might hit the 100-point plateau for the second time in his career. Continue to start the talented center in all Fantasy formats.
News: Against Washington Monday, Eric Staal added two goals for the Hurricanes, who improved to 5-1-1 at home.
Analysis: Staal certainly had a nice 2006-07 season (30 G, 40 A), but it was still a dropoff from his 100-point (45 G, 55 A) season in 2005-06. He remains a must-start player in all leagues.
News: After 14 games, Eric Staal has nine goals and his 16 points and his nine goals are fifth in the NHL. The 23-year-old Staal is well ahead of his pace from last season in goals and points. Staal did not get his ninth goal last year until the 16th game of the season. This year, he managed to pick up his ninth score in his 12th game.
Analysis: Staal certainly had a nice 2006-07 season (30 G, 40 A), but it was still a dropoff from his 100-point (45 G, 55 A) season in 2004-05. He remains a must-start player in all leagues.
News: Hurricanes C Eric Staal, C Jeff Hamilton, LW Ray Whitney and C Rob Brind'Amour all scored one goal during Friday's 7-4 loss to the Canadiens. Staal scored his goal during a penalty shot in the second period. He also had an assist in the game and finished with a plus-1 rating.
Analysis: Staal has been outstanding as of late. He has multi-point games in three of his last seven contests. He stands with eight goals and six assists in 11 games. Needless to say, he remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Eric Staal posted a goal, two assists and an impressive plus-4 rating in 18:16 of ice time in Wednesday's win against the Sabres.
Analysis: Staal rebounded after posting just one point over the past four games. He still has seven goals and 12 points with a plus-5 rating through the first 10 games. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues and will try and carry over the momentum into Friday's game against the Canadiens.
News: Staal scored a goal and finished with two assists in Thursday's road win in Ottawa. He finished with a plus-1 rating and four shots on goal in 17:35 of ice time. "It was definitely a nice win for our team," Staal said. "Ottawa being undefeated, we knew it was going to be a good test for us and it was kind of nice to be sitting here, kind of waiting for them with them playing in Atlanta [Wednesday] night."
Analysis: Staal will look to continue that momentum into Saturday's game at Montreal. He has managed at least one goal in four of his five games this season and five overall with three assists. Needless to say, he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Eric Staal and Ray Whitney each picked up a goal and assist with a plus-1 rating in Tuesday's game in Toronto.
Analysis: Staal has lit the lamp in three of his team's first four games and he has four goals overall. He is off to a tremendous start and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. He'll try and solve former teammate Martin Gerber and the Senators in Ottawa on Thursday.
News: Eric Staal scored two first-period goals and the Carolina Hurricanes spoiled the Pittsburgh Penguins' season opener with a 4-1 victory Friday. Staal, the Hurricanes' leading scorer during their playoff march in 2005-06, registered the fifth multigoal game of his career and first since scoring twice against Tampa Bay last January. .
Analysis: Staal scored twice about six minutes apart in the first period to give the Hurricanes a comfortable early lead. First, he charged down the right side and wristed home the long rebound of Tim Gleason's slap shot past a sliding Fleury's glove side. Then, Staal made it 2-0 with his third point of the season. He caught the puck out of mid-air, dropped it before backhanding it toward the net, and it clicked off the skate of Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik -- a longtime Carolina nemesis -- and slipped past Marc-Andre Fleury. Staal is off to a great start in 2007 and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Erik Staal opened the NHL regular season with an assist with six shots on goal in 19:41 of ice time in Wednesday's opener against the Canadiens.
Analysis: Staal remains a bona fide No. 1 Fantasy center in all leagues and is looking to bounce back from a disappointing season by his standards. The Hurricanes will be back in action on Friday against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.
News: Eric Staal has a team-best four points, all assists, in just two preseason games for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Analysis: Staal had a rather disappointing year in 2006-07 by his standards and is looking to bounce back in a big way. He is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues heading into the new season and might be a steal if he slips on Draft Day into the third or fourth round.
News: Eric Staal was scoreless in his third consecutive game with three shots on goal in 20:26 of ice time on Sunday against the Thrashers.
