Staal, Canes impress Wings' Babcock

The Canes' Eric Staal turned in some staggering numbers in the 3-1 loss to the Red Wings.

Staal had 30 shifts and more than 26 minutes of ice time. He played 19:31 at even strength and 3:05 on the power play, but he also was used for 3:40 on the penalty kill.

On one shift, the Canes center was on the ice for 1:45. It seemed it was all he could do to get back to the bench.

"I thought Staal was fantastic," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "He's going to be dead by Christmas if you play him that much, but he was really good."

Babcock also said he was "very impressed" with the Canes, who were credited with 32 hits to the Wings' 23 and wasn't lacking any energy despite playing their third game in four days.

"I like their team," Babcock said. "I never thought their back end was as good as it was. They played well tonight. 

"I think their team is well-coached, they were prepared and they worked hard."