Eric Staal (upper body) will not be in the lineup Thursday against the Rangers, Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record reports.

Staal (upper body) will not be in the lineup Thursday against the Rangers, Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record reports.

Analysis:

Staal will miss his second straight game and is considered day-to-day, but coach Bill Peters said he doesn't have a clear idea when the center might be available. With a number of their top players ailing, the Hurricanes should benefit from the five-day break in their schedule after Thursday's game, but if Staal is still hurting next week, a move to injured reserve would likely be considered.