New Oilers Defender Receives Glowing Review
Kris Knoblauch had great things to say about the Edmonton Oilers latest defenseman addition, Troy Stecher.
Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports - New Oilers Defender Receives Glowing ReviewEDMONTON -- Many have said, defense wins championships.
According to Kris Knoblauch, the Edmonton Oilers have added a quality defender to their team at the trade deadline. Knoblauch has primarily used the same six defenders for his entire time with the team.
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They have gotten lucky from an injury perspective this season - no major injuries to any NHL regulars. That kind of consistency has only benefitted the team. As the Oilers approach the end of the season, the focus is shifting to figuring out the best lineup configuration for the post season.
If his recent play is any indication, Troy Stecher is a prime candidate for more minutes in the coming weeks.
After their last game against the Buffalo Sabres, Knoblauch was asked to offer his thoughts on how Stecher has looked in his time with the Oilers. He acknowledged that transitioning to a new team can present some challenges, "for any new player it takes a while to get used to the systems - knowing where guys are, what his partner is calling, all of that communication."
Knoblauch has picked up on his Stecher's strengths and he outlined a few to the media, "he is a competitor, he moves really well on the ice, and transports the puck well."
"I thought he's been continually getting better and better."
When the Oilers are ready to insert Vincent Desharnais back into the lineup (potentially this weekend sometime), it will be interesting to see how they change the roster.
Knoblauch has gone on record saying that he doesn't want guys to be sitting very long - so I imagine that we will start to see some players rotating in and out for the final stretch of games.
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