May 13, 2008 Eric Staal left Team Canada to attend a family funeral, according to TSN.ca. Staal flew back to Thunder Bay, Ontario to attend his grandfather's funeral. He will not play in Wednesday's quarterfinal game against Norway.
April 5, 2008 Eric Staal unleashed 10 shots on goal and skated away with his 38th goal of the season in Carolina's 3-4 loss to the Florida Panthers. Staal has six total points in his last five games, including three goals and three assists.
April 2, 2008 Eric Staal continued his tremendous scoring pace of late with a goal and an assist on Wednesday night. Staal now has seven goals and 23 points in his last 14 games as he has been the lone steadying force amongst a team beset by injuries. Mark down Staal as a top playoff option if the Canes qualify.
