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Staal resurrecting career in Minnesota

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports / USA TODAY Sports

Eric Staal is far from done.

Rewind to one season ago, and this assertion appeared to be weak. A disappointing 10 goals and 33 points in 63 games with the Carolina Hurricanes and an even more pitiful three goals and three assists in 20 games with the New York Rangers left the impression that Staal could no longer keep up in the NHL.

Well, get those thoughts out of your head, as the 32-year-old has found the fountain of youth in Minnesota.

Through 29 games this season, the newest member of the Wild has rekindled his lethal scoring touch.

With another two goals against the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, Staal pushed his season total to nine - one back of the team lead and just four shy of matching last year's total.

Meanwhile, his 22 points pace the Wild, his four game-winning goals are twice as much as the next-highest total on the club, and his 84 shots are far and away a team high.

Staal's new home and renewed scoring touch has him set to have his best season in years. At his current pace, he would eclipse the 25-goal mark, which would be his highest total since the 2010-11 campaign. He's also set to post 62 points this season, which would be his best single-season total since 2011-12.

Of course, it certainly helps to center both the team's top line and power-play contingent.

Coming off two straight seasons of regressed point production, Staal looks to be rebounding. New scenery, a new coach, and more skilled linemates are likely all factors.

After looking like his time could be limited in the league, the eldest Staal brother is back to firing at a clip we have grown accustomed to during his glory years as Hurricanes captain, and there appears to be no slowing him down.

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