Jordan Staal to Make Season Debut in NHL Winter Classic
Filed under: Penguins, NHL Injuries, Winter Classic
PITTSBURGH — In a bit of a surprise, and in a bit of a gamble, Jordan Staal is coming off the injured list to make his season debut for the Penguins at the NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field on Saturday night.
Staal announced the news himself after the Penguins’ morning skate at Consol Energy Center. The Winter Classic has been moved to an 8:00 PM start time Saturday because of rain and unseasonably warm temperatures in Pittsburgh during the day.
The 22-year-old center missed the opening of the 2010-11 season with a foot infection. When he was cleared to skate after recovering from the injury, he suffered a broken hand in practice. After a full week of practice with the team during the holidays, Staal will make his return in the unique setting of an outdoor game at Heinz Field in prime time.
“I’m ready to go,” he said.
The second overall pick in the 2006 draft, Staal is regarded as one of the best defensive forwards in the game and had 21 goals and 28 assists for the Penguins last season, his fourth in the NHL.
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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/01/jordan-staal-to-make-season-debut-in-nhl-winter-classic/
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