SUNRISE, FLA. – Wild center Eric Staal was confident in his skills.
But after a lull in 2015-16 in which he split 13 goals among the Hurricanes and Rangers after New York acquired him via trade, the 33-year-old still felt he had to prove himself.
He just had to figure out where to send this message.
And nearing the midway point of Year 2, it looks like Staal made the right call in choosing Minnesota as the backdrop for his resurgence.
"They gave me every opportunity like they said they would," he said. "I'm trying to do my best to run with it, and I will continue to try to do that."
After his third three-point showing of the season Tuesday in a 6-4 win over the Senators, Staal led the Wild in points (31), assists (17), shots (105), shorthanded goals (two) and multipoint games (eight), while tying for first in goals (12).
Those contributions have been essential, especially amid injuries to the forward group, but they also underline another critical asset — his consistency, a hallmark of Staal's career as a five-time 30-goal scorer and Stanley Cup champion that may have dipped two seasons ago but is clearly back in full force.
"You need that affirmation that you're a good player, and I think he got it here at the beginning of last year," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "And then he ran with who he is, and he's continuing it."