The veteran forward has been a perfect addition for a Stars team with championship aspirations.
DALLAS - It hasn't taken Matt Duchene long to establish himself in North Texas.
Just check out his numbers over the last four games.
The 32-year-old forward has four goals and eight points during that span, and he's showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Duchene's overtime-winner on Tuesday night was the latest in a series of sequences that have showcased just how important a role he'll play in the Stars' fortunes this year.
With the snipe, the Haliburton, ON native became the sixth player in Stars-North Stars franchise history to register three winning goals in four contests.
"I’ve always been a Matt Duchene fan, but I’d be lying if I said I anticipated him playing at this level this early for us," said head coach Pete DeBoer. "That’s his game. He’s gotten to that game quickly with us, and he’s bringing it every night. Every time he steps on the ice, he wants the puck and he’s attacking and he’s dangerous. I can’t say enough about him. He’s been consistently probably our best player over the last two-and-a-half weeks."
Playing in between Mason Marchment and Tyler Seguin continues to pay dividends for Duchene, who has relished the opportunity to steadily build chemistry with the pair.
He appreciates everything about his new surroundings.
"This team is so good. The D move the puck better than any D corps I’ve ever played with. We’re coached that way. It starts there, and then we have the guys that can do it. My linemates are playing unbelievable. I have the puck a lot with time and space, and then that’s kind of what I need to play my game, so I give so much credit to those guys," praised Duchene. "It’s been easy to come in here. After the first few games, getting my feet wet and getting them under me, just playing with these guys has made it really easy. We’re so well coached, too. I can’t state that enough as well."
Sounds like a happy veteran.