2. Jordan Staal: March 16, 2019 vs. Buffalo Sabres
Next, we turn to a game played in the dog days of March, during a game that game right after a crushing defeat at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team needed to make a statement to all their naysayers. It came off the stick of one of their most powerful and hardworking forwards.
This goal was absolutely stunning. Micheal Ferland passed the puck to Jordan Staal where Staal skated ahead where he met Brandon Montour, spun around, and lasered a backhanded shot passed Linus Ullmark. Just to stop and turn and release a wicked shot off the backhand with elevation stunned Ullmark and he couldn’t stop it.
The goal also happened to be a milestone for Staal. This happened to be Staal’s 500th career NHL point and Staal showed little to no emotion after achieving a huge milestone in his career. Staal after that game said that the milestone really wasn’t on his mind. He was just worried about getting the two points in the Hurricanes push towards the playoffs.
https://twitter.com/NHLCanes/status/1107091352930652160
This was also Staal’s second goal since he returned from his long hiatus with a concussion. It was a huge goal for him moving forward into the later stages of the regular season. He started to get into a groove offensively as well as play the physical brand of hockey he does and excel in the faceoff circle. When good things happen like that it can drastically shift a player’s confidence.
Staal went on to have two point games twice in the next three contests after the Sabres. He was clearly boosted on an offensive level after scoring such an elite goal from someone not really known for their scoring ability.