This week the Edmonton Oilers welcomed two prospects to Bakersfield.  One returning from injury in Dylan Holloway and one freshly signed to a two-year entry-level contract in Carl Berglund. Both players got into one game this week and gave us some indications of where they are at. However, as has been the case since the Christmas break, it was the same group of Condors prospects that led the way. There really is no school like the old school.

I mean what do you say any more about Lavoie. In the 36 games since the Christmas break, he has 19 goals and 35 points. Averaging more than .5 goals per game in any professional league is impressive. When you are 22 and doing it in the AHL, it means you are a legitimate NHL prospect.

This week only consisted of two games, so it was a quieter week for all the Condor prospects. However, Lavoie still had enough time to show off his passing skills. Another part of his offensive game that is becoming more impressive each week. Lavoie has two assists in the two games played this week and both were excellent primary assists.

Both assists showed quick decision-making by Lavoie to get the puck to a player in a better spot before the defence could react. This first with a really deft touch pass to James Hamblin.

The second was an absolute laser to Noah Philp into his one-time slot for a great goal from distance.

Lavoie didn’t have any goals this week in the two games. He did have five shots on the net in the two games and continues to drive play on most shifts regardless of his linemates.

Philp added another solid week to his great run since the Christmas break. Philp is just below .5 points per game with 29 points in 61 games. However, since February 1, Philp has nine goals and 18 points in 22 games. It has moved Philp into 16th in rookie goal scoring in the AHL.

This week he had one goal in two games. It was another highlight of Philp’s rocket of a shot. This time it was of the one-timer variety.

Philp also displayed another side of his game that will get him noticed. Now it is not the most pleasant aspect of hockey, but the game remains one that is physical and sending messages is a part of it. Noah Philp has shown a couple of times this year that he will not tolerate his teammates being abused. On Saturday, Philp displayed that trait yet again.

His first stint in the AHL this season lasted two periods before he was injured on a modestly cheap hit from behind.

It was a shame because Holloway had absolutely dominated that game in all facets and had scored a goal. I remain convinced that the trade deadline for the Oilers would have been different if Holloway had not been injured.

Nevertheless, Holloway made his return to the Condors against San Jose on Saturday. Holloway clearly was not concerned about the upper body injury he suffered. He displayed his normal willingness to go to the net several times without concern.

In addition, Holloway also showed off his passing skills which are highly underrated in my opinion.

Unfortunately, most of the game did look like Holloway had missed five weeks of hockey. He did finish with three shots and had some fine moments. However, it looked like his timing was off most of the night as this clip shows.

Tomorrow will be a better day for certain, but tonight it was just nice to see Hollywood back on the ice.

Berglund was thrown into the deep end right away after signing his amateur tryout only three days prior to the game against San Jose. He lined up as the fourth-line center flanked by Ty Tullio and Dino Kambeitz. As to be expected, Berglund looked hesitant and nervous in his first game. He played a regular shift until the Condors were down heavily in the third period when the coaching staff started to run three centers. He ended up with a clean sheet in his first game. While he didn’t have a lot of noticeable moments, this clip is a good representation of Carl Berglund.

Berglund isn’t flashy and I am not certain he will ever drive play. However, he is a good skater and is extremely smart on the defensive side of the puck. For Berglund to find a path in the pros, he will need to score, but that journey can start next year.

Well, that is all for this week everyone. As always, send your feedback through the comments section or to me on Twitter @bcurlock. See you at the rink.