Key stretch beginning for Sea Dogs

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

MONCTON - It's early (very early), but the Saint John Sea Dogs are entering a key stretch of their first half schedule.

The Sea Dogs have struggled so far this season, posting a 2-4-2-1 record. No game has been easy, but the team's upcoming stretch is, in theory and on paper at least, "easier" than what they've played so far.

Saint John's next five games will all be against either the Moncton Wildcats (4-4-0-0) or Halifax Mooseheads (3-5-2-0), two teams in the early goings of rebuilds. The Sea Dogs have lost to both teams this season, with both of those loses coming on the road where Saint John remains winless.

Here's a look at Saint John's next five games:

Friday, Nov. 6 at Moncton

Saturday, Nov. 7 at Halifax

Tuesday, Nov. 10 vs Moncton

Friday, Nov. 13 vs Moncton

Saturday, Nov. 14 vs Halifax

Following this stretch, the Sea Dogs visit the Cape Breton Eagles (4-6-0-0) on Nov. 18.

While it is indeed early, it's obvious that this team could use some positive momentum and confidence moving forward. Picking up some points along the way would be great as well. The team's slow start can certainly be overcome (a team going on a 2-4-2-1 run after starting the year 30-10, for example, wouldn't be overly noticeable) but there's no question that this is not the opening most had hoped for.

A few other notes...

• The Wildcats enter Friday's game on a three-game winning streak.
• The Sea Dogs play mid-week games this week (Wednesday's 3-1 loss), next week (Nov. 10 vs Moncton) and the following week (Nov. 18 at Cape Breton).
• Saint John's offense continues to be a bit of a mystery. They've led the league in shots per game (37.12) all season but are averaging 3.02 goals per game. Only the Wildcats have a worse goals per game average (2.86) in the Maritimes Division.