Jordan Staal's time to shine

Written by: Andrew Callender

    With the two of the Penguins best players out of the lineup, it is time for another of the best to show what he is made of. That player is Jordan Staal. Staal has always been third or at best second line center for the Pens, but with Crosby and Malkin both out long term he has been bumped up to number one center.

    Staal is playing what seems to be the most driven hockey of his young career at the moment. Crosby has been out since January 5th, and Malkin is out for season due to the torn ACL and MCL he received in the February 4th game with Buffalo. Since then Staal has put up only 4 points(1 goal and 3 assists), but his skill level has gone through the roof. He has been playing on the “top” line with different personnel each game. His energy has helped the team to a 7-5 record when Crosby and Malkin are not in the lineup this season.

    Staal started the season on the IR after having an infection in the foot he had surgery on in the off season. Then, a broken hand he received in practice while trying to make the first comeback. His first game was the Winter Classic on January 1st against the Washington Capitals. It took him six games to get his first goal of the season, but through twenty games he has twelve points(6 & 6).

    Staal is finally out of the shadows of Malkin and Crosby, and is showing he can lead the team. The Penguins need him to keep up this level of play for the remainder of the season. With Staal that is not a problem. It will be up to him to keep this team in the playoff hunt, and who knows maybe keep them in the Stanley Cup hunt.