Analysis: Despite the fact he has just one goal over the past seven games, Staal remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Captain Rod Brind'Amour and All-Star center Eric Staal also have points in four straight games. They'll look to extend their run on Tuesday against the Kings.
Analysis: Brind'Amour has two goals and five assists while Staal has one goal and six assists. Each of the players remain must-starts in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Eric Staal had a goal and two assists for Carolina in a 5-4 loss to the Wild Saturday.
Analysis: Staal has a four-game points streak going, in which he has one goal and six assists during that stretch. He is a solid Fantasy forward and should be starting in all formats.
News: Eric Staal finished up before the All-Star break with two goals in Saturday's game against the Lightning, as he posted three goals in the past two games.
Analysis: Staal has managed five goals and three assists over the past seven games to re-emerge as a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
News: Eric Belanger, Eric Staal, Scott Walker and Justin Williams scored to lead the inspired Hurricanes to a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Staal, who ended a nine-game goal drought on Saturday against the Islanders, has now scored in back-to-back games and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues despite his recent shaky period.
News: Slumping Carolina C Eric Staal has gone nine games without scoring a goal and has just one in his last 15 after the Hurricanes were blanked 2-0 in Thursday's game against the Coyotes.
Analysis: Staal has gone scoreless in five straight games and seven of the past nine. Coach Peter Laviolette has been shaking up his scoring lines to try and jump-start his offense, but so far he has not tinkered with Staal too much. Despite the power outage, he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues because of his immense potential.
News: Eric Staal was scoreless with a minus-1 rating in 21:26 of ice time in Tuesday's game at Pittsburgh, as he continues to struggle. The Raleigh News & Observer reports Staal worked with Erik Cole and Cory Stillman in practice on Monday.
Analysis: Staal has gone scoreless in four straight games and six of the past eight. Coach Peter Laviolette has been shaking up his scoring lines to try and jump-start his offense, but so far he has not tinkered with Staal too much. He has failed to light the lamp in eight games and he has just one goal in 14 games dating back to Dec. 2. Despite the power outage, he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues because of his immense potential.
News: Eric Staal scored three goals to lift the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-4 victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday night. Staal finished off his third career hat trick with an empty-net goal with 45.6 seconds left.
Analysis: After a three-game goal drought, Staal has lit the lamp in a big way on Saturday. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Eric Staal scored a goal (10) and added an assist with a plus-2 rating in 19:39 of ice time in Thursday's game against Washington with a team-high seven shots on goal.
Analysis: After a three-game goal drought, Staal has lit the lamp in consecutive games. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Staal scored a goal (9) on the power play with two shots on net in 19:14 of ice time in Tuesday's shootout loss at New Jersey.
Analysis: Staal broke a three-game goal drought, which tied his longest such stretch of the season. We wouldn't worry about it too much. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes set a franchise record by scoring three goals in 43 seconds during the first period against Tampa Bay on Saturday night. The scores by Eric Staal, Kevyn Adams and Erik Cole midway through the period beat the previous record of 63 seconds set by the then-Hartford Whalers against Toronto in January 1987.
Analysis: Staal is a must-start Fantasy player. Cole on most occassions is a good Fantasy play, but he has struggled to start the season. Adams on the other hand is not a viable Fantasy option at this time.
News: Eric Staal's early season struggles contributed to the Carolina's slow start. The Hurricanes hope his recent resurgence can help the team start one. The defending Stanley Cup champions opened the season with a four-game losing streak before winning its next three. Staal, who led Carolina with 45 goals and 55 assists last season, had just one goal during the team's losing streak, but has three goals and four assists since. Overall, Staal has four goals and six points in eight games against the Islanders, Carolina's opponent on Saturday. Staal recorded a goal and an assist in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
Analysis: Staal seems to have left his early season woes behind. He's a solid starting forward in all Fantasy formats and he should reach the 100-point mark once again this year.
News: Staal connected for the first goal of the season for the defending Stanley Cup champion at the 14:42 mark of the first period against Ryan Miller and the Sabres.
Analysis: Staal has gotten off to hot starts in each of the past two seasons. He's a solid starting forward in all Fantasy formats and he should reach the 100-point mark once again this year.
