Q&A: Stankoven offers update on season ahead of 150th NHL game

Marty Hastings of CFJC Today spoke to Stankoven on Thursday [Jan. 15] afternoon.

The transcript of the interview has been edited for length:

MH: Last time we talked, before the season, one of the questions I asked you was about making the switch to centre. How has that transition been for you so far?

LS: It’s been great. Lots of learning. Lots of video with [head coach] Rod Brind’Amour and lots of teaching. It’s been an adjustment, but I think I’ve handled it fairly well and I’m just going to continue to grow in that spot and keep learning.

MH: What do you think the most challenging thing about it has been at the NHL level?

LS: Winning draws. Faceoffs have been the hardest thing so far. My faceoff percentage isn’t exactly where it needs to be, but it does take time. Coaches have been very patient and they understand that it’s not just going to click right away. It does take time.

MH: What’s it been like playing with Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake?

LS: It’s been awesome. I think our line has been working. The last few games have been tough, but we had a good stretch there beforehand, like four or five games where we were chipping in offensively. I’m really fortunate to be playing with two highly skilled guys.

MH: During that five-game point streak, what was clicking for you?

LS: Honestly, I didn’t change anything. I think during that stretch I had a lot of extra jump, extra legs, I guess you could say. And then I think just also just putting myself in good spots to shoot the puck. With my shot, I can find the back of the net.

MH: It seems like you really feed off having one good game and then, offensively, it can start to snowball.

LS: Yeah, I think it’s confidence, for sure. You’re not going to score every single game. But I think when you can get on runs like that and chip in when the team needs you… it’s just about finding that more consistently. And when you do have a dry spell, try and make it not quite as long.

MH: I watched your press conference after the Stars game, when you toe-dragged Mikko Rantanen and then the “Logan’s better!” chant was going on. What was that whole experience like?

LS: That was crazy. It was obviously a great feeling to find the back of the net against your old team, the team that traded you. It’s kind of ironic how it ended up being Rantanen, a superstar player, and I thought the chants were pretty cool. Obviously, it’s not true because he’s a world-class player, but I definitely felt the support and love that night.

MH: Did any of your teammates talk about it later?

LS: I remember the next day at practice I was going through a drill at the end or whatever and I heard a few guys in the background chanting, “Logan’s better!” or whatever, so that’s pretty funny. It’s funny how it happened in Kamloops, too, but yeah, it’s just a great fan base here and very supportive.

MH: So, March 4, knock on wood, you’re coming back to Vancouver. Is [Stankoven’s dad, Wes] firing up a bus, or will a bunch of people come out to watch this time?

LS: I think this time, just with how things worked out last year and me being traded, my dad’s not going to be involved as much figuring out tickets and whatnot. If people want to come, that’s great. If not, not a big deal. So, yeah, knock on wood, like you said, hopefully I’ll come back and play in front of friends and family and there’s a good crew of people there.

MH: You threw some numbers out before the season, some potential goals: 20 goals and 20 assists. Is that still something that you’re striving for?

LS: Yeah, totally. Yeah, I think it’s right there. That five-game stretch really helps. I’ll try and find a bit more consistency down the stretch.

by Marty Hastings

Q&A: Stankoven offers update on season ahead of 150th NHL game

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