Remember when this season sucked?

Is that the Rempart's foot just above my head?

Once again, the third period was the difference for the Wildcats as they score four in the last stanza to defeat Val d'Or 4-1. With Mitch Deruelle at home in New Waterford battling a concussion (as well as whatever other creatures one has to battle in New Waterford), Ross Johnston has found himself promoted to second line duty with Barbashev and Jaskin... and the three combined for seven points and were one of the driving forces behind the victory last night. The other was Cole Holowenko, who was as steady as they come while the game remained scoreless. People always talk about goalies who make the saves when the game is still close... but the longer the game stays close, the more valuable that netminder becomes... and Cole Holowenko has proven quite valuable in his role since that first horrendous outing against Blainville (which didn't have as much to do with him as the score might indicate, I should point out). Since then, the BC native is 4-0 with a 2.10 GAA. I think it's fair to say you can't ask for more out of your backup goalie.

Next up comes a swing through Victoriaville and a battle with the Tigres on Friday night. These two teams clashed a week ago at the Coliseum, the Cats coming away 4-2 winners in a game that was very close until the latter stages, the Cats controlling the play territorily and holding the edge in shots, while Victo did everything in their power to clog up the neutral zone, mostly playing a 1-3-1 while the score was tied while trying to nullify Moncton's numbers down low in Tigres' territory, usually with a man stationed near or just off the wall, looking for the quick breakout when playing from behind. It's a very systematic game played by Yannic Jean and company... and of the three games on the road this week, I suspect this is the one where Danny Flynn's crew may be forced into the most in-game adjustments. Can the Cats go three for three on the road and make it eight in a row in the process? Based strictly on the momentum they've built up, the odds are stacked in their favor. Put in the effort and the points will keep coming.

Connor Garland may also make his debut in the Victo game... the 16 year old Massachusetts native, drafted in the 6th round by Moncton last June brings the reputation of being a dynamic offensive presence virtually wherever he's played. Although small - not to mention the youngest player on a veteran laden team - it appears he will get something of an extended audition with the ever nearing departure of Dimitri Jaskin for the World Juniors, not to mention injuries to Deruelle and David Stephens. All I ask is that the experience with Garland is more pleasant than the last one the Cats had with a 16 year old American player. I'm optimistic that it will (unfortunately, I don't see how it could possibly be worse).

Congrats to Commandos center and Wildcats prospect Mark Simpson on winning Rookie of the Month accolades for November in the MHL. All the Saint John native has done since arriving in Dieppe is clog up the middle in his own zone, win his share of key faceoffs and use his size and strength to create prime scoring chances. On more than one occasion at the AJL this season he's scored a goal where it just seemed like he poked the puck through the opposing goal rather then by him. He's bringing much needed size and offensive depth to a rising Commandos team... but if his impressive stint in training camp with the Wildcats is any indication, I'd be willing to bet Simpson trades his green and white jersey for a red white and blue one next year. His ability to gain puck possession alone makes him a solid major junior prospect. As certain aspects of his game continue to develop, he'll be harder and harder to keep out of the Q.

And one more thing, this kind of/kind of not regarding the lockout... if there's one big positive coming out of the NHL work stoppage, for me it's seeing Mike Johnson get more time in as a TV analyst for TSN. Although watching lockout coverage is generally as exciting as a documentary on bathroom sponges, do yourself a favor and tune in to hear this guy give his take on situations. He's tremendously well spoken with enough candidness to be engaging. He's even better when talking about the NHL's on-ice product, for those wih long enough memories to recall those heady days.