Carolina EASTERN CONFERENCE HURRICANES METROPOLITAN DIVISION Jeff Skinner Offense For a team that was 23rd in the league in goals scored, losing second-line center Jordan Staal to a broken fibula during the preseason was not a good thing. That puts even more pressure on players like Alexander Semin, who struggled with an injured wrist last year, and Eric Staal, who had problems last year and underwent core injury surgery over the summer. Semin managed 22 goals last year, but he is capable of more and must deliver for the ‘Canes to overcome Jordan Staal’s injury and hold on for the three-to-four months he’ll be out. Eric Staal had 21 goals last year, but that was his lowest total in a full season since his rookie year. Jeff Skinner doesn’t have anything to apologize for after scoring 33 goals last season. The 22-year old has a very bright future and could go even further this year. If all three are playing at top form, that’s a pretty solid first line. The Hurricanes re-signed Jiri Tlusty during the offseason, after he scored 16 goals last year. That was a drop from the 23 he had in the shortened 2012-13 season. Expect Nathan Gerbe to be solid on Key Additions: LW Brad Malone; C Jay McClement; D Tim Gleason; Head Coach Bill Peters; GM Ron Francis Key Subtractions: G Justin Peters; C Manny Malhetra; C Brett Sutter; Head Coach Kirk Muller; GM Jim Rutherford Strengths: Improved forward line Weaknesses: Power-play scoring, goaltending Len Redkoles/NHL/Getty Images
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