- May 21, 2026
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The Stanley Cup Final always brings forth some of the most authentic moments in hockey, especially after a team has won and they let their guard down in celebration.
This is especially the case when family is involved. Sometimes they add to the player’s emotions, but sometimes the family has some funny lines which make the moment all the better.
That was the case on Sunday night as the Carolina Hurricanes celebrated their Stanley Cup win, as Jordan Staal found himself with his kids on the podium for a post-game interview, and one of his daughters decided to join in on the questioning.
“We’re going to go way back to the first game in the first [series],” Staal’s oldest daughter began. “Why did you punch that guy?”
Staal’s daughter is referring to the game-opening fight between the Canes captain and Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk in Game 1 of their first-round series. Both players got a few punches in, but Staal was the one able to throw down Tkachuk to “win” the fight.
“I’ll answer that later,” Staal responded.
The fight kicked off an unforgettable playoff run for the Hurricanes, who were finally able to conquer their Eastern Conference Final demons by knocking out the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Carolina then went on to win the Stanley Cup after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six, capped off with a flawless 3-0 win in Game 6.
Even though Staal already had a Stanley Cup under his belt, winning one in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, this year’s run will be equally memorable, especially with his Conn Smythe Trophy win. Staal had eight goals and four assists for 12 points in 19 games to win the trophy, including six goals in the Stanley Cup Final. He became the oldest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in the process.
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This is especially the case when family is involved. Sometimes they add to the player’s emotions, but sometimes the family has some funny lines which make the moment all the better.
That was the case on Sunday night as the Carolina Hurricanes celebrated their Stanley Cup win, as Jordan Staal found himself with his kids on the podium for a post-game interview, and one of his daughters decided to join in on the questioning.
“We’re going to go way back to the first game in the first [series],” Staal’s oldest daughter began. “Why did you punch that guy?”
Kids Say the Darndest Things!!
Funny Question from daughter of Carolina Hurricanes MVP & Stanley Cup Champ Jordan Staal after Beating the Vegas Golden Knights
“Why did you punch that guy” pic.twitter.com/b3Thwx3LAH
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) June 15, 2026
Staal’s daughter is referring to the game-opening fight between the Canes captain and Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk in Game 1 of their first-round series. Both players got a few punches in, but Staal was the one able to throw down Tkachuk to “win” the fight.
“I’ll answer that later,” Staal responded.
The fight kicked off an unforgettable playoff run for the Hurricanes, who were finally able to conquer their Eastern Conference Final demons by knocking out the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Carolina then went on to win the Stanley Cup after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six, capped off with a flawless 3-0 win in Game 6.
Even though Staal already had a Stanley Cup under his belt, winning one in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, this year’s run will be equally memorable, especially with his Conn Smythe Trophy win. Staal had eight goals and four assists for 12 points in 19 games to win the trophy, including six goals in the Stanley Cup Final. He became the oldest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in the process.
Continue reading...