On Saturday night, Troy Stecher was an unlikely hero for the Edmonton Oilers, but he thought he was close to getting benched.
It was certainly a game of extreme ups and downs for the journeyman defenceman. Stecher took a brutal penalty in the third period of last night’s game, allowing the St. Louis Blues to cut the Oilers lead to 3-2.
After making the shameful skate from the penalty box back to the Oilers bench, Stecher was sure he would get benched for the penalty. Yet, he got the call from Oilers assistant coach Paul Coffey to head back onto the ice, and he took advantage of the opportunity, potting his first goal since he was traded to Edmonton, which was at least the season’s trade deadline.
It was the insurance marker that helped the Oilers take home a 4-2 victory.
“I thought my night might be over,” Stecher told reporters after the game. “[Coffey] put me back out there and just slung one onto the net, and good things happen when you put pucks on net.”
FIRST AS AN OILER FOR TROY STECHER!! 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/hebdPm4jcL
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 8, 2024
It’s been quite a while since Stecher scored an NHL goal. The last time he beat an NHL goaltender was December 11, 2023, when he was a member of the Arizona Coyotes. Stecher isn’t known for his goal-scoring abilities, but going through such a long, goalless stretch is bound to be difficult.
“It feels good. I’m obviously not known for that,” Stecher said. “You work every day in practice and throughout the game. Different moments, you try to contribute and help out.
“I’m happy it went in. It ended up being a big goal.”
“Thought my night might be over. Confidently back out there & just flung one to the net. Good things happen when you put pucks on net.”
Troy Stecher on scoring his first #Oilers goal after taking a penalty in the third period.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/wjSpfZ8H1R
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 8, 2024
The Oilers have had plenty of issues scoring goals this season, but with Stecher finally finding a way, it looks like the team’s fortunes could finally be turning.
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