Victory hit choppy waters as the Pirates continue to plunder

With Supremo Buff being distracted by golf pants and rewiring his direct X drive thingy in Cambridge the franchise has cooled off in recent weeks. None the less the pro team sits just four points off the fourth and final Federov seed currently held by rivals the Stevenage Beefs.

Not long ago goaltending appeared to the issue. Buff was rumoured to be in negotiation with six different goaltenders at one stage with a barrage of offers heading his way for the maligned Illya Bryzgalov and some interest in the talents of Cam Ward. Moments before a deal was due to be signed off farm team head coach Andy Murray indicated the solution might lie within the organisation. Buff was persuaded to take a gambit on veteran Jason Lebarbera who had been frozen out in the minors. JL has gone 4-0-1 in eight games with save % .919 and a GAA 2.42. Back up Josh Harding’s play has noticeable improved as well (0.902%, 2.59GAA).

Still the teams recent 2-1-3 record with just one regulation win is unacceptable as the Victory chase their first play-off appearance. They have made things harder on themselves with a punishing schedule approaching. Once the games against the Scarabs, Beefs and Buttercups are out the way, all who dominated the Victory have recently, the team faces 18 back to back games in a row. This period will likely determine the teams overall standing come season end.

Down in Portsmouth the sea is much calmer. The team currently occupy the 3rd seed in the conference and have a win % far superior to any of their chasing rivals. The team is enjoying a six game winning streak, their second longest of the season, including two shut outs in the last three games. Brett Connolly, the franchise’s first ever draftee, is enjoying another stellar season leading the team in goals (21), power play goals (8 ), game winning goals (6) and forwards in hits (92). The Pirates must not become complacent as it is important to secure the 3rd place seed in order to avoid the dominating Baby Beefs.