The Bridgeport Connection

While all eyes have been on Kyle, and rightfully so, it could also be mentioned that all eyes should be on the surging Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Maybe by coincidence, maybe not, the arrival of KO has invigorated the push by Bridgeport to make a run for the Calder Cup playoffs. In the 17 games since the arrival of KO to the AHL, the Sound Tigers have had an impressive 12-5-0 record recovering from sub-.500 play to currently holding the 7th spot in the tight Eastern Conference race. Additionally, the Sound Tigers hold a game in hand over their nearest competitors, the Albany River Rats and Binghamton Senators while residing only 4 points behind 5th and 6th place teams the Hershey Bears and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (choose one city already!).

Kyle himself has made quite the impression. In only 17 games KO has 6 G and 13 A for 19 points. His better than a point-per-game pace has rocketed him into 7th on the team in scoring and only 5 points out of the 5th place spot currently occupied by Sean Bentivoglio. If the Sound Tigers do manage that playoff spot, a lot of thanks might be headed KO's way and deservedly so. But it should also be the team that is proud of itself for managing to find a way to win following a sluggish start. Kudos.