Eric's game will not Staal on Carolina Hurricanes

When the playoffs began this season many fans as well as analysts gave the Carolina Hurricanes and their super star Eric Staal almost no chance of succeeding. But what most had forgotten was just how great of an impact Staal can be in any given game.

The 2005-2006 season saw the Carolina Hurricanes hoist Lord Stanley's Cup for the first time in the franchise's history.

Much was made about a young upstart goaltender named Cam Ward coming in for relief  for a struggling Martin Gerber and leading the Hurricanes to victory. Cam Ward won the Conn Smythe for the most valuable player for that post season.

My opinion was always a bit opposite of what many thought. I thought Eric, with his 28 point performance throughout the entire post season was just as deserving if not maybe a bit more.

The next two seasons saw the Hurricanes not even qualify for post season play. Meanwhile, Staal still added 30 plus goal- and 70 plus point-seasons every year.

While Hurricane fans were  praying for another post season appearance, Eric Staal stayed as stable as could be. This season the Canes finally made it back to the most exciting four rounds of hockey, and once again Eric Staal is leading the charge.

But there seems to be one difference with the Hurricanes this season. While cagey veteran Rod Brind'Amour is wearing the C for the Hurricanes, the team seems to follow the footsteps of what Staal is doing on the ice, and looking to him for the valuable leadership a team needs to get through the playoffs.

Players like Chad LaRose are reaping the post season rewards of hard, fast, smart play and mirroring what Stall does game in and game out .

As of today the Hurricanes are up 3-1 against No. 1 seed Boston in a best of 7 series that may be the most underrated series in the second round. Game 5 is set to take place Sunday in Boston.

On a side note, I would like to thank Launy and the Hockey Barn for giving me a chance to do an interview with Brian Engblom and discuss this series with him.