Carolina Hurricanes' centerman Eric Staal left Saturday night's win over the New York Islanders with a lower-body injury and is not expected to be in the lineup on Sunday when the 'Cames take on the Nashville Predators.

Staal played just 9:48 on Saturday before leaving the game and not returning. 

 

The team recalled Aaron Palushaj from AHL Charlotte, lending credence to speculation that Staal would be unable to play on Sunday.  Palushaj would make his Hurricanes debut with Staal out. 

 

"It's not easy when the big man goes down," said Eric's brother, second line centerman Jordan Staal. "It creates a big hole but you've got to stick with it and do what you do. It took a full effort from everyone in the room."

 

Losing Staal would be felt throughout the lineup for the Hurricanes, as he leads the team in points with 35 - including 10 goals and a remarkable 25 assists in 42 games - and also leads the team in penalty minutes by a wide margin.

 

Staal should be considered day-to-day.

http://www.sportsinjuryalert.com/2014/01/canes-eric-staal-day-to-day-with-lbi.html