Staal matches last year's production in 42 fewer games

To say Eric Staal has found his game in Minnesota would be an understatement.

After agreeing to a three-year deal with the Wild, Staal headed to St. Paul in search of a fresh start after a few stale seasons in Carolina and a flop on Broadway following a late-season trade to the New York Rangers.

Wild coach Bruce Boudreau, also in his first season in Minnesota, raised the eyebrows of many with his offseason proclamation that Staal was due for a rebound with his new club.

"Maybe I'm out in left field, but I think Eric is going to have a great year," Boudreau said in August. "I think there's been circumstances for the last two years that haven't been well, but I am pretty sure that he is really excited about coming to Minny, and he is really excited about playing."

As it turns out, Boudreau was exactly right.

With an assist against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Staal tallied his 39th point on the season - the same production as a year ago, except he did it 42 games earlier.

Staal played one extra game last season following his trade to New York.