HOLTY’S BLOG: FOCUS ON THE PROCESS

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Focus on the process. It’s been Gerry Fleming’s mantra since day one. I’ve always taken it to mean ride the highs and ride the lows the same.

After a loss last night, you may want to focus on the lows, but as I’ll remind you, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.

Now for the blog…

– First off, I’ve never met Jeff Blashill. But, I watch this video often. Every day is choice. You have a choice to get better and take a step towards greatness. Or you take a few steps back. Last night was a step back, but it has zero effect on tomorrow being an opportunity to take a step forward.

– Another thing to get straight. The Condors STILL control their own destiny. If Bakersfield wins its final five games in regulation (or overtime) then there will be playoff hockey. That’s not to say 5-0-0 is a necessity, because technically 1-4-0 could get the Condors in at this point, but it’s completely in the Condors hands.

– How do the Condors control their own destiny if they trail Stockton? It’s simple. Well, it’s fairly simple. Bakersfield plays Stockton once more in eight days. Thus, if Bakersfield went 5-0-0, Stockton would go 4-1-0 at best and Bakersfield would own the tiebreak.

– I thought Joe Gambardella was good last night and not just because he had two points. That line was effective below the goal line and he fit right in with Hamilton and Khaira, who are bigger bodies, but all three play similar games.

– Speaking of Hamilton, it was great to have him back in the lineup. I know it was killing him to be away from the ice.

– One of the guys who took on more a leadership role in his absence, Mark Fraser, had his second in as many games last night.

– We saw Gambardella make his pro debut last night and I would anticipate big d-man Ryan Mantha gets a look on this road trip as well. Not sure on D Ziyat Paigin (ZEE-yet) as he hasn’t played since February. But, he’s on the trip.

– The Oilers take on the Sharks tonight at the Shark Tank. I know many Condors fans and many of our corporate partners took in the game down in LA on Tuesday. It has been great to see how much interest there is in the Oilers now in Bakersfield even from those who once were Kings/Sharks/Ducks fans.

– I told you earlier in the blog that every day is a step towards being great. Well, today is off to a good start.

– Who wins the Masters? We do a Masters pool every year. I took Rory with my first pick (7/1), but I really wanted Jon Rahm (16/1). Go with Rahm.

Until next time Condorstown. Talk to ya on Friday from San Antonio.

Ryan Holt aka Holty is in his sixth season as Voice of the Condors. Breakfast is his favorite meal of the day. Follow him on Twitter @CondorsHolty for more nonsense or e-mail him with blog ideas, questions, and comments.