The Carolina Hurricane’s captain, Jordan Staal, provides much more than statistics to this team. At the start of this season, this team has had its fair share of ups and downs.
Despite the struggles of scoring depth past the likes of Martin Necas and Andrei Svechnikov, the Hurricanes have had some unexpected scoring boosts as of late.
Staal’s line with Jordan Martinook and Jesper Fast has produced 10 goals and 12 assists.
Not bad for a checking line. Still, these numbers will be difficult to sustain but it has helped the offense through some struggling moments.
Captain My Captain
The former second-overall pick has scored in three straight contests. Playing with the confidence of a youngster, the 34-year-old has a new life to start this season.
In difficult matchups against the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche, Staal was a plus player in both games while scoring in each of them.
Against a struggling Blackhawks team, the scoring was expected but Staal had a goal and an assist. Keeping up with his stellar defensive play, Staal was a plus 3.
That is a plus 7 in the last three games, which cannot be stressed enough.
Staal brings unquestionable leadership to this group, but his presence on the ice has always been important.
Staal and his line mates provide solid checking and defensive play. Specifically, Staal’s size has kept the opponents honest.
With the captain putting up goals like in his younger days; you must wonder if he can reach 20 goals.
Since coming to Carolina in 2012, Staal has only had one twenty-goal season. Prior to Carolina, Staal had 4 seasons with at least 20 goals.
Entering the final year of his contract, Staal may be choosing a perfect time to produce points to adjoin his great defensive play.
This Hurricanes team has been battling injuries and it has been important for Staal and his line mates to continue shutting down the opposition, but the goal production is a pleasant surprise.
The chemistry the line has shown will surely provide continued scoring opportunities. This will keep the Hurricanes playing at an elite level and in contention for the division.
Until this team gets healthier towards the new year, Staal will be a key to the team’s success both defensively and now offensively.