Oilers Prospect Update: Positive signs from AHL Condors despite losses in three of four<\/p>\n
Since the last update<\/a>, the Bakersfield Condors have dropped three out of four games. Now sitting at a 3-3-1 record through seven games (only one of the losses has been by more than a goal), they sit in fifth place in the Pacific Division. So far, the main issue leading to losses is the defensive play of the whole team. Much like their parent club, the Condors have had way too many breakdowns defensively not to raise an eyebrow seven games into the season.<\/p>\n To be fair, the whole roster is pretty unfamiliar with each other, as they had a lot of turnover in the offseason. However, time and time again, they are giving up the greater number of chances in games right now. Both Matt Tomkins and Connor Ingram have put together some good performances, but due to the number of breakdowns this team has had early in the season, their numbers make it look like goaltending is the problem. Now, can the goaltenders make a timely save? Sure. But in one game alone against the Colorado Eagles, I believe I counted four breakaways against, and that doesn\u2019t even factor in the odd-man chances they also generated. There has to be progress defensively, as well as smarter, timelier plays with the puck.<\/p>\n Enough of the negative stuff. There have been positive signs with the team, and the most eye-popping one is the amount of pure skill this roster is filled with. From a veteran like Seth Griffith to youngsters like Viljami Marjala and Quinn Hutson, the Bakersfield Condors have players who can make a game-changing play on any night. The roster plays extremely fast and confidently (sometimes too confidently), which is a good sign. They try to make well-connected plays up the ice instead of resorting to dumping and chasing, which is why they have the potential on any night to explode for seven goals. Below is a clip of one of the prettier, well-connected goals we\u2019ll see this season from the Condors. Roby Jarventie finishes it off, but four players touched the puck within four seconds.<\/p>\n This version of the Bakersfield Condors plays quickly and skillfully. Early on, it has bitten them in the rear end. However, if they clean up the defensive zone breakdowns and take better care of possession, this team has the skill to take over games. When I say the Condors play \u201cfast,\u201d I don\u2019t only mean offensively. The next clip below is an excellent display of pressuring a lackadaisical power play unit. The Colorado Eagles have possession behind their own net and are going to set up their power play entry. They have 1:10 left on the man advantage. James Hamblin and Matt Copponi play 2-on-5, killing off 33 seconds. Max Jones hops on the ice for Hamblin and gets a great opening for a chance.<\/p>\n Quinn Hutson \u2013 WingerOnly sitting at two goals and an assist through seven games to start his professional career, Quinn Hutson<\/a> isn\u2019t used to being under a point per game. But the former Terrier should feel good about how he has played. Hutson is creating a ton of offense right now, leading the Condors with 21 shots, but the puck is only going in the back of the net off his own stick. The skilled winger scored a beautiful short-side goal on the power play, displaying some of his finishing ability.<\/p>\n One of the underrated skills I find with Hutson is his ability to take the puck from the wall and get it to the middle of the ice. Goals are mostly scored from the middle, and you can\u2019t get there if players aren\u2019t willing to make a play. The American-born winger is both capable and willing to get the puck to the dangerous spots of the zone, as you\u2019ll see in the clip below.<\/p>\n When the puck is on Hutson\u2019s stick, good things are happening offensively. The skating mechanics aren\u2019t the cleanest, but that doesn\u2019t stop him from playing at a high pace. The processing speed while controlling the puck is the most impressive part of the new Condor\u2019s game. This gives me hope that he can continue to progress and take the next step. The physical tools will need to come along, but I\u2019m excited to see what Hutson can do with a few years of pro experience under his belt. The final clip shows off the skill that oozes from him as Hutson dangles the defender and lays a perfect pass for a breakaway to fellow new Condor Damien Carfagna.<\/p>\n Viljami Marjala \u2013 CentreWe can\u2019t discuss skill on this Condors roster without mentioning former Liiga star Viljami Marjala<\/a>. In his opening seven games, the playmaking centre has five assists and is still featured in the top six, playing a healthy chunk of his minutes with Quinn Hutson. Much like his linemate, Marjala doesn\u2019t have the cleanest skating mechanics either, but the Finnish centre plays within the speed of the game exceptionally well. While Hutson pushes the pace, Marjala trails back and finds the space Hutson creates.<\/p>\n The most impressive part of Marjala\u2019s game to start the year is how he is able to weave together multiple plays with his passing ability. He plays as if he has eyes on the back of his head. Below are two great examples of what he can do to keep plays going and create chances. I highly value this trait in a centre as it shows you\u2019re able to drive a line and connect the game together for your teammates.<\/p>\n Almost the same exact play in two different games. Marjala is great at finding players in the soft areas of the ice, which is why he has carried the assist numbers over from the Liiga. Now, this is just a taste of his playmaking ability. Below are another two examples of his vision blended with the passing ability he possesses.<\/p>\n I\u2019m liking what I see from the young, skilled centreman in the early part of the season. Stuck at zero goals still, unfortunately, Marjala does need to utilize his shot more. It\u2019s not a bad shot, and he showed an instance of changing the angle with a drag release, so he has the tendency to score goals, but the accuracy needs work, and he just loves passing the puck over everything else. Quinn Hutson and Viljami Marjala complement each other extremely well and should continue to play together. If they do, I think you\u2019ll see them have some big nights offensively. But can they keep the puck out of their net while together? That\u2019s the question that needs answering.<\/p>\n