VIDEO: Staal looking for salvation in Vancouver

It's been an up-and-down season in Carolina for Eric Staal. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

The first of four brothers to burst onto the scene, Eric Staal enjoyed three stellar seasons with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario League and was selected second overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He made the jump straight to the NHL and quickly established himself as a durable power forward. Staal was able to set an impressive ironman streak, playing in 349 consecutive games.

But this season provided new challenges for the eldest Staal. In his first 13 games, the Thunder Bay native had only three goals and five points before going down for 10 games with a groin injury. His early slump wasn’t enough to dissuade Steve Yzerman and company as Staal was selected to represent Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

As a near point-per-game player throughout his career, Staal has rediscovered his form tallying 38 points in 39 games this year. Though his NHL season may be a lost cause because of the dismal play of the Canes, Staal could still find success at the Games in Vancouver. Ryan Dixon takes a closer look at the new captain in Carolina.

REPORTER: Ryan Dixon | PRODUCER: Ted Cooper | PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Matt Krebs

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