The Connecticut Whale crushed the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Friday night, 7-3. In the first period, where the Whale scored five of their goals, Rick DiPietro was in goal for the Sound Tigers. And on the Whale's first shot of the game, Kreider scored.

This is a big deal, and I'm not just talking about the goal. Kreider is down in the AHL to get his game back, but mostly his confidence. J.T. Miller, as we've talked about, is a rookie with an immense amount of mental toughness. Kreider showed that he had some issues in that department in the early goings of this year.

And you know what? That's OK. All prospects go through some type of developmental bump. This stint in Connecticut -- and I honestly do believe that we will be seeing Kreider again before the year is over -- is going to be just what the doctor ordered for Kreider.

The other good news? He's playing on the first line, getting big minutes and the coaching staff is allowing him to play his game. Obviously it's only 60 minuts, but if he keeps it up we might see him sooner rather than later.

Either way, this is a good start.