Surging Hounds

[der meister 3,131]

After a very inauspicious start, the Mississauga Hounds are surging. "Clearly we were having some chemistry issues, but the coaches changed it up and we're all feeling really comfortable right now," said forward Clapbomb Bardownski the Third, who has 18 points in 18 games with the Hounds. It's hard to argue against that logic. Winners of 4 of their last 5 after starting the season 3-9-1, Mississauga now sits third in the Eastern Conference.

 

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the lineup shuffle is Ukrainian winger Konstyantyn Shevchenko. Formerly buried on the third line, Shevchenko has been moved up to the top line alongside center Ozzy Batty and Bardownski. In the past 3 games, the trio has 19 points in the form of 7 goals and 12 assists. "Bats and Bars are great teammates and great linemates," Shevchenko said following his second straight 2 goal performance, a 3 to 1 win over Las Vegas. "Bats knows where we will be and makes it easy for us." The lineup change has brought Shevchenko from under a point per game pace to over that pace, with no indication that he'll be slowing down anytime soon.

 

Even the celebration is Batty

 

With the forward ranks piling up the points, Hounds management turned toward shoring up the net, acquiring goaltender Lane Ellis in exchange for forward Anthony Simmons. Goaltender Otto Wolff has been the starting netminder all season but has struggled to perform at a consistent level. The 6'5" German has a 0.88 save percentage and a 3.56 goals against average. Ellis, who stands an inch taller, had seen limited action with the Halifax 21st, but produced a 4-0 record with a 0.921 save percentage and a 1.25 goals against average. Ellis is expected to get the start in the Hounds next game.

 

Ellis making a stop for Halifax

Looking at the roster, it's clear the biggest hole right now, after the Ellis acquisition, is on the blue line, with the only notable player being Connor McHuey. The 6'3" American has 12 points in 18 games, but seems to have stagnated, developmentally-speaking, and shouldn't be relied on too heavily if the Hounds are serious about this season.

 

The recent surge up the standings has led to several Hounds being represented in the League Leaders lists. Ozzy Batty is third in points with 34, trailing Halifax's Robin Sierra and Tim Robinson of the Miami Marauders. Batty is also ranked in a tie for 6th in goals with 12, and 2nd in assists with 22, a single helper behind Jerry Box of Saskatoon. Konstyantyn Shevchenko's recent scoring streak has him in a tie with Batty on the goal scorer list. McHuey finds himself 6th in blocked shots with 32, and 8th in hits with 50. Unfortunately both McHuey and Batty find themselves in the top 7 in penalty minutes, as well. 

 

While it's easy to dismiss the Hounds' recent success as being a flash in the pan, "I haven't felt this good since I was playing back in Ukraine," Shevchenko said after the Vegas victory. His play on the ice is further evidence of how he's feeling, registering 10 or more shots in each of the past 3 games.

 

"It's really too bad the Hounds had chemistry issues to start the season," one anonymous VHLE scout said. "Shevchenko could easily be first or second in VHLM goals, and Batty probably at the top of the points leaders. Their chemistry is outstanding."

 

@Eb14 @Ozzy Batty @Brewguy7

Edited June 7 by der meister

[Ozzy Batty 275]

Love this! Great write up @der meister