That Stecher goal isn't possible if Virtanen doesn't break-up the play in the defensive zone and then make time to look around before taking off. He was able to stop up and find the trailer because he knew he had teammates other than his far winger who were joining him on the rush.
Virtanen also lead the team in hits with a whopping 54 on the season. He's utilizing his large 6'1", 226 lbs frame to his advantage and making it very tough for opposing players to contain him. That physical play style has made him a perfect player to compliment the feisty Rousell and the skilled Adam Gaudette on the third line. This line has only played around 40 minutes together, but they're already been on the ice for six goals for and just one goal against.
When the Canucks manage to end their playoff drought, Virtanen will be a player to watch. We've seen it time and time again in the NHL postseason when players with physical prowess and goal-scoring ability end up making all the difference. After a long 82-game regular season, teams need guys behind their star players who can throw their weight around, win battles and get to the net to score dirty goals. Everything Virtanen has shown in the last three years indicates he's on track to becoming a very effective power forward.
Virtanen's play in the second half of the season will truly show how far he's come as a player, but he's improved his numbers in each of the past two years and is on track for his best season yet. Consistency is everything, and Virtanen is in the middle of his most productive NHL stretch to date where he's frequently relying on all the traits that made him such a highly touted NHL prospect over five years ago.