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New York Rangers' Marc Staal's Health Vital Down the Stretch
After a pair of uncharacteristically poor seasons, Marc Staal is playing closer to his usual level. Recently, he missed nine games with an upper-body injury. Staal’s health will be crucial late in the Rangers’ season.
As most know, Marc Staal owns an extensive injury history. He only played two full seasons in his NHL career, and this season is similar to the rest. Staal recently missed nine games with an upper body injury. This absence helped show how important he is to the team.
Staal played in 42 of the Rangers 51 games this season. The Rangers have posted a 27-14-1 record with Marc Staal in the lineup. As for the nine missed games, the Rangers won five and lost four, lower than their usual standards.. Staal averages between 17 and 20 minutes of ice time per game and has an impact in almost every game, be that in his standard or his penalty kill play.
Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Both Staal’s standard stat line and underlying line show his improved play from his previous two seasons. Insofar, Staal has three goals and three assists for six points.
While that is not necessarily impressive, Staal’s +10 rating and above career average shooting percentage help his case.
Staal’s possession numbers are not all that great this season, but they are a much welcome improvement from seasons past.
Currently, Staal has a CF% of 47.1 and a FF% of 47.98. Last season, in 77 games, Staal put up a CF% of 45.3 and a FF% of 45.9. The last positive possession season Staal had, was the 2013-2014 season, in which he put up a CF% of 54.5 and FF% of 53.8.
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Marc Staal also brings plenty of intangibles to the ice. He adds an extra layer of depth, providing a veteran presence to the middle pairing. Over the years, he has shown his willingness to play physically on the puck holder, especially in the playoffs. However, that is not to say Staal never uses his long reach and strong stick work to knock the puck loose.
The Rangers have a tough schedule leading into the post season. Marc Staal has been an integral part in building the Rangers’ strong record. The Rangers need Staal to stay healthy in this final stretch; his physical, defensive play is always sorely missed when he sits out of the lineup.
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