HOLTY’S BLOG: Out of Nowhere

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Getting down 2-0 every night isn’t a recipe for success, but hey it’s working this week.

And yes, I know the blog comes out on Thursdays, but midweek games are for the birds and as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.

Now for the blog…

– Here are the glorious 4K highlights from last night

– Two takeaways. 1) The play made by Hamilton to Rattie on the power play was phenomenal. 2) Rattie of course will get the spotlight for scoring three, but I thought it was his play away from the puck and then his tenacity at going to the net on a couple occasions that eventually led to his success.

– The Condors were 4-21-2-1 last year when trailing after two periods last season. They’re 2-0-0-0 this week.

– Also, the team came into the week with a -6 (8-2) goal differential in the third period this season. They scored nine unanswered third period goals and are now 11-8 to the good in that department.

– Remember when everyone freaked out at the Condors power play being 0/17? The team is 5/14 (35.7%) over the past three games including two on the man advantage last night. It’s up to 18th in the league at 16.1%.

– More importantly, the Condors finally had a clean game on the PK. In my mind, I’d rather have a dominant penalty kill and an OK power play than the other way around. Giving up power play goals is just deflating.

– Back-to-back solid goaltending performances from Ellis and Pasquale this week. If they continue at that level over the course of the season, the Condors will be just fine.

– Ethan Bear received the Kern Trophies Condor of the Month award last night. Well deserved honor. In my pre-game chat with Gerry last night, he listed Bear as day-to-day after taking a hit on Wednesday night.

– I’ll level with you here: it’s a little strange to be 2-0 on a week at home and have a Friday off. Big game on Saturday to turn an already good week into a great week.

– Speaking of, the USA hats are in and they’re great. Credit to the team as well for their donation to local veterans and military. And of course a special shoutout to loyal reader of the blog and my favorite veteran, my dad Ronnie.

– LOCK OF THE WEEK? Patriots are off this week. There is no decent college football on. So let’s head south to San Diego. The Breeders Cup is this weekend at Del Mar. And I have an upset special for you in the Classic. “West Coast” trained by Bob Baffert, ridden by Mike Smith, on the sunny shores of Southern California where there surf meets the turf?!?! Upset city! He’s 6-1 morning line.

Until next time Condorstown…

Ryan Holt aka Holty is in his 7th season as Voice of the Condors. He’s a little upset he can’t get down for the Breeders Cup this weekend. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense.