Wild's system suits Belanger

Some Wild players have found it more difficult than others to adapt to the new ideas espoused by coach Todd Richards. Eric Belanger has been a quick study, thanks to a sweet taste of déjà vu.

During his time in Atlanta three years ago, Belanger became familiar with the less-rigid style of play Richards is implementing in Minnesota. He found it suited him there -- and he's thriving again this season, with four goals and eight assists through 14 games. Last weekend, Belanger scored in both of the Wild's back-to-back victories, highlighted by his game-winner at Pittsburgh in the Wild's first road triumph of the season.

The center is in the final year of a three-year contract. His desire to sign a long-term deal with the Wild -- and to keep his place on a scoring line -- have made him determined to turn a swift start into a strong season.

"This is a big year for me,'' said Belanger, 31, who is tied with Mikko Koivu atop the team's scoring chart. "It's always a motivation when you're in the last year of your contract, and the role I'm in now is suiting me very well.

"The way we played in Atlanta was similar, and I'm seeing a lot of the same things. We're moving a lot, and I feel like I have more freedom in the offensive zone. Now that I've gotten the opportunity to have a second-line role, I hope to be there for a long time."

Belanger is meshing well with linemates Martin Havlat and Petr Sykora in a trio with serious scoring potential. But he's also been solid on defense, reliable on special teams and proficient as a lefthander in the faceoff circle.

In his first two seasons with the Wild, Belanger started the season in an offensive role, then was moved to a checking line by coach Jacques Lemaire. He prefers being more involved on offense, but Richards appreciates Belanger's ability to do many things well.

"He's a guy I look for in every situation: power play, penalty kill, 4-on-4, 5-on-5," Richards said. "He's been valuable."

At this week's practices, the Wild found something that had been sorely absent: levity. Last weekend's victories broke the stress created by a string of losses, giving way to workouts punctuated by jokes and laughter.

The improved mood contributed on the business end, too. With the emotional load lightened, the players threw themselves into a lively, productive practice on Tuesday. Richards was itching to get back to teaching after a challenging stretch of seven games in 11 days, knowing the Wild won't sustain its progress without repetition.

"The mood around the locker room and on the ice feels completely different," Richards said. "But we can't think everything's fine now that we've won two in a row. The teams that know how to win have learned they have to prove themselves every single day."

Goaltender Josh Harding skated for the first time since he was sidelined because of lower-body soreness last week. Though he didn't go all-out, Harding said he feels good and is eager to work his way back into action. Richards said he is unsure when the goalie will be ready to play, but Anton Khudobin, who was called up from Houston to fill in during Harding's absence, was sent back to the AHL affiliate.

Andrew Brunette took a second day off from practice to give his body a break, but the Wild's leading goal-scorer will return to the ice today. Defenseman Kim Johnsson, out because of an upper-body injury, is progressing slowly and probably will be out another two weeks or so.