Hounds Skid Continues: What is Happening in Mississauga?

[Gretzky didnt lift da puck 53]

Mississauga, ONT – The Mississauga Hounds continue to find themselves on the short-end of the scoreboard, as the team has continued its downward spiral in a five-game losing streak.

 

The skid, which has seen the team's offensive production all-but grind to a halt, has plummeted the Hounds to last place in the Eastern Conference, a position that some are claiming is more fitting for the team than that of the earlier held spot of fourth place. 

 

"This is more like what we were expecting of the Mississauga Hounds before the season started," explained VSN's Maxime Fortier. "The hot start and great scoring from these young players just wasn't sustainable. At some point, you settle into the season, and once they have done that, we see the Hounds sift down to the bottom of the barrel." 

 

The offense started red-hot for the Hounds, but has tapered off, as the inexperience of the young players starts to shine through. While most would immediately point to the inefficient offense, the bulk of the weight has come baring down on the depth-lacking defense and goaltending. 

 

While there are few free agents that are the kind to immediately change the fortunes of a team, there are still a few that can help improve overall situations. With a number of players still available, there is a clear lack of players being attracted by Mississauga. 

 

"There is clearly something going on up in Ontario," explained Broken Glass' Nate Greier. "Nobody is going there to help. Nobody is going there to further their career. There is clearly something going on, behind closed doors, that we are not hearing about. The team tanking is not helping that cause either. I don't see things getting better for the Hounds any time soon." 

 

One of the biggest example of a missed opportunity in Mississauga happened just recently, as highly sought-after goaltending prospect Tadhg Byrne signed with the San Diego Marlins. While losing out in a free agent battle is common, the issue becomes that the Hounds did not pursue the 19-year old Irishman.

Maybe, there are circumstances, that the public does not know, that led to the Hounds passing on the goaltender, but, when the need is great, is it irresponsible to not make the move?

 

“Normally, a team that looks to rebuild will make moves to ensure that they have assets of value,” said Fortier on VSN Tonight. “The concerning thing about Mississauga is that they have a first round pick and that’s really it. They haven’t stockpiled picks, and the passing-on of Byrne makes me a bit concerned that the Hounds still haven’t decided which direction to take the team.”

 

While the season is still young, the Hounds are in no way out of a postseason spot, as a nice winning streak could turn things around. The question is: Will that winning streak ever come. It is hard to say if a streak of significant length will be in store for the Hounds, but if it is going to happen, it needs to happen now.

[SpicyGecko 100]

Very well written article. Very enjoyable read. Just a few stats would have been nice such as wins/loses when talking about why the Hounds are sucking. I like the quotes by different VSN analysts, I think that is very creative and cool to see. Other then that, pretty solid.

 

7/10