The Bulldogs are struggling right now. It’s a tough situation because they’ve all been close games, but a 5 game losing streak is still a 5 game losing streak.
The visual nature of the losing streak is made even worse by the fact that several of the games have been broadcast nationally on Sportsnet.
Sylvain Lefebvre was working on the powerplay this morning, trying two new units. The supposed first wave seems extremely odd, as he’s put Gabriel Dumont between Michael Blunden and Stefan Chaput, with Nathan Beaulieu and Patrick Holland on the point. There really isn’t a lot of scoring talent among that set of forwards, and it’s especially confusing when the second wave is Alexander Avtsin with Louis Leblanc and Brendan Gallagher. That line is to be backed up by Frederic St-Denis and Brendan Nash. Putting Gallagher and Leblanc together sounds good, but I don’t see the point of loading up on talented forwards on one PP unit and not giving them your top PP defense pairing.
Anyway, it seems that Avtsin is finally back in the lineup after an extended hiatus, which means that either Zack Stortini or Kyle Hagel are likely out, which is always a good thing.
Greg Pateryn has begun skating with the Bulldogs again, wearing a no-contact jersey today. Nearing a return, his presence should really help the Bulldogs’ defense situation. Blake Geoffrion and Aaron Palushaj are still out.
Cedrick Desjardins should get the start in goal for Hamilton.
The game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet One nationally at 7:30PM EST.
