Staal scored just his second goal of the year Thursday, but it was the Rangers' only tally in a 3-1 loss to the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Staal's only other goal this year came nearly three months ago, back on Oct. 19 against the Sharks, and he came into Thursday's action with zero shots on goal in the prior five games. Once upon a time, Staal was considered to have an offensive future -- he scored eight goals in 2009-10 and had 11 power-play points in 2010-11 -- but he's been a much more defensively oriented player since returning from his 2011-12 concussion issues. That doesn't project to change.