News & Observer | newsobserver.com | 2008 NCAA Men's Bracket

Eric Staal was held out of the Canes' practice today at the Toyota Center but is expected to play Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks.

Staal injured his right shoulder during a first-period collision Friday night in the 4-3 overtime loss to the LA Kings. He was taken to the locker room but soon returned to the game, ended up playing more than 22 minutes and had seven shots on goal in the game.

Staal has played in 258 consecutive games, the second-longest games-played streak in franchise history and the longest for the Hurricanes since the team relocated to North Carolina in 1997.

"I'm more concerned about the game (Sunday) night," Canes coach Peter Laviolette said today. "We need him in the lineup.

Ruutu sat out the Kings game with an injury that is related to the groin pull he suffered early in training camp. The forward again missed practice and is not expected to play Sunday. ...

Defenseman Frantisek Kaberle suffered a hairline fracture in his right foot after being hit by a shot in the second period Friday night. He is expected to miss two-to-four weeks.

Anton Babchuk, who has not played this year, will replace Kaberle in the lineup Sunday, Laviolette said, and will be paired with Niclas Wallin.

The Canes will be trying to shake off a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the LA Kings. Leading 3-1 in the second period, the Canes were too passive in a third as the Kings surged to tie the score, then won in OT.

"They came out with more jam than we did in the third," Laviolette said today. "Every point is so valuable and we let one slip away."