Mid Season Update

by Paddywan Sat Jan 21, 2012 7:36 am

The team is 4 games beyond the halfway point of the season and things look very different that the early season struggles suggested. After a league record 17 game winning streak the Shamrocks have returned more sustainable form. They are 8-2-3 since the streak ended and currently lead the league in points and are the only club + .700 in point percentage. However while a 17 game winning streak would cause most GM's to stick with the team they have. GM Paddywan has been working hard to improve the team to go one better than last year and reclaim the King's Cup. Rich Peverely has returned to the team to add depth to the 3rd line. While the Shamrocks top line includes two of the leagues best players. There aren't as many "superstars" on the Shamrocks roster as the teams they will be competing with for the cup. The team is clearly seeking to build some depth throughout the 2nd and 3rd lines so they can help boost the teams scoring. There are rumours of another deal in works but nothing has yet been reported.

The power-play has been targeted as an area that needs work. While the Shamrocks are in the middle of the pack percentage wise they play a disciplined style and their average powerplay weakens their ability to take advantage of that. Again Ryan Miller is playing backup to the new guy as Stephen Valiquette has emerged as the teams number 1 goal-tender. It's becoming a common trend that Miller is surpassed by his understudies and with two exceptional prospects in the pipeline there are rumours that Miller is finally seeking an exit to obtain the starting job he feels he deserves.

In other news while throughout the off-season there as a clear policy of trading for youth it is the team's elder statesman Jason Arnott who is the surprise of the year. Arnott is tied for 3rd on the team in scoring just behind superstars Stephen Weiss and Mark Streit. He has surpassed last seasons point totals in half the amount of games. Shamrocks will be hoping if he is to retire as suspected at the end of this season Arnott will have added a second cup ring to his collection.