Is it too late to change my pre-season prediction?
Back in September, I said Bulls would make the playoffs -- on the last day of the regular season.
Now, I'm not so sure.
Bulls are quickly running out of time.
Their last two home games were lopsided losses to the combined tune of 13-2.
Ouch.
On the road? It's been well-documented. Despite a rare 3-1 win Thursday in Peterborough, Bulls can't win consistently away from home and now it looks like they can't even win at home.
Still, some bright spots.
The ABC Line -- Aleardi, Brassard, Curtis -- has been coming on gangbusters. Strong and Basso and Luciani on defence too. Even Scotty Howe, who looked like he just couldn't play in this league early in the season is coming around. A couple of goals will give a guy confidence.
The old guys?
Let's just say it's too bad the trade deadline is past although there may not have been many takers for some of these guys anyway.
Rumours suggest all-star D-man Shawn Lalonde, already signed with the Blackhawks, is looking ahead to finishing the season in the AHL once the Bulls are eliminated. I plan to ask him this week if he is indeed guilty of looking past the immediate picture.
It will be an interesting off-season in Belleville.
In goal and on D, Bulls are OK.
Up front? Aside from a handful of kids, there are problems.
With their first-round 2010 draft pick, which will be a high one, Bulls need to throw caution to the wind and grab a bona fide offensive guy. Somebody who can freakin' score.
Then there are a handful of guys in the lineup now who probably shouldn't be here next season.
Decisions, decisions for George.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
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I really like the build job George is doing on the Bulls. He could have done half the job, and made the playoffs, but a total rebuild puts them on track for season's to come. While I don't have confidence that they will make the playoffs, I do have total confidence that Burnett and Branch know exactly what they are doing.
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