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Carolina Hurricanes: 5 most important players for Playoff run in 2017-18

By Andrew Miller

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 17: Teuvo Teravainen #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Edmonton Oilers on October 17, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 17: Teuvo Teravainen #86 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Edmonton Oilers on October 17, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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CALGARY, AB – OCTOBER 19: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on October 19, 2017 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB – OCTOBER 19: Jordan Staal #11 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on October 19, 2017 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Jordan Staal Center

Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes /

Scouting Report

It seems like almost every season in Canes history would feature a Staal on this list. Jordan Staal had a big game against the Oilers, much like Teuvo Teravainen. Staal tallied four points (his only points of the season so far) in that game.

The reach that Staal has combined with a sneaky ability to work around defenders when entering the zone gives the Canes a unique skill set on the first line. Ever since coming over from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Staal has been a considerable part of this team.

He was even named a co-captain, along with defenseman Justin Faulk during the off-season. His point total has hovered around 45-55 during his career, when healthy. That type of production will be needed again.

Carolina’s offense was not consistent last season and has started the same way again this season. Staal will be an integral part of a potential playoff run if it were to happen.

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