The Carolina Hurricanes played their first game of the post-Eric Staal era this afternoon and it didn’t go well.
The ‘Canes got goals from Jeff Skinner and Ron Hainsey in the first period and went into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Unfortunately for Carolina, that’s as good as things would get.
The Blues responded with four unanswered goals from David Backes, Kyle Brodziak, Robby Fabbri and Alex Pietrangelo to beat the ‘Canes 5-2.
Brodziak scored the go-ahead goal while the Blues were shorthanded:
The Hurricanes were forced to play with a short bench for a portion of this game. Kris Versteeg, Jay McClement and Riley Nash were all held out for various reasons, according to head coach Bill Peters.
Coach Peters asked about the status of Nash, Versteeg and McClement: "Some were held out, some injured." He did not elaborate more. #Canes
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 28, 2016
That’s an interesting choice of words from the head coach.
On the surface, it looks like one or more of those players is garnering some trade interest.
TVA’s Renaud Lavoie weighed in:
McClement and Nash are injury related I think. Versteeg is one of the players the #hurricanes wants to trade.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) February 28, 2016
Peters also touched on Staal’s departure:
Coach Peters reflecting on Eric Staal: "Believe me, he's a competitive person. He's been great. He was a great captain for me." #Canes
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 28, 2016
Bill Peters confirms that the #Canes will not name a new captain this season.
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 28, 2016
For the Blues, this was a much needed two points. They came into this game having lost three straight.
St. Louis is two points behind Chicago for first place in the Central Division.