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."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Amen W Stout
Tue, 10/14/2008 - 16:26 — esteban1949i agree 1000% with you !
Go Canes !!
Immediately leaving the game
Tue, 10/14/2008 - 08:23 — Anonymous (not verified)Immediately leaving the game I was a little upset.... but only because I hate losing.... But now that I think about it I'm really proud of the way our team played last night.... they hung in there w/ the best team in hockey (not just the best last year... they ARE the best this year too).... if you take the empty net goal off the board we were only down by 1 goal... the 2 that the wings scored were on power play...
But our guys really hung in and played well... Just a few less penalties next time... please....
Staal
Tue, 10/14/2008 - 07:53 — W Stout (not verified)Gee Babcock...we don't have a lot of choice...we don't get to spend up to the Cap and have a lot of options (e.g. getting Hossa).
Save your comments for your fans pal.