Jordan Staal Named NHL's Second Star Of The Week

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal has been named the NHL's Second Star of the Week (Jan. 6-12) following an offensive outpouring last week.

It's the first time Staal has earned any Stars of the Week honors.

In four games, the 36-year-old veteran led the league with five goals and seven points leading Carolina to a 2-1-1 record.

Staal had a four-game point streak entering last night's contest against the Anaheim Ducks, a game in which is brother Eric had his jersey retired.

The veteran started the week off with a one goal, two point night against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday and then followed it up with a hat trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.

That hat trick was the fourth of his career and he also scored his 21st career shorthanded goal in that game too.

Per NHLPR, at 36 years and 121 days, Staal also became the third-oldest player in franchise history to record a hat trick, behind just Rod Brind’Amour (37 years, 79 days on Oct. 27, 2007 at NYI) and Ray Whitney (36 years, 302 days on March 6, 2009 vs. CGY).

Not only was his scoring on display, but so too was his defensive game as he also shutdown the Maple Leafs top players.

Staal followed that up with another goal and two-point performance the following day as the Canes shutout the Vancouver Canucks 2-0 on Friday.

Staal has nine goals and 23 points in 44 games this season and while he's getting recognition for his offensive game, it's his defensive game that really should get more buzz.

Staal shares the honors this week with Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck and Detroit's Patrick Kane.