Eric Staal quotes:

If our team is playing well and winning, it doesn't really matter to me if I am scoring points or not. For me though the more I can help offensively the better our chances are to win, so I just push myself to get better and hope it continues for the rest of the year.

Being compared to him [Ron Francis] is pretty cool for me, but I know I am a long way away. I feel really comfortable at center, being able to roam the ice and do your thing.

It's no fun losing a tooth or getting your face whacked by a stick.

I play hard and aggressive. I don't lay out the huge body checks because it's not really the style I play. But I love to be around the net and love battling corners and trying to dish pucks out.

The atmosphere at the different arenas has been pretty crazy. It's been a lot of fun coming to the rink every night and competing at this level and intensity. It's going to continue and get better.

Whatever I can do to help our team, whether it's defense or offense, I'm going to do it.

I want to be that counted-on guy to score goals.

I'll do whatever I can to promote the game.