NHL Winter Classic 2011: Pittsburgh's Jordan Staal Shines, Conner Must Stay

The Pittsburgh Penguins' overall performance in their losing effort in the 2011 NHL Winter Classic was subpar, further adding to a disappointing night for the both the fans and players of the Pens.

Some are using the weather as an excuse (a very poor excuse) and the disallowed goal which deflated the Pens chances of tying the game when the score was still within reach.

Regardless of the reasons, the Pens didn't deserve the win because they didn't play like they wanted to win.

Most notably, a problem is in the air when Jordan Staal, the Selke-finalist who had neither played a game this season nor partaken in training camp, severely outplayed and outworked his teammates.

Head coach Dan Bylsma was very adamant in his press conference on the 31st that Staal would be a game-time decision; however, his tone, in my opinion, alluded to him sitting for the contest.

It would have been a disappointing announcement for Staal, who was particularly spirited during Friday's public practice.

In their regular shootout competition, the Pens duked it out in front of a happy crowd that saw Staal at the losing end.

As punishment, Staal was required to run up the steps of Heinz Field to the top of section 527, touch the sign, and come back down. I'm sure the team and fans watched with the hopes that Staal would remain on his feet and not allow something catastrophic happen to him that would further delay his return.

Most importantly, there was a smile on Staal's face that hasn't been there in recent months. He felt ready to play and was now under the mercy of Bylsma.

The announcement that Staal would play came following the Pens' morning practice on the game day.

During the game, Staal was incredibly noticeable and looked like he picked up where he left off prior to the skate slashing incident with PK Subban. His penalty kill minutes totaled 1:15, obviously not up to the numbers he would usually post but Bylsma certainly wasn't going to throw Staal into the lion's den on his first game back. He logged a total of 14:38 minutes which was much higher than many anticipated.

Surely, a reward for his hard work.

Staal was noticeable every time he took the ice and played in a way that made me forget he was injured for the past few months. He played a simple and smart dump-and-chase game that yielded few glaring mistakes.

It was a good sign for the rest of the team, but the fact that he was one of the most impressive Penguins on the ice was not a good sign for the rest of the team.

The Pens didn't give the Caps much to fight for in their most recent match, while the Caps fought for the two points as if a series elimination was on the line.

As a team, they played very flat hockey with very little spark.

Any spark present in the game, outside of Evgeni Malkin's goal, came from some dramatic Marc-Andre Fleury saves and Staal's heroic comeback. The catch was that a spark was taken away when the healthy scratches were announced before the start of the game.

I'm talking about Chris Conner.

Conner, who has spent his stint in the NHL on an inspiring third line with Mark Letestu and Tyler Kennedy affectionately referred to as the Buzz Line, has played a solid all-around game of hockey. As a line, the three players have become a high-energy group often utilized when the Pens need a boost.

However, when Staal was announced to play in the Winter Classic, it meant there would be an odd man out.

Bylsma chose Conner, which proved to be a poor decision.

Throughout the 12-game winning streak and recent mini slump, Conner has played consistently, generating chances from behind the goal line and in the corners despite his small stature.

His ability to click with Letestu and Kennedy has greatly benefited the Pens, especially when "getting to their game" is something the team isn't doing.

While Conner was cooling his heels, Arron Asham spent 4:37 on the ice and only registered a hit. In a high-energy game, the Pens could have used their high-energy and speedy player.

Even with Staal's return, Conner has proven to be an integral part of the team and deserves to stay up with the team in a permanent position. After, the Pens have lost both games in which he was the healthy scratch.

In the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, I hope to see Conner return to the lineup where he belongs, even if it isn't on a line with Letestu and Kennedy.

Laura Falcon is a Featured Columnist for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Follow her on Twitter or email her at [e-mail] with any comments or questions.