Canes center Eric Staal will miss some games because of an upper-body injury suffered Sunday against the San Jose Sharks, general manager Jim Rutherford said today.
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.
Staal left after the second period of the 5-1 loss to San Jose as the Canes dropped their ninth straight game to fall to 2-8-3.
Staal's injury comes just as forward Erik Cole returns from a leg fracture after missing 10 games. Rutherford said defenseman Tim Gleason, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury, should return Wednesday for the Florida Panthers game.
"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."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Conditioning Stint
Tue, 11/03/2009 - 08:58 — gso_canes_fanWhen Staal returns from his injury, he needs to go to Albany for a conditioning stint. Not sure how long a stay is allowed per the rules. Attended my only game this year and I found myself constantly yelling at Staal.
No one
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 21:09 — esteban1949has or is expecting anyone to play hurt and be hurt that it affects one's ability,health and safety. On one end of the stick, heck yes it's a great thing Staal is or has been trying to play through his pain & etc...but when the scrapper like Chad LaRose has more shots at the goal in a game than Staal has, even though Staal has more points and goals...but still playing hurt is no freaking joke...he should have had the courage to swallow his pride and say something.
Go Canes !!
sitting Staal good for team
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 14:12 — mflynnAfter listening to some of John Forsland's comments on the radio after yesterday's game, I am willing to give Staal the benefit of the doubt on playing injured being a cause of his lack of production. Having him out of the lineup will force the team to have to look to themselves to get it done. This could be a good step to get them out of this absolute goal scoring funk they find themselves in. His healthy return will hopefully be a boost. One more note. I believe most our fans have shown restraint in not booing the team. While the fans have every right to do so, it won't help what ails this team. At this stage, it will only serve to have the guys play even more tentatively. Let's stay behind them and help them over the hump! If poor effort and lack of heart becomes the norm, we can let 'em know it then.
Staal MIA
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 13:06 — schelle92I know I'll catch a lot of flack for this comment, but maybe they'll play better without him. He has shown absolutely no effort whatsoever this season. When we have 4 skaters with more points and 4 skaters tied in points with him, there is a problem. And Brandon Sutter has only goal fewer than Staal. I've heard lots of people in the stands during the games shouting for Staal to do something, anything. Maybe he's been injured all season. And if that's the case he should have been scratched to heal. He certainly hasn't done us any favors on the ice.
Tampa and Vinny
Tue, 11/03/2009 - 08:58 — wxray1Tampa is suffering from even a longer conundrum with Vinny Lecavalier.
Heard on XM Radio this morning he's demoted to 4th line, and the trade rumors are starting again, but the salary he has probably keeps him in TB.
He's another disappointment in the league.
Vinny had shoulder issues, and hasn't been the same. Kaberle had shoulder issues,was never the same. Stillman had shoulder issues, set him back 2 years.
Hmmm. I'm worried about Staal.
You won't get any flack
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 13:23 — MsPouncebad play
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 11:31 — hockey101I couldn't agree more. Their needs to be a change on the style of play. Read the article on the Canes website from JR. With all the acquisitions who would've thought this team would be where it's at. Maybe it's time to rebuild this season. Bring up Boychuk, bowman, and others who are willing to play. JR needs to decide if trading a fan favorite including Staal, or Cam will get this team to start playing, pull the trigger. I have to wonder why didn't he go after Tanguay, or Betts or those who were out there in free agency. You can rest assure, after this season this team will have to be rebuilt.
Trade Staal or Cam? No way.
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 18:28 — lewpulsAs hard as it is to get players who can be main men for a team, why would we trade either of ours (Staal and Cam)? We need a third, but how often can you get one in a trade? (BrindAmour was the third, but too old for that now.)
Maybe Staal will decide to
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 11:16 — MsPounceMaybe Staal will decide to show up now that he can't play. I still feel that he should have been a healthy scratch to actually send him a message. He won't get the message that he isn't playing up to his potential if the only reason he sits is because he is hurt.
Other Interesting Quotes on CH.com
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 11:08 — WAStoutbut not once does J.R. mention anything about coaching...
Maybe I am completely off base here....and I have recanted and am willing to give Mo a chance....
But what is wrong with shaking up your system of play?? I believe it is hard-headed to not at least try that.
Motivation is a key role of a coach. I would respect him if he came out and said "you know what...my initial plan is not working for us...let's try this plan...". Nothing wrong with that.
Now do I know what that "plan" is? Nope, but with a "veteran" team that has seen numerous ways of playing...you think something could be drawn up.
Something sooner that later. Please!!