Coach Alain Vigneault has been impressed by Marc Staal. "I think he's a guy this year that has improved throughout the year," Vigneault said. "We always knew he was a good defender and he's still one of the best defenders in the league in my opinion but he's also, this year, he's improved his puck decisions." He's played well on a pairing with Anton Stralman. Staal has two points and a plus-7 rating in eight games during this playoffs.