Staal Scores Twice as Wild Beat Maple Leafs, 3-2

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Eric Staal signed with the Minnesota Wild ready to prove his skills hadn't diminished despite slipping to 13 goals in 83 games last season.

Through four games, Staal's scoring touch resembles the player who scored at least 30 goals in four of five seasons earlier in his career.

Staal scored twice and Minnesota recovered from another deficit to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on Thursday night.

"I never felt like I forgot how to play," Staal said. "I knew I could play and I've been in this league a long time. But I needed to come here and be ready in training camp, and be fit and hungry. I've done that, and now it's about continuing to build. It's only been four games."

Zac Dalpe scored his first for the Wild, and Devan Dubnyk stopped 31 shots.