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Hartnett: With Playoffs On His Mind, Eric Staal Wants To Be Difference-Maker For Rangers

By Sean Hartnett
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Waiting is the hardest part.

It's been six seasons since Eric Staal has competed under the playoff spotlight, and he's yearning for a long-awaited opportunity to strive again for hockey's ultimate prize. On Thursday, he'll have a chance to help punch the Rangers' ticket to the postseason when he returns to the arena he called home for 12 years.

Thursday will mark Staal's first visit to PNC Arena as an opponent, and the Rangers can clinch a playoff berth with a regulation or overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The 31-year-old forward has been itching to compete for the Stanley Cup after lifting the famed silver chalice in his sophomore NHL season.

"No question, it's why you play, it's why I wanted to be in the NHL, it's why you compete every year," Staal said during Tuesday's conference call. "We're not there yet, but we're very close. I think it will be a whole other ballgame. Once I actually get out there for warmups for Game 1, it will be a whole set of emotions that it's been way too long since I've gotten to experience. That experience I'm extremely looking forward to."

As a member of a Rangers team that has reached back-to-back conference finals, Staal believes he's part of a roster that possesses the depth and the scoring ability to be a force in the playoffs.

"I knew they were a good team before I got there," Staal said. "I still feel, anybody we play again, we are a team that can win. I feel we've got great balance in the lineup, from goaltending to defense to forwards. We can throw four lines at you, and they can be difference-makers. That's what you want in the playoffs, a four-line attack. Before getting there, I knew they were quick. Seeing them first-hand, when we get opportunities and chances, we're able to finish. It's smart hockey players that can make good plays. It's fun to get more comfortable as the time has gone.

"I've been watching this team on the couch the last couple of years," he continued. "I like this team. I like this group. I'll be pumped and excited to join in. I know in the playoffs anything can happen. I'm excited for this opportunity to join a great team and hope things can work out and we can raise a Stanley Cup. It starts with getting in the playoffs first. I think we're capable of playing with anybody. Going from the couch to on the ice is pretty surreal, and that's something I'm definitely pumped about. It's going to be fun."

Staal's game appears to be on the upswing. The 6-foot-4 forward was the most impressive Ranger throughout Sunday's 3-2 overtime defeat to the rival Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring two goals and tying a team-high with four shots on goal. He played with a lot of jump on Sunday, getting himself into high-scoring areas and wanting the puck on his stick.

"You are counting on that he'll feel more comfortable with our team and how we play," head coach Alain Vigneault said. "I think he's taken positive steps forward in understanding the different aspects of our game. It's not easy when you've played in the same place for a number of years like he was, but he's fit in real good. He's been real positive and real upbeat on the bench, and I like what he's bringing to our team."

Staal is forming solid chemistry with linemates Kevin Hayes and Jesper Fast. Able to play center or on the wing, Staal slid over to the left wing on Sunday. The switch allowed Hayes to gain a measure of confidence at his more comfortable position of center. Hayes responded by playing a strong two-way game and displayed his playmaking nous by notching two assists.

"I think moving Haysie into the middle, he's a little more comfortable and seems to be around the puck a little bit more," Staal said. "For me, I've done both, and I feel comfortable on the wing and can adjust. And Quickie is one of those honest players that works hard and competes, and we were on the puck a lot. It would have been nice to have those to help with a win. Could've had a few more -- but good things as a line, and obviously we have to keep building on that."

Since joining the Rangers, Staal has recorded just five points in 14 games. His 0.36 points per game as a Ranger is far below his career average of 0.85. Although the production hasn't always been there, he's looked effective in most games and particularly ones over this recent stretch.

"Every day I'm feeling more comfortable and more confident with the way I can help this team," Staal said.

Staal appears to be taking noticeable steps forward toward being the difference-maker the Rangers are expecting from him. He has a history of shining on the pressured playoff stage, having recorded 43 points in 43 career playoff games. The Rangers will be in good shape if he can raise his game to peak level as the playoffs near.

Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey

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