Just putting this out there ...

I have heard this a dozen times recently: "Man, this team is fun to watch. They have a solid blueline, they work hard and they're right in the middle of the playoff race. Much better than last year's team."

Today, with a tough three in three looming, I e-mailed some good folks in Springfield for a copy of the standings on this day (Jan. 13) last year.

Here are some things I thought I should pass along to you:

* This year, on Jan. 13, the Aeros are 22-18-1-2.

* Last year, on Jan. 13, the Aeros were 19-15-6-1.

* This year's team has played 43 games, has earned 47 points and is in fifth place.

* Last year's team played 41 games, earned 45 points and was in fourth place.

* Both teams would be playoff bound if the playoffs started in January

* Last year's team was 11-9-3-0 at home at this point.

* This year's team is 11-6-1-0 at home at this point.

Now the really good stuff:

* At this point last year, the Aeros averaged 2.63 goals per game

* This year, they are averaging just 2.60 goals per game.

* At this point last year, the Aeros gave up just 2.54 goals per game.

* This year, the Aeros are giving up 2.74 goals per game.

So, basically, they are worse offensively, defensively and they have more regulation losses. BUT, this year, they have more wins and they are a better home team this time around.

There is not much, statistically, to separate the two teams. One thing I must point out is the schedule to this point. Last year's team really, really blew it in December when they had one of the most favorable schedules in the league. This year, they get literally the worst schedule of the 30 teams and they are right there in it.

If they are still in 4th or 5th place come March 1, they are in. They just need to hang in there for the next six weeks and stay right where they are.

(And click on the image below to get to know Patrick O'Sullivan. If he clears waivers and actually reports to Houston, you will have fun watching this guy when he has the puck.)