Gavilrovs through 50

[Girts 1,055]

50 games into the S96 season and Guntis Gavilrovs has put together another solid season, albeit a slight step back from his breakout S95 season. Through 50 games the big Latvian defenseman has 9 goals, 27 assists good for 36 points. A solid showing but not on pace to eclipse last seasons 21 goals and 70 points in 72 games. Gavilrovs currently has 139 hits and 79 blocks, while solid they are both well off last seasons pace to hit 230+ hits and 170+ blocks. His penalty minutes are down though, currently 133 pims, on pace for less than 200 which was a big goal coming into this season. He's stll getting into the occasional fight and defending teammates, which is good and his minor penalties are down also which is great. This year is all about the cup! Gavilrovs wants the cup and if he has to sacrifice some big hit numbers to get it and stay out of the box then that's fine with him! The Vancouver Wolves are having a great season and are definitely a serious contender for the cup.. So he's very happy with that, but this will not be a defensive dman of the year season, which many hoped was coming for Gavilrovs. Still lots of time left in his career to get there and we think he will finish strong with some improvements down the stretch and Vancouver looks great as a team, which is what really matters! Watch out for the Wolves in the playoffs!