News: Eric Staal had a goal and three assists at Washington in a preseason game Sunday.
Analysis: Staal has gotten off to hot starts in each of the past two seasons. He's a solid starting forward in all Fantasy formats and he should reach the 100-point mark once again this year.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes signed Eric Staal to a three-year contract on Saturday, locking up the 100-point producer for what the team hopes is a repeat performance of their 2005-06 Stanley Cup championship.
Analysis: The Hurricanes have done a great job of locking up their key components for the long-term. He posted 45 goals and 55 assists in the regular season and will be a sure first-round pick in all Fantasy leagues on Draft Day 2006.
News: Eric Staal had an assist in Wednesday's game at Buffalo with a minus-2 rating in 18:59 of ice time to extend his point streak to seven games.
Analysis: Staal has three goals and six assists during the impressive stretch. He is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Eric Staal picked up an assist and minus-2 rating in Tuesday's game against the Rangers in 16:40 of ice time.
Analysis: Staal has three assists over the past four games, but he has not recorded a goal during the stretch. This is his second-longest stretch of the season with a goal. He went eight games without lightning the lamp from Dec. 28 to Jan. 13. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Eric Staal has posted a team-high 36 goals while his tied with 39 assists through 57 games at the Olympic Games break. He also leads the Hurricanes in scoring by 21 points over Erik Cole and Cory Stillman who are tied with 54 points. He also has a plus-2 rating with 46 penalty minutes.
Analysis: Staal managed 31 points in 81 games last season, but he is on pace for an amazing second season. His 2005-06 statistics currently project at 52 goals and 108 points.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports Erik Cole, Eric Staal and Cory Stillman played on the team's top line on Sunday at Boston.
Analysis: The triumvirate posted five points and a plus-5 in the shootout loss against the Bruins. The line should be one of the more productive units in the league now that Stillman is healthy again.
News: Staal scored two goals and added an assist with a plus-2 rating and three shots on goal in Tuesday's game at Montreal.
Analysis: Staal had gone three games without a goal, but he has still posted 17 points (7 G, 10 A) and a plus-3 rating in the past 11 games. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Eric Staal had a goal, two assists and a plus-1 rating with four shots on goal in 15:55 of ice time in Monday's game against the Canadiens.
Analysis: Staal has picked up 12 points (5 G, 7 A) and a plus-3 rating over the past seven games. He has had a breakout season and is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Eric Staal scored his second career NHL hat trick on Sunday vs. St. Louis after missing much of the first period following a high stick knocked one of his teeth out and required stitches. He also added an assist for four points in the contest.
Analysis: Staal had been held without a goal over his previous eight games, but he broke out in a big way against the worst team in the league. Get him back in your lineup if you benched him while he was slumping.
News: Staal scored two goals in the first period and he had a brilliant assist to set up Matt Cullen's go-ahead goal against Tampa Bay Tuesday night. His first multi-goal game since Nov. 29 helped Carolina take a seven-point lead in the Southeast Division.
Analysis: The Canadian Olympic team will be announced Wednesday and Staal is hopeful he'll make it. "We'll see what happens," Staal said. "Obviously, it's in the back of your mind. Hopefully, I made it pretty tough for them not to take me. If not, I'll be ready the next time around." Staal was slumping recently, but this should be a nice boost for his Fantasy owners. He entered the game as the league's ninth-best goal scorer.
News: Eric Staal scored a goal and added an assist with a plus-2 rating in Saturday's game at New Jersey.
Analysis: Staal has 13 points (8 G, 5 A) over the past 12 games. He remains a top Fantasy option in all leagues despite the fact the Hurricanes have slowed down just a little.
News: Staal buried his 20th goal of the season on Tuesday at Anaheim, beating Jean-Sebastien Giguere on the power play. He also chipped in with an assist and three shots on goal in 21:43 of ice time.
Analysis: Staal, the No. 2 pick in the 2003 NHL entry draft, has really come into his own this season as a player and Fantasy option. He has emerged as a must-start in all formats.
News: Eric Staal had a goal and he added an assist in Saturday's game at Phoenix. He was scoreless in 18:18 of ice time.
