Staal and company storm past Tampa
Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal on October 13, 2008.
Mar 8, 2009
Tags: Hockey, Carolina Hurricanes
9-3, that was the final score as Carolina ran over Tampa Bay and when you think about it, it wasn't that close. The Carolina Hurricanes saw Eric Staal tie all sorts of scoring marks for the Hurricanes franchise with his four goal two assists performance. The most important thing is the Canes are in the seven spot for the post season.
It has only been two games but the difference in Eric Staal's game is apparent and that is due to the speed at which Erik Cole can and has played at. Add four assists to Cole's scoresheet and five points in two games back. The impressive thing about Carolina's outburst against Tampa is that the Canes didn't let the Lightning get off the mat after knocking them out. Carolina had more jump and jam against a lesser opponent and erased the bad memories of a third-period collapse against Atlanta.
Everything was in play for Carolina Saturday - Eric Staal had a shorthanded goal, and cracked the 30 goal plateau for the fourth consecutive year, the power play netted two tonight, the defense limited Tampa's offensive threats and if there was a serious chance Cam Ward had the answer. This comes after the team's best effort of the season against Calgary which is something that is a major plus. There was no resting on what happened the night before it was full speed ahead.
Rod Brind'Amour scored for the first time in 2009 and looks to be gaining the form that is expected of the Selke Award winner. With the emergence of three lines this team is becoming a threat. Can this team stay on this path? Head coach Paul Maurice wants this team to stay at a consistent level of play, not getting too up after a win or too down after a loss. Right now the consistency is at a season high and it comes at the right time.
