Although he didn't pan out with the Montreal Canadiens, Medicine Hat native Darren Dietz has found his stride in the KHL for Astana Barys.
The Habs' fifth-round pick (138th overall) notched 15 goals and 38 assists for 53 points in 62 regular season games in his second full season in Russia, which for a defenceman, are pretty notable numbers.
Dietz has carried over his offensive prowess into the playoffs, notching three goals in seven games.
In Game 7 of their first-round matchup, Astana Barys was tied 2-2 going into the third period against Torpedo. Dietz was interviewed and explained to a reporter that his teammates had 20 minutes to go out and win the final period, otherwise their season would be over.
Putting matters into his own hands, Dietz went out and buried the game-winner with eight minutes to play in the third period for his second marker of the game.
With the series victory, Astana Barys will now play Omsk Avangard, led by former NHL coach Bob Hartley, ex Habs David Desharnais and Alexi Emelin, as well as former NHLers Taylor Beck, Sergei Shirokov, Cody Franson, Max Talbot and Viktor Stalberg.
