HOLTY’S BLOG: MAKING A PUSH

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A four-game homestand gets underway this weekend and the Condors have just 16 games left in the regular season.

Also, I’m a little under the weather. So if the blog doesn’t make sense (or at least any more so than usual), that’s my excuse. And as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.

Now for the blog…

– We begin with the playoff picture. Ontario and Texas are in a virtual tie for third place. Bakersfield is nine points back of the Reign with 16 games left and the Condors have a game in hand.

– Sure, if this was the NHL, the Condors would have no shot. However, since Bakersfield plays Ontario four times the rest of the way and has a game in hand, the opportunity is still there.

– Breaking it down a little further, I think the number is still 23 points out of the final 16 games to have a shot. The Condors would need to do what they just did this past weekend and grab three of four points the rest of the way.

– Speaking of last weekend, I had a good chat with JF Houle on last night’s Insider on how the team was able to get through a successful weekend with 20 penalty kills. I joked with Gerry Fleming on the bus ride after Saturday that it was the greatest four goals against performance from a goaltender (Laurent Brossoit) I’ve ever seen. LB was a workhorse this past weekend.

– Gerry talked to the media yesterday about teams making runs. Some teams get off to hot starts, some teams are consistent all year, and others come on at the end to get themselves in. He didn’t see any reason why it couldn’t be this group.

– Bakersfield added two new faces to the fold this past week with the additions of F Colin Larkin and D Logan Day. Looks like at least Larkin will make his pro debut tomorrow against Stockton. As JF mentioned, healthy competition is a positive to keep guys performing well. Larkin was signed to an NHL deal (which kicks in next year) so he figures to be in the fold in Condorstown next season at some point.

– Speaking of the NHL, it’s been great to hear the positive reports on Ethan Bear from this past week in his debut with the Oilers. The bus nearly erupted when he came close to tying Saturday night’s game against the Rangers.

– Next Friday the 16th at 6 p.m. in the arena, Condors365 Members have the opportunity to sit down with Edmonton Oilers Senior VP of Hockey Operations Craig MacTavish as he gives an update on the Oilers, Condors, and what to look for in the future. He has four Stanley Cups and led the Oilers to their last Stanley Cup Final behind the bench. It’s a great chance to hear from a person in his position and certainly thanks to him for taking time to speak with everyone.

– David Gust scored again on Saturday and now has 11 as a rookie on a one-year AHL deal. Those 11 goals have come in just 44 games too.

– Josh Currie is on pace for another 20-goal year. Another guy on an AHL deal. He just keeps getting better. He could get past last year’s career high of 22 goals and his next point will match last year’s output. A 20-goal, 40-point season would be a season well done.

Until next time Condorstown…

Ryan Holt aka Holty is the Voice of the Condors in his 7th season. He’s one of two front office members to not take a sick day this year with Matthew Riley being the other. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or shoot him an e-mail at RHolt@bakersfieldcondors.com with questions, comments, or other blog ideas.