He has a Conn Smythe on his mantel and that says a lot. His numbers get better in the postseason. That says he is a gamer.
(#43) Forward, Eric Staal:
Like Evgeni Malkin he is a rangy, effortless, talent. Not afraid of the big spot. These Staal's thrive in the spotlight. I think he needs a trade to give his career a second-half jump-start.
(#25) Forward, Jeff Skinner:
He reminds me of a lot of Zach Parise with his on-ice countenance, his unbridled joy and investment in the shift. "The Thriller." Thirty goals as an 18-year-old is special. Would have had 30 more this year if he hadn't gotten hurt. He will hit 40 goals in a season soon. Top-10 player in terms of excitement. You just sense the Stanley Cup playoffs would take his game to an insane excitement level, possibly causing him to explode.
Other Notable's
(#86, Former Hartford Whaler) Defender, Chris Pronger:
A stick tap to a great hockey player. It stinks we won't see his personality again this season. He's an attraction.
(#55, Eric Staal's Brother) Forward, Jordan Staal:
He added another gear this year to become a little more of an offensive threat. Big, smart and reliable. Still just 23, and he has a little more room to grow. He was on his way to a 30-goal season before he got hurt. He is about to emerge into an all-situation guy.
Edited by CarolinaPanthers8789, 28 January 2012 - 02:32 PM.
