While Sunday's win makes things a bit cheerier, the reality is that the team is off to one of the worst starts in franchise history. Four wins is the fewest the team has ever had after 17 games. Their 12 points match the 2013-14 team for the fewest at this point in a season.
As mentioned last week, this year's rough start is similar to the starts the team had in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2013-14 - all seasons that saw the Sea Dogs miss the playoffs (and win the draft lottery).
| Season | Overall | After 17 games (PTS) |
| 2017-18 | 4-9-3-1 | 4-9-3-1 (12) |
| 2016-17^ | 48-14-5-1 | 11-5-1-0 (23) |
| 2015-16 | 42-20-6-0 | 9-7-1-0 (19) |
| 2014-15 | 32-26-4-6 | 11-3-0-3 (25) |
| 2013-14* | 19-44-2-3 | 5-10-0-2 (12) |
| 2012-13 | 23-44-1-0 | 9-8-0-0 (18) |
| 2011-12^ | 50-15-0-3 | 12-5-0-0 (24) |
| 2010-11^ | 58-7-1-2 | 13-3-0-1 (27) |
| 2009-10 | 53-12-1-2 | 12-4-1-0 (25) |
| 2008-09 | 34-30-2-2 | 9-7-1-0 (19) |
| 2007-08 | 44-22-4-3 | 10-5-0-2 (22) |
| 2006-07* | 20-47-1-2 | 6-9-1-1 (14) |
| 2005-06* | 15-47-2-6 | 7-8-0-2 (16) |
^Won championship
The struggles the Sea Dogs have had over the past month - losing nine straight games - was similar to what many teams go through after gutting their roster at the holiday trade deadline. But it's only October, and the Sea Dogs were expected to perform much better than they have - especially since the team has not committed to a full-fledged rebuild yet.
The big question is: now what? Do you go full-on rebuild like in year's past? Do you make some more roster changes? Do you acquire some new players? Do you make a move behind the bench (rumours about adding a coach to the staff were started up this weekend during the Rogers TV broadcast)?
The Sea Dogs have a few directions they could go in - it is only October, after all. And they still have time to see what this team really is. Remember that a 4-9-3-1 stretch looks way worse when you start at 0-0 rather than 40 games into the season with a 30-10 record.
Not to be overdramatic, but this weekend could be the biggest of the season. The Sea Dogs play a three-in-three in Quebec - which is difficult no matter the opponents - with all three games against opponents that surround Saint John in the league basement. They'll face Baie-Comeau (6-8-0-1, 15th), Chicoutimi (5-8-2-0, 16th) and Shawinigan (5-10-1-0, 18th) on this trip, all of which are winnable games.
Collecting a few points on this trip would be a huge help in getting the Dogs out of the hole they find themselves in. Going on another long losing streak could be devastating - even though it is only October.
To be fair to this year's team, they've had very little luck. Losing six straight one-goal games isn't something you see very often. Maybe their luck will turn around - and this weekend would be a good time for it to turn,
They need to capitalize on their chances, Games they lost were close, they need snipers and charge to the net instead of play tiddly winks with the puck until they lose possession...their puck handling hasn't been great or is lacking confidence...They need depth with two or three lines that can score. They are in a rebuilding phase and they have played ok, but just don't have the killer instinct to finish off the other team before they get hammered. A team needs chemistry and leadership...maybe the win will insre them, but they need to keep the winning attitude. Maybe find out what program the Memorial cup winners from last year had to ingrain the team with the will to win to bring out their skills and give them more confidence?
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