Former Penguins Forward Keeps Hurricanes Playoff Run Alive
The Pittsburgh Penguins have a certain interest in the Carolina Hurricanes this postseason.
PITTSBURGH – Jordan Staal spent six years as a third line center with the Pittsburgh Penguins and even at the age of 35, he’s still one of the most complete players in the game. As captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, Staal is hoping his team can do the near impossible and come back from 3-0 down in a series to the New York Rangers and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
With their season on the line in Game 5, Staal kicked off the scoring for the Hurricanes. Down by a goal early in the third period, Staal collected a pass from Dmitry Orlov and wouldn’t be denied.
Staal slipped around a Rangers defenseman and made a quick move to beat Igor Shesterkin, who is putting up an unbelievable playoffs. Staal’s goal opened the flood gates, and the Hurricanes went on to win 4-1 to force Game 6 in Carolina.
The Rangers swept the Washington Capitals before going up 3-0 on the Hurricanes, kicking off the Stanley Cup Playoffs a perfect 7-0. The Hurricanes look to become just the fifth team in NHL history to put up the coveted reverse sweep.
Staal’s goal was his first goal of the playoffs and second point in the last 10 games. Fellow former Penguins forward Jake Guentzel has been on a mission with nine points in the Hurricanes’ 10 postseason games.
If the Hurricanes can make it to the Stanley Cup Final, the Penguins will see a second round pick elevate to a first as part of the Guentzel trade at this past deadline.
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