Injuries to two regular centers have tested the depth of the Carolina Hurricanes center unit so far in 2014.
After the first week, the performance without them has been surprisingly encouraging.
Eric Staal and Riley Nash, who were part of the Hurricanes' four-man group of centers for 78 of the team's final 84 games of 2013, have both been sidelined in recent games.
Nash left Dec. 31's match against the Montreal Canadiens with a lower-body injury and has sat on injured reserve since. The issue came out at an unfortunate time for No. 20, whose play had improved after a rough November.
Staal, meanwhile, departed during the second period of Saturday's game against the New York Islanders, and despite attempting a one-shift return, he was soon ruled out for the remainder of the night. Kirk Muller announced that the 'Canes would be without their captain for five to six days on Sunday afternoon.
The unfortunate combination of ailments has forced the entire 'Canes center unit to step up, and step up they've done.
Veteran addition Manny Malhotra has proved why Jim ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Jones
Center Depth Emerging for Carolina Hurricanes in Eric Staal, Riley Nash Absences
January 8th, 2014 by Mark Jones Leave a reply »
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