Article content

Ben Hutton was asked about the most minutes he logged at the University of Maine.

“We didn’t even track minutes — so I’m not even sure,” the Vancouver Canucks’ defenceman laughed Monday. “If I play 26 or 28 minutes here that’s great, as long as I have the legs to play.”

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Canucks' Hutton, Stecher too young, energetic to let more minutes bog them down Back to video

Troy Stecher was asked if he was sucking air Saturday in the mile-high altitude of Denver, where the Canucks posted a 3-2 shootout decision.

“I’ve only played 13 games, so my adrenalin is pretty high and that kind of carries me through most games,” said the Richmond native. “I’ve got young legs.”

Hutton, 23, logged a career-high 26:02 against the Colorado Avalanche and Stetcher, 22, did the same with his 24:30. Those numbers speak to durability and dedication of the sophomore and rookie, who must now soak up more minutes in the absence of the injured Alex Edler (fractured finger) and Chris Tanev (ankle).

“That’s huge,” said Hutton. “They play big minutes for us and this is something you never want. But some guys are going to have to step up. We’re going to have to stay in our structure and keep it simple and let the game come to us.