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Vancouver Canucks: 3 Positives About 5-4 Victory vs. Stars

By Janik Beichler

Nov 13, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Troy Stecher (51) scores against Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen (32) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Troy Stecher (51) scores against Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen (32) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Troy Stecher (51) scores against Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen (32) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Stecher’s First

Troy Stecher is already one of the Canucks’ top defensemen, and probably the one that has fans most excited. Like Ben Hutton last season, Stecher has few struggles adjusting to the pro game, and he could well end up in the Calder Trophy conversation.

After going scoreless in four AHL and six NHL contests, Stecher finally tallied his first professional goal — and it was a beauty.

At just 22 years old, Stecher looks like he has been in the league forever. He got the puck at the offensive blue line, deked past Jamie Benn — one of the best forwards in the world — and fired a slap shot at the net.

There are two things that really stand out about Stecher that were bundled in this goal.

While many rookies struggle to adjust and gain confidence at the pro level, Stecher has no doubt about his abilities. “I deked around Jamie who?” Stecher carries the puck with a lot of poise and he has the kind of confidence (and success rate) we wish to see from all Canucks.

Second, Stecher was tied for the team lead in shots on goal (4), and had nine attempts overall. That goes hand-in-hand with his confidence, but it is great to see him succeed in what he does as well.

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