TORONTO - It was a season to forget for Thunder Bay forward Eric Staal.
But he's making his presence felt when it matters most -- the NHL post-season.
Staal on Thursday night picked up an assist in Montreal's 2-1 win over heavily favoured Toronto in the opener of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series. It gives the 36-year-old 52 career playoff points, second all-time among players born in Fort William, Port Arthur or Thunder Bay, behind the 104 put up by Detroit Red Wings hall-of-famer Alex Delvecchio.
Dealt from Buffalo mid-season, Staal had the least productive season of his 17-year career, picking up just 13 points in 53 appearances.
Younger brother Jordan, who is just six goals behind the 35 scored by Delvecchio in the playoffs, returns to action on Friday night as the Carolina Hurricanes look to take a commanding lead over the Nashville Predators.
Thunder Bay's Robert Bortuzzo will also be back in action for the St. Louis Blues, who are looking to find the win column against the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche, who lead the series 2-0.
