Staal misses practice for "maintenance"

Center Eric Staal was held out of practice Friday for the second straight day but his consecutive-game streak of 342 regular-season games isn't in jeopardy. Staal has been hampered the past week or so by some lower-body muscle tightness. He had 22:22 in ice time Wednesday against the Penguins and will be in the lineup Saturday night in New Jersey against the Devils. ”This is maintenance. We’re trying to get him back to 100 percent,” Canes coach Paul Maurice said today. “Could he have practiced yesterday and today? Absolutely. And it’s not like we’re just trying to get him through the next game." While Staal was out, defenseman Joni Pitkanen put in his second straight practice and will go with the team to New Jersey. Maurice said Pitkanen, who has missed five of the first six games, will be evaluated again at tomorrow's morning skate. "If he wakes up tomorrow and is exactly where he is, then he's possible," Maurice said. The Hurricanes play the...