My thoughts on the BEARS

Eleven games into the '07-08 season the BEARS enter the second full week in November three games under the break even mark. Who woulda thought? Well it really isn't hard to figure out why the BEARS are struggling early on this season.
Look no further then the players who either are on the IR,signed elsewhere in the off season or are currently up with the big club,who were members of last season's Conference Champions. Alex Giroux, Joey Tenute, Dave Steckel, Tomas Fleischmann, Matt Hendricks, Eric Fehr and Chad Wiseman combined for 177 goals and 369 points. That is alot of goals and assists to replace. The guys that were brought in to "replace" all of those goals(Jason Morgan,Joe Motzko,Jame Pollock) combined for only 59 goals between the three. Is that a fair comparison, maybe not, but the bottom line is the guys that are here now need to step up.
Joe Motzko and Jason Morgan have both stepped it up of late, however a TEAM can't rely on just one or two players to carry the team. Chris Bourque had a strong start but has tailed off of late, same goes for Kyle Wilson. Scott Barney who had a terrific post season is still without a goal this season, same story for Jakub Klepis. If this BEARS team is to make a run the goal scorers need to start scoring and fast.
The BEARS are only averaging 2.18 goals per game through the first eleven games, while on the flip side the opposition is averaging 3.1 goals per game. I'm by no means a math major, but the numbers suggest the BEARS are being outscored by about a goal a game.
Alot has been made on various message boards about goal tending. Has Daren played better overall then Freddie? Maybe!! The one constant though has been inconsistency in the defensive zone. Patrick Roy may have had trouble playing for the BEARS this year. The injury to Dean Arsene sure hasn't helped matters. The amount of young guys on the back line may be a factor but that's not an excuse that should be used. Tyler Sloan, in my opinion, has been the most consistent defensemen. The other guys need to step it up, both the rookies and veterans, in order for the team to succeed.
BEARS fans, come down from the ledge though. The two gentlemen behind the bench will turn this team around. Bruce and Woody are two of the most knowledgeable hockey guys I know, and one thing is for sure these guys are very passionate about the BEARS and about winning. They don't like losing, they don't and won't tolerate laziness and they will right this ship. If changes need to be made, they will be made. The system employed by Bruce and Woody works(see Calder Cup Championship in '05-06 and return trip last year).
I truly believe the team is on the right track, despite the game this past Sunday(B'port has our number). The BEARS will play eight of their next ten games in the friendly confines of the GIANT Center. Some home cooking will do us all some good. The guys need your support now more then anytime the last two seasons.