Oilers veteran gets brutally honest on being scratched in playoffs
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Oilers veteran defenceman Troy Stecher will be a candidate to be healthy scratched with Mattias Ekholm returning from injury, but even then Stecher knows it's for the good of the team.
Ekholm spoke to media today and revealed that he feels fully ready to go, describing his return as imminent. It seems he will draw into the lineup for Game 4.
Oilers defenceman Troy Stecher understands if he's scratched for Mattias Ekholm
Troy Stecher has been one of the great success stories of Oilers depth players this playoffs. The 5'10, 31 year old defender was out of the Oilers lineup to star the playoffs, but has played incredibly well since being added.
However, now the Ekholm's return, it's possible Stecher is once again sitting on the sidelines - and it won't be deserved based on his play. Even then Stecher understands the decision, and only wants the Oilers to win.
I want him healthy and I want him to help us win. He's a better player than I am. That's just the reality of the world.
I don't want to talk poorly (of anyone), but my time in Vancouver, we weren't very good. And my time in Arizona, we weren't very good. My time in Detroit, we weren't very good. I just want an opportunity to play on a contender.
- Troy Stecher
I don't want to talk poorly (of anyone), but my time in Vancouver, we weren't very good. And my time in Arizona, we weren't very good. My time in Detroit, we weren't very good. I just want an opportunity to play on a contender.
- Troy Stecher
It's incredible to see just how selfless Stecher is, even relinquishing his spot in the lineup if it gives the team a better chance to win. He's a depth player that's certainly had to deal with this in the past, but it must sting more in the playoffs with his recent quality play.
Stecher may get some good news though if the Oilers decide to run 11 forwards and 7 defenceman upon his return. He's played well enough to keep his spot in the lineup, and much more minutes than forward Trent Frederic.
Even better for Edmonton, the Oilers have Stecher signed for next season at league minimum.
Overall though, it's incredible to see the selflessness of Stecher, willing to sacrifice his own ice time if it's for the betterment of the team.
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 905 ANSWERS Oilers veteran gets brutally honest on being scratched in playoffs Do you think the Oilers should run 11/7, or 12/6 when Ekholm returns? | ||
| 11/7 | 643 | 71 % |
| 12/6 | 262 | 29 % |
| List of polls | ||
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