The Bulls Look To Snap Three Game Skid Against Last Place Condors: Game Preview
San Francisco Bulls v Bakersfield Condors, February 9, 2013 – Photo courtesy of Mike Tkacheff via the San Francisco Bulls Web Page – SFBulls.com
The Bulls are looking to snap a three game losing streak as travel to Bakersfield to take on the last place Condors. The Bulls (24-36-8) sit 10 points behind Utah with just four games and look to locked into the eight seed of the playoffs, while Bakersfield (21-43-5) are on the outside looking in as the lone team to not make western conference playoffs. The Bulls are coming off of a four to one defeat at the hands of the Stockton Thunder. The Condors have their own three game losing streak as their offense has just three goals in their last three games. Bakersfield took the last meeting between these two teams in a four to two victory. The Bulls own the season series with a 6-3-1 record.
The Bulls have struggled recently, especially on offense as they have just four goals in their previous three games. A lot of that is to do with the recent shake up in the roster. They have lost their two top scorers to the AHL with the recent promotions of Dean Ouellet and Peter Sivak. Also, the Bulls have been without Tommy Grant, who was suspended for two games for his match penalty in the game against Utah. They have had an infusion of new names in forwards Daultan Leveille, Nick Czinder, and Brett Findley. Daultan Leveille and Nick Czinder have made an instant impact as they both have a two game point streak. Another reason for the lack of offense is the lack of success on the power play as they have a single goal in their last 13 attempts, including a current zero for 10 stretch in their last two games. In addition to the lack of scoring the Bulls have allowed 12 goals in the previous three games. Taylor Nelson has 76 saves on 87 shots over his last three games for an 87 percent save percentage and a 3.7 goals against average.
The Condors have struggled as of late. Bakersfield has been out scored eight to three during their current three game losing streak. Erik Burgdoerfer has had the hottest stick on the team during their current slump as the only player with more than two points over the three game stretch. Burgdoerfer has six points in his last 10 games to lead the team over that period. Condors’ goalie Brian Stewart has played well despite his teams lack of offense. Stewart has 81 saves out of 88 shots faced over his last three starts for a 92 percent save percentage and a 2.3 goals against average. Stewart is looking for his team to provide him with some offensive support
The Bulls should be able to bounce back in tonight’s game as they take on a limping Condors squad. They need to prove that they are a good enough to handle the teams they should beat and they are definitely the better squad in tonight’s contest. A win in tonight’s game will go a long way in providing the Bulls with some confidence as they head into the playoffs.