Which Staal....?

[circus_boi]

I have one C spot left and have to choose between Eric Staal (against PHI) or his brother Jordan (against TOR). Obviously Jordan is having a much better season and is playing against, in theory, the weaker of the two opponents, but to sit him in hopes of Eric finally coming up with a big game seems risky....relevant stats are G, A, +/-, PIM, PP and GWG. Many thanks!!

[Mike]

Hi circus_boi. I'd go with Jordan. Pittsburgh has the better matchup and Carolina is in the tail-end of a back-to-back. I'd also expect PHI to really tighten things up defensively today after that 17 goal game Thursday night. Let us know how it turns out.

[hockeyguy]

Until Paul Maurice and/or Jim Rutherford put some real talent around E Staal on the top line then he is going to continue to struggle. Jiri Tlusty...Chad LaRose? Sorry, that's my Canes fan rant for the morning.

[Mike]

Go with Eric! Jordan Staal has been ruled out for tonight's game.

Source (http://twitter.com/TSNScottyMac/status/130323025781469187)

[circus_boi]

Thanks to all! Jordan being out settles it.....here's hope Eric breaks out of his early season funk!

[mbr311]

Didn't realize Jordan was out. Is Malkin definitely playing?

[Mike]

Didn't realize Jordan was out. Is Malkin definitely playing?

According to this report, yes.

Source (http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=597947&navid=DL|PIT|home)

[NightParade]

Curses. I needed Jordan to play tonight if I was going to have any hope of winning face offs

EDIT: Apparently it's bad to be a centre for Pittsburgh right now unless you like being injured.

[circus_boi]

Wow, another horrendous night for Eric....