We all know that everyone is going to be talking about the Ovechkin vs. Crosby match-up all series. With both of them netting their own respective hat-tricks in Game 2, you know it’s only going to get worse. When we joke about this series being Gary Bettman’s wildest dream—this is what we were talking about. Even MAINSTREAM media might pay attention! Can you imagine? (Edit: this introduction was written before I was bombarded with the greatness of OvieCros. It’s already been addressed)
Steckel is the kind of guy that every good team needs...
But of the 7 goals that were scored, I want to focus on the one that was NOT scored by OvieCros. The tiebreaking goal—as it were—was scored by 3rd line grinder David Steckel. People that follow the Capitals game in, game out know the value of his play to their teams’ success. But I thought I’d throw out a little back-story on the guy that has more goals in the series so far than Evgeni Malkin. I said it when he scored his goal in Game 1 and repeated myself in Game 2. David Steckel = Scoring Machine. Ok, not really.
First and foremost, I should explain that I’ve followed him throughout his professional career. Steckel was a 1st round draft pick by the Los Angeles Kings in 2001—and is a perfect example of why the Kings are picking 5th in the upcoming draft this summer and why the Capitals are up 2-0 in the Eastern Semis. I’m not saying he’s the main reason for their success, but he’s definitely a contributing factor.
Let’s look back at the gross mismanagement of Steckel’s first few years as a professional. After being picked in the 1st round by the Kings; he continued his development at THE Ohio State University. After using up his 4 years of eligibility, he played a year for the Manchester Monarchs. That’s it—after using a precious 1st round pick on him and only seeing him for a single season in their AHL system, the Kings let him walk as a free agent. Of course, we all know the Kings are so successful, they have little need for 6’5” 1st round draft pick that have an NHL upside.
As fate would have it, the coach of the Hershey Bears (the Capitals AHL affiliate) just so happened to be one Bruce Boudreau. The reason that this was a stroke of good luck was because Boudreau was previously Steckel’s head coach in the AHL for the Manchester Monarchs. Boudreau knew what Steckel brought to the table and convinced the Capital’s organization that the big 3rd liner with some speed was worth an investment.
After a season with the club in Hershey in 2005-2006, Steckel made the Capitals for the 2006-2007 season. Just as had been the trend with Steckel’s development, he showed signs that he belonged—but also struggled making the transition to the NHL game.
“It’s taken me each [stop] of my professional career a year to get acclimated” –David Steckel
Still, he was a member of a team that went to the playoffs last season and was told that more would be expected of him this season.
Again, Steckel has stepped up to the challenge. He’s been one of their best face-off guys all season and is undoubtedly their best defensive forward. He’s expected to take the ice in all situations during the game—whether it’s a big faceoff at the end of the game or an important penalty kill. And with all of those expectations, he’s taken the opportunity and ran with it!
These days, he’s filling an important that all good teams have—he’s a talented 2 way center on Washington’s “stopper” line. He has the speed to keep up with the fastest NHL stars in the league while possessing the size to match-up with the biggest and strongest the Eastern Conference has to offer. Throw in his penalty killing abilities and his strength in the face-off circle and it’s easy to see that he’s one of the most underrated players on a team packed with superstars.
We always hear about those expected superstars like Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Tavares making the jump to the NHL—but more often than not, its Steckel’s journey that is the norm. No matter who you’re rooting for in these NHL playoffs, you have to pull for guys like David Steckel that have had the potential and the talent, but have added the work-ethic to make a dent in the NHL. I know I’m happy he’s succeeding in the playoffs—I just wish he was doing it for the Kings!
Matt Reitz is the Editor-In-Chief here at ViewFromMySeats.com and former NHL Writer for ProHockeyTalk on NBCSports. When he’s not shoving a mic in the face of NHLers or explaining why home teams should wear white, he’s usually trying to figure out what song to play next on his iPod. It’s a never-ending job.
