Eric Staal, former captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, will be leading the Florida Panthers against his former team in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Staal spent his first 12 seasons with the Hurricanes and remains the franchise’s post-Hartford leader in games played, goals, assists, and points. Although he has been away from the Hurricanes for a while, it is still a place near and dear to his heart. Staal won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006 after being the second-overall pick of Carolina in 2003.
Staal says he is looking forward to returning to Raleigh with the Panthers on Wednesday, but it will not be for a reunion. « It’s over already, » Staal said. « At this point, I am here with all my brothers right here in this room, in this group, and we are committed to winning a series and moving on to the next round and a chance for something else. » Staal has played harder and sacrificed more as a fourth-line player for Florida than he ever did for Carolina.
This will be a reunion or revenge series on many fronts as Florida coach Paul Maurice was the last coach of the Whalers and the first coach of the Hurricanes. He spent parts of 11 seasons with the franchise in two different stints and not only coached current Carolina bench boss Rod Brind’Amour but all of his assistants as well. Florida also has former Carolina players Eetu Luostarinen and Gus Forsling as well as assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu (2008-14).
Staal and the Panthers are confident in their ability, but they know this is going to be a huge challenge. They are a great team, they have had a great season thus far. They play a committed game, and it’s going to be tight, fighting for every inch. Staal is committed to winning a series and moving on to the next round and a chance for something else.
Keywords: Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Stanley Cup playoffs, Raleigh, reunion, revenge series, Paul Maurice, Rod Brind’Amour, Eetu Luostarinen, Gus Forsling, Tuomo Ruutu.