Updated 3/8: Sundstrom, Persson are expected to return to the lineup.
Standings do not lie
It's getting late.
No hiding from the trends of the 2012-13 Bridgeport Sound Tigers, enough games have been played since October to identify them.
Head Coach, Scott Pellerin, does not seem to be able to put an imprint of his own on this team that stands out. Whether or not he plays Jack Capuano's system has not been stated as with past head coaches, but likely given Isles staff, and Capuano himself spending time in Bridgeport during lockout.
Bottom line two seven game losing streaks usually write the defining story of a season at any level.
The league or conference leading goals against
have been a season long issue regardless who's in goal.
Nino Niederreiter since
his agent spoke has largely been a non-factor (which goes beyond production but
involvement) most games, even with a few deflection goals. Anyone who watches/listens can see/hear the difference. Sure it could be the injuries on the club or the grind of his first full season where he has not missed significant time, still anyone who follows Bridgeport has noticed.
Brock Nelson is
showing signs he's finally getting back his game since his injury, much more
involved in recent games. Seems Jack Combs is forward most involved lately.
Kirill
Kabanov obviously with his injury, has not adjusted to this level
yet.
With John Persson/Johan Sundstrom out, Cizikas/Ullstrom gone, with injury
to Brock Nelson that's a lot of offense to lose so that could have also played into things for Niederreiter.
Mike Halmo's offense has not
translated to this level. Cizikas was -15 with Bridgeport, Ullstrom
+11, Colin McDonald -9 so there are trends in numbers that make them less important.
On defense Matt Donovan has been solid, Aaron Ness has played well, but as a unit
defensively this Sound Tiger team does not stand up to opposing pressure well
most games or take back momentum easily.
Jon Landry has been a nice story. Ty
Wishart has not shown major progression statistically.
Anders Nilsson's illness is a huge story with the loss of Calvin deHaan.
Kevin Poulin's largely ineffective play
reflects defensive problems combined with some poor performances.
Rick DiPietro
needs this work desperately.
The numbers ahead do not lie for the 2012-13 Bridgeport Sound Tigers, for any chance this team needs to go on a serious run of wins, they have to be able to earn points in games they do not score more than a goal or two.
Bridgeport has to play at a level. they have not shown capable of doing for long stretches to make that kind of run possible.
Overall I do not see a playoff spot for this team. There have been moderate signs the defensive game is improving, however it seems the best players (veteran/prospects) for other teams have been better than Bridgeport's when two points are on the table.
This team also surrenders goals in huge bunches, they have struggled to find offense.