Since our last update, the Bakersfield Condors played four games from March 20 to 28.

They lost the first game to the San Diego Gulls by a whopping 7-4 score, with Matt Tomkins fighting it that night. However, after that loss, the Condors have now won three straight games and sit fifth in the tight Pacific Division. Bakersfield is only two points back of the third-place San Jose Barracuda with nine games remaining in the season. Calvin Pickard got the start against the Wranglers the next night, and he shut the door completely. The former Oilers backup put up 22 saves for the 1-0 shutout win.

The Condors then welcomed the Texas Stars to Dignity Health Arena, and Bakersfield was able to come out with two wins in two games. The Condors also put up 44 and 40 shots in the games played. Right now, the main goal is to get home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs, and the rest of the regular-season games are all divisional games for the Oilers’ farm team. If they can rattle off a good record in the remaining games, they will put themselves in a good spot for Round 1.

What is there to say that hasn’t already been said? Isaac Howard continues to have a great year in the AHL with 20 goals and 42 points in 39 games played now. Throughout the recent four games, the top prospect put up four goals and three assists with a total of 19 shots, including his second game of the season, where Howard had a staggering nine shots on goal in the game. The ice man had an outstanding game on the 20th against the San Diego Gulls in a losing effort. Howard was all over the ice creating offence. The first clip below shows the goal he scored in that game with an excellent drag move to put the shot through the defender’s legs.

Although the shot didn’t come off as clean as Howard wanted it to it still went in and what I want to focus on is the thought process to use the defender as a screen. It completely caught the Gulls goaltender by surprise. Since we’re on the topic of his goalscoring the next two videos are the rest of the goals the former first-rounder scored (with a goalie in the net). The first goal is from the March 27 contest and the second clip is from the next night, both are excellent shots and both will lead us into the next topic.

Both of these goals come off of Howard finding the open ice in the offensive zone. The first goal is a beautiful one-timer and instead of freezing in front or trying to tie up the defender the hard-shooting winger moved to his weak side opening up the one time option. Another note to add on to the first goal is it came off of a Quinn Hutson steal showing that even when the environment changes Howard is finding ways to get to open space within seconds. The second goal is a different way to find some ice for yourself and its going high into the offensive zone sometimes even out of the zone. It makes it hard for opponents to check you and if you do get into a one-on-one scenario its most likely going to be a forward. On this instance it was the defenceman that had to make his way up late after everybody else got caught puck-watching. The next clip is the final one about the former Tampa Bay Lightning’s goal-scoring ability even though this puck didn’t go in.

This is some great progression being made because coming into the professional leagues Howard struggled to make space without the puck, but he is now starting to put it together. I’ve noticed a ton of movement in his offensive zone play during the second half of the season and it seems that it has only ramped up as of late. To end our Isaac Howard discussion, I want to show off just one of his playmaking clips from the recent games. The clip below is probably the best of the bunch and it showcases more of that off-puck movement we have been talking about.

The ice is already crowded on the strong side, the left-shot winger recognizes that and backs off in preparation of the puck getting cycled to Viljami Marjala or past him. It ended up ringing past the Finnish centre and with the rimmed puck Howard is able to lay a perfect pass on the stick of Marjala. Being able to make a play with a heavily rimmed puck like the one in the video is an excellent trait to have, you usually see it in elite defenceman. For example, Evan Bouchard is able to make a ton of plays with a hard rimmed puck it allows the offence to breathe and almost reset. In this case it was Alec Regula trying to avoid a turnover and Howard takes advantage of being behind everybody’s back. The playmaking ability has also continued to grow as Howard is now more than up to speed at this level. It was an excellent stretch of games for the Oilers top prospect and he continues to be on an upward trend.

After a tidy four-game stretch that saw the Finnish defenceman score a goal and assist on three others, Atro Leppänen is now at nine goals and 32 points in 44 games played this season. Leppänen has come as advertised to this Bakersfield squad, the offensive-minded defenceman will take any chance he gets to jump into the rush as the fourth man or even activate down the wall and staying in the offence. The video below is of the only goal scored during this stretch by Leppänen, it’s four-on-four but the six-foot defender goes behind the net after dropping off a pass and he pops up on the other side to score a goal off of a tough puck reception.

That’s not an easy play to make at all and Leppänen is somehow able to get that puck to the back of the net. A bit of progression has been made this year with Atro’s shot selection. Earlier in the year the Condors defenceman was shooting everything and anything, it didn’t matter the angle or place. However Leppänen is now thinking about it before he releases a heavy wrister. Below is a great example of giving up a shot for a better play and it’s a beautiful play being made between him and Seth Griffith.

It’s a great heads-up play by both players, but the Texas goalie was able to get his glove on it. The final clip is a beautiful spinning backhand pass put right on the tape of a streaking Quinn Hutson who is able to tip the puck home.

Leppänen is such a crafty player from the blueline, however the foot speed is still troubling and he is due to get beat every once in a while on defence. The NHL would be a massive jump for him at this point in his career, but he has adjusted to the North American ice and Leppänen continues to shine offensively.

We’ll end it off with another defenceman and this one is the former Barrie Colt, Beau Akey. Akey finished his four games with zero points as he remains at two goals and 10 points on the season. The offensive numbers come as no surprise as the former second-rounder is just not getting any power-play time as a first-year professional. I don’t personally believe Akey will ever be a player that puts up points at the next level, he has shown flashes of some offence, however it’s mostly just him moving the puck in transition efficiently. The clip below perfectly depicts the type of offence that the right-shot defenceman will provide.

It is nothing fancy at all, but it is very efficient. Akey is able to skate the puck from behind his net to the red line until he finds James Hamblin who is able to lay a pass onto Akey’s stick who is finishing his route to the net. It almost results in a goal. Due to Akey projecting as much more of a defence-first player I’m not too worried about not showing off the flashy offence like a Leppänen. The next clip below is more of Akey playing simple and jumping into the action when he can.

It doesn’t result in a shot on net, but excellent recognition to take advantage of the open space and present himself as an option. The final clip from Beau Akey’s four-game stint is once again him taking advantage of the opportunity that presents itself.

The offence was never the calling card of the defence-first defender’s game, but showing that he can jump into the play and make himself a threat is something that has continued to be on display in his first full professional season. I’m excited to see his defending and skating ability be tested in playoffs, I think he has the chance to solidify himself as a great shutdown defender for Colin Chaulk and company.

The Condors continue their regular season against the Colorado Eagles who are trying to hunt down first place in the Pacific Division. Wednesday should have the atmosphere of a playoff game and I’m intrigued in seeing who will step up. Josh Bloom was recently acquired for Jayden Grubbe and he got his first goal as a Condor. Seth Griffith deserves his flowers as the captain saw himself grab career point 700. Griffith is only the 27th player in AHL history to reach the mark. As for other notes, Roby Jarventie was lent back down to the Condors as his stint with the Oilers is done for now as they continue to get a little healthier. Having the Finnish winger during a tight playoff race is a massive plus for the Condors. Playoff hockey is upon us in the AHL.

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code OILERSNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees).