http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Jordan Staal is a real honest guy.
Witness his selfless act from Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. After his two-way show on Broadway, Staal sought out members of the Penguins media relations staff and pleaded that his winning goal be awarded to center Evgeni Malkin, whose point-shot on an overtime power play had been tipped home by Staal from in front of the net — at least, according to the replay-watching eyes of on-site NHL official scorers.
The NHL awarded that goal to Malkin on Friday morning, leaving Staal with 18 — he scored Saturday vs. Dallas — heading into today's game against Boston.
PITTSBURGH - MARCH 6: Forward Jordan Staal(notes) #11 of the Pittsburgh Penguins keeps the puck away from defenseman Karlis Skrastins(notes) #37 of the Dallas Stars on March 6, 2010 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)Honesty is refreshing in the often disgusting world of professional sports.
Staal's often underappreciated game is finally resonating with my fellow writers. One sent me a text message Thursday night that read: "Ur right... 11 is a beast."
Honestly, No. 11 for the Penguins has been one of the NHL's most dominant centers this season — even though his offensive production cannot compare to the league's two titanic pivots (and Staal's teammates): Malkin and Sidney Crosby.
Staal can't keep up with two of the last three scoring champions. Still, he is nearing a third 20-goal season before his 22nd birthday — and if my fellow voting members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association are wise, he will finish as a finalist for the Selke Trophy that is annually awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward.
At plus-16 through 64 games, Staal was deserving of being mentioned among the league's best difference makers in the defensive zone.
However, he has become a difference maker in the offensive zone - no small accomplishment given that a majority of his shifts come against the opposition's best line or leading the Penguins' penalty kill unit.
Staal's performance Thursday — a goal and two assists, and consistent wins for positioning in all zones — was a caffeinated microcosm of his oft-overlooked brilliance since Dan Bylsma was named as coach Feb. 15, 2009.
Staal had scored 24 goals and recorded 32 assists in his previous 84 regular-season games before this weekend. He was a plus-32 in those contests, with only 13 minus-games.
He'll be one of the best players in the NHL from here on out, but don't take my word for it.
"Oh, watch out for Staalsy," Malkin said. "He is great. Honest."
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