The Hurricanes tried to give Eric Staal a victory on his big day with a third-period rally, but the Ducks came away with an overtime win on Cutter Gauthier’s second goal of the game.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Eric Staal, the leading scorer in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2006 when the Carolina Hurricanes won the Cup, had his jersey retired in a pregame ceremony before the Hurricanes hosted the Anaheim Ducks at Lenovo Center on Sunday.

Hurricanes hockey wouldn’t be where it is today without the impact of Eric Staal, whose legacy was honored as his iconic No. 12 became the fourth retired jersey in franchise

As a player for the Carolina Hurricanes, Eric Staal didn’t have to sit through many ceremonies like the one retiring his No. 12 on Sunday. Thanks to him and his teammates, the Canes have a lot of them these days.

Eric Staal became the fourth player to have his number retired by the Carolina Hurricanes when his No. 12 was raised at the Lenovo Center prior to the team’s game against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

"I want to do a couple hot laps here," he laughed. "I want to thank my family, former teammates, coaches and staff members who played a role in helping me live my dream, of playing in the NHL,

In the Carolina Hurricanes world, many things have gone on with more coming around the corner. Between Jan. 4 and Jan. 10, the Hurricanes played five games in seven days with a record of 3-2-0.

Eric Staal’s iconic No. 12 has been raised to the rafters in Raleigh. Ahead of Sunday’s contest versus the Anaheim Ducks, the Carolina Hurricanes recognized their former captain by raising his jersey number to the rafters at the Lenovo Center.