Since returning from a shoulder injury on December 22, Tim Stutzle has been on fire and gradually becoming head coach DJ Smith’s Swiss army knife.
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The 20-year-old German has picked up a point in each of his last seven games since returning to the lineup, scoring eight goals and 12 points. During that series, he averaged 22:51 on the ice and the Senators went 4-2-1.
Throughout the season, he tallyed 18 goals and 39 points in 35 games, averaging 20-25, including almost a minute shorthanded. So there’s no doubt that Smith is increasingly banking on Stutzle, who he sees ready to take on more responsibility.
“First he was given a few minutes to work on his career development,” Smith said Monday, according to the team’s official website. Whether it’s differential or sales, we’ve worked with him.
“But now he’s not getting free minutes, he’s earned them. He’s our best player almost every night, the one who controls the game the most. [Il évolue] on the power play, outnumbered, 4 to 4. He has good legs almost every night.
Smith also indicated he wouldn’t hesitate to use his attacker even more if the situation were favourable.
The Senators are expected to host the Nashville Predators Monday night.