Analysis: Staal has been phenomenal all season, posting at least two points in 10 of his past 26 games.
News: Eric Staal returned to the lineup and scored a goal for the Hurricanes after missing time due to a back injury.
Analysis: It appears safe to insert Staal into your lineup. He is a must-start in all leagues.
News: Eric Staal left Thursday's game against the Rangers in the third period due to a back injury. He fell awkwardly into the New York goal and was unable to return.
Analysis: Staal will be re-evaluated on Friday. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues just to be on the safe side.
News: Eric Staal picked up an assist and plus-1 rating in 17:02 of ice time at Buffalo on Wednesday.
Analysis: Staal has picked up an amazing 19 points (6 G, 13 A) in the past nine games and has emerged as a must-start this season in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Eric Staal scored a pair of goals in Saturday's game at N.Y. Islanders.
Analysis: Staal is off to a good start for the Hurricanes. He remains a solid prospect in all dynasty leagues.
News: Eric Staal (torso) was able to play in Saturday's game. He was scoreless with a pair of shots on goal.
Analysis: Staal has been mostly disappointing in his first NHL season, but he is still a great player in keeper leagues.
News: Eric Staal suffered a torso injury in the second period of Wednesday's game and was unable to return.
Analysis: Staal is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in leagues which allow daily moves.
News: Eric Staal had two assists in Monday's game at Columbus.
Analysis: Staal entered Monday's game with only one assist in his past 18 games dating back to Jan. 23. He has not scored a goal in 21 games.
News: Eric Staal scored a goal and had a minus-2 rating in 2:51 of ice time in Saturday's Young Stars game in St. Paul, Minn.
Analysis: Staal's future is certainly bright. He is worth a roster spot in most keeper leagues.
News: Eric Staal scored a goal in Saturday's win.
Analysis: Staal has two goals in his past three games and has re-emerged as a useful Fantasy starter in larger pools.
News: Eric Staal scored once on four shots on goal at Vancouver Sunday.
Analysis: It was Staal's first point in seven games, but he continues to be a valuable reserve forward all leagues.
News: Eric Staal had a goal and an assist in Thursday's game against the Rangers.
Analysis: Staal now has at least one point in six of his past seven games. He has two goals and six assists during the span.
News: Eric Staal scored his first-career goal on Thursday to help Carolina to a 2-0 win at Boston.
Analysis: Staal also chipped in with an assist and earned the second star of the game. He is best used as a reserve in most Fantasy leagues until he can contribute more consistently.
News: Eric Staal has been moved to the third line, according to the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: Jaroslav Svoboda replaces Staal on the team's top line, allowing veteran Ron Francis to move back to center.
News: Eric Staal was held scoreless in his debut on Thursday at Florida. He had a -1 rating in 17:36 of ice time.
Analysis: Staal led the NHL in preseason goals with seven. He is worth starting as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy forward in most leagues.
News: The Hurricanes have agreed to terms with Eric Staal, their first pick in this year's draft, according to the Raleigh News & Observer. He led the NHL with seven preseason goals and is centering Carolina's top line with Ron Francis and Jeff O'Neill.
Analysis: Staal is in a great spot to enjoy a breakout rookie year, but be aware that first-year players often wear down late in the long NHL season. If he gets off to a hot start, consider trading him in leagues that draft yearly.
News: Eric Staal lit the lamp again in Saturday's preseason game. He centered a line with veterans Ron Francis and Jeff O'Neill.
Analysis: He leads the league with seven preseason goals. Staal remains unsigned by Carolina, but he is an exciting young player who is worth adding in the late-rounds on Draft Day when filling out a roster.
News: Eric Staal scored his team-leading fifth goal on a power play against Atlanta in a preseason game Friday. Staal was the No. 2 pick in this year's entry draft. He leads the league in preseason goals so far. The Hurricanes have until October 7 to sign him if they want him to play in the NHL this season.
Analysis: Staal is being groomed to take over for Ron Francis when he retires. He is making a strong case for sticking with the team out of camp and learning on the job from Francis and Rod Brind'Amour. If Staal signs, consider him for a late pick in larger leagues.
