Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal tied an NHL playoff record when he scored in each of the first five games of the Stanley Cup Final.
That led to him winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after the Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in a near-perfect Game 6 on Sunday, June 14. Carolina won the series 4-2 for their first Stanley Cup championship since 2006.
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At age 37, Staal became the oldest player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Beyond the goal streak and the record, Staal was a defensive stalwart in the playoffs, shutting down Vegas star Jack Eichel among others.
Staal’s streak, which ended in Game 6, tied him with Hall of Famers Yyan Cournoyer, Jean Beliveau, Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Fred “Cyclone” Taylor.
Staal picked up the second Stanley Cup title in his career. He also won with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, setting the mark for longest stretch between championships at 17 years. The previous mark of 16 years was held by Chris Chelios (1986 to 2002).
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He got to lift the Stanley Cup first this time as Hurricanes captain. He handed off to Frederik Andersen, who helped the Hurricanes reach the final with stellar play in the first three rounds.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Staal wins Conn Smythe Trophy after Hurricanes win Stanley Cup
