CHICAGO -- Thunder Bay's Eric Staal is part of an exclusive NHL club.
The Minnesota Wild forward on Sunday potted his 12th goal of the season, giving him 1,000 points in his career, just the 89th NHLer to reach the milestone.
"It's difficult sometimes reflecting in the middle of a season and a career. But four numbers is a lot of numbers and I'm obviously proud of that," Staal said after the game, as reported on the teams website. "I couldn't have gotten to this number without a lot of help, so many people and I think that's what you reflect on a lot in this kind of moment.
"And it would have been nicer in a win, but hopefully a few more left ahead of me for the next couple years but it's nice to get that one out of the way."
The first-period power-play goal came in a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks and gave him 429 in his career, tying Bill Guerin for 74th all-time.
Teammate Ryan Suter, who passed the puck to Staal, allowing him to tuck it under the crossbar, told Wild.com he was proud to be a part of the historic hockey moment.
"It worked out perfect that I was able to pass it to him," Suter said. "It couldn't happen to a better person. He is a class act on and off the ice, just a great person, a great parent and a great teammate. We're all really happy for him."
Staal has 12 goals and 14 assists in 34 games this season and has passed hall-of-famers Dave Keon and Paul Kariya already in 2019-20. Next up are Brian Propp (1,004) and Lanny McDonald (1,006). Other in reach this season include Pat Lafontaine, Rod Gilbert and Brian Bellows.
