The Edmonton Oilers have encountered a number of defensive challenges this season, continuously shuffling their pairings in quest of the correct mix. Amid these struggles, defenseman Troy Stecher made a robust case for a everlasting spot on the roster throughout a heated recreation towards the Philadelphia Flyers. Taking up a a lot greater opponent in a battle to face up for his goaltender, Stecher performed a key position in sparking a gritty comeback, main the Oilers to their first victory of the season.
Since coaching camp, the battle for the ultimate blue line spots is between Stecher, Travis Dermott, and Ty Emberson. With solely two accessible spots, one in every of these gamers is certain for the press field as a substitute of the bench. Stecher made a robust case on Tuesday that it shouldn’t be him.
For a lot of, it appeared apparent that Stecher, a 30-year-old veteran with practically 500 NHL video games underneath his belt, would earn a spot. After displaying promise in a handful of video games with the Oilers final season, he appeared the protected guess. Nonetheless, he began the season on the sidelines. Following two disappointing losses, he lastly made his method again into the lineup.
Stecher Makes a Big Influence With Huge Combat
Nobody actually landed a stable shot, however that didn’t matter. The actual fact the smaller Stecher was keen to tackle the larger Sean Couturier stated all that wanted to be stated. It was significantly impactful after a recreation towards the Calgary Flames the place Stuart Skinner was slashed and never a single Oiler did or stated a factor.
Oilers followers noticed a brand new aspect of Stecher throughout Tuesday’s emotion-fueled recreation. For the second recreation in a row, goaltender Skinner was focused after popping out to play the puck. Stecher took exception, dropping the gloves with the Flyers captain. Regardless of the quite giant measurement distinction, Stecher confirmed no worry.
It created a domino impact of emotion all through the Oilers’ lineup. Moments later, Corey Perry would additionally drop the gloves. From that time on, the closely favored, however underwhelming Oilers discovered one other gear. It in the end led to an time beyond regulation comeback victory.
It isn’t simply Stetcher’s willingness to battle that’s thrilling; his tenacity in puck battles is extremely useful. He performed with desperation, one thing the Oilers have been lacking this season. Proving himself as a participant the Oilers want, he’s displaying he’s somebody who can sustain in fast-paced video games and make an influence.
Not solely did Stecher play an enormous position in turning the tides in Edmonton’s favor, however he additionally helped create probabilities, probably cementing himself onto the roster. The Oilers look to proceed their successful methods and are hoping to totally dig themselves out of a sluggish begin in Thursday’s matchup towards the Nashville Predators. The way in which he performed, it’s probably Stecher will likely be within the lineup.
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