The Bakersfield Condors forwards have proven me wrong in the last five games including the whole team. The Condors have gone 4–1–0 in the last five games and they have scoring quite a bit in these games.
Forwards
The good news that’s come out of this record is the prospects have started to play better. Carter Savoie has been very noticeable in the last five games and he has scored one goal and two assists. The most enticing quality about Savoie is his forechecking. It’s now arrived back to how it was during this great streak earlier in the season. He had a bit of a cold streak earlier in February, but it seems now, he has come back to what he is good at. His hitting, forechecking, and ability to make skill plays in all facets of the zone has now become very consistent.
Some other good news that has arrived is Xavier Bourgault. In his last five games, Bourgault has gone -4 and has scored zero points. But last night, as the Condors are winning 6–1, he has scored his first goal in a while. This is good news because, after this goal by Bourgault, he has started to create more skill plays on the ice. Therefore, he may now start to get more points in the upcoming games.
Jayden Grubbe had 19 minutes in penalties tonight and, in his last five games, he has scored one goal and one assist. The rookie is still doing good. He has continued to touch every part of the game and he brings the energy Bakersfield needs in tough times. Grubbe has been very good during the season we will see if he continues to bring this play with more consistency.
Ty Tullio has continued his consistent play as he has now scored one goal and three assists in his last five games. He is actually on a four-game point streak now as he scored a goal last night. He’s kept his play in check and his hockey sense is so wonderful to watch on the ice. This is a prototypical playoff built warrior who has soft hands and great hockey IQ. He is getting close to being more than NHL ready. All will depend on how he does the rest of the season and the playoffs.
Here we go with the Crowning Jewel: Raphael Lavoie. He has scored a hat trick and he has reached the 20-goal plateau very quickly. Lavoie has now scored five goals and one assist in his last five games, and seven goals and three assists in his last 10 games. The kid keeps on bringing it to the ice whenever he plays. Whether it’s 5v5 or the power play, Lavoie brings the consistency needed that is way too good for the AHL and is ready for the NHL. His swagger is also becoming more consistent which is great to see. It is time for Lavoie to be in the NHL and get a shot at a top six spot. I’ve said this quite a bit. It is time he gets a chance!
Defence
Before this five-game streak of the Condors taking over, their defence and goaltending were playing very poorly. But, ever since that 7–3 loss, Bakersfield’s defence and goaltending have have allowed less than three goals in four of their last five games. That is a testament to how smart and tight their defence have been playing in front of their goaltenders.
Max Wanner has continued his solid play in the last five games. He has scored only one assist in these games but his minutes on the ice and solid defending has helped the Condors finish games off with wins. There has been a small dip in his play lately, but that may just be because he’s been forced to play quite a bit more due to the injury to Philip Broberg. He has started to adjust to how much he is playing now and this, in a way, is a good way for a prospect to develop.
Goaltending
Olivier Rodrigue has played in two of the last five games. In those two games, the top prospect goalie has gone 2–0–0 with a 2.65 GAA and a .925 save percentage. Rodrigue has continued his steady play and he has formed a great bond with Jack Campbell as both are now playing more of a 1A/1B role. This is pretty much how Rodrigue will start in the NHL so it is great to see him play good in this type of role.
The Condors have been on a roll and now we will see if they can keep these consistent winning streaks up!
