Kingston Frontenacs 2024-25 Season Thread, Part III

[Donnie740]

Not able to listen or watch game just getting updates.

What the hell is up with the boys? Couple bad bounces? Schenkel playing like crap?

Difference on paper so far has to be special teams. Kingston 0/4 on PP. Windsor 2/4 on PP and they got a short handed goal.

Schenkel has been abysmal and they’ve replaced him with Vaccari to start the third.

 

[Babs716]

West just dominating the top East teams the last couple nights.

Maybe the East is feeling a bit burnt out after battling for top spot the last month while the top 4 teams have been separated by a point or 2.

 

[frontsfan67]

West just dominating the top East teams the last couple nights.

Maybe the East is feeling a bit burnt out after battling for top spot the last month while the top 4 teams have been separated by a point or 2.

That’ll be the difference in the playoffs too once again. London gets to play another beat down team in the finals. They’re the best team as it is but I’m sure they smoke whoever’s in the finals once again because of it.

Hopefully not as many injuries as last year but with Oshawa they had sennecke out for the finals, and with north bay Romani was out most of the playoffs. We will see what injuries Kingston/Barrie/Oshawa/Brantford/Brampton get this year.

When there is tighter games players are more likely to put their body on the line which could result in injuries.

 

[frontsfan67]

Next 8 games for us I predict we get 12/13/14 pts of 16 atleast. Maybe only loss tomorrow.

Barrie’s next 9 games I predict they get 14/18pts

Oshawa's next 7 games I predict 10/11/12 of 14 pts

Brantfords next 7 is probably the hardest of the 4. 8/9/10 of 14 is realistic.

With all that being said if what I said comes into fruition-

Barrie 92pts
Brantford 91pts
Oshawa 90/91/92pts tough to say with Sudbury 3 times
Kingston 90pts

VERY close and likely goes to the last day and/or weekend for all 4 teams.

Whoever plays Brampton has to be on high alert. They’ll likely cruise into that 5th spot and be better rested vs the 4th place team who I think will end up being us.

 

[beastintheeast]

Right now I see
Brantford - NB (fingers corssed
Barrie - Niagara
Oshawa- Sudbury
Kingston Brampton

I think that we will see Kington play but also rest anyone that has injuries. Also, I think after this weekend, we will see a lot of Vaccari.

 

[OMG67]

Right now I see
Brantford - NB (fingers corssed
Barrie - Niagara
Oshawa- Sudbury
Kingston Brampton

I think that we will see Kington play but also rest anyone that has injuries. Also, I think after this weekend, we will see a lot of Vaccari.

Kingston has a chance to finish 1st and play NB in round one. I think that has to be the goal for this final stretch. I don’t see Kingston resting players and forfeiting their way to 4th seed when they are 3 points behind first with a game in hand. That seems absurd to me and it totally sends the wrong message to the players in the room as well as the fans.

The Fronts have a tough game tonight in London but that is followed by a five game stretch of Niagara, Ottawa x2 and Peterborough x2. They will be positioned perfectly to go up against Brantford at home as a potential battle for 1st on the 2nd last game of the season. Then the last game of the season they play Brampton who has nothing to win and nothing to lose on that last weekend. If any team in the Eastern Conference will be resting players going into the playoffs it will be Brampton. They are basically cemented into the 5th seed.

IMO any talk of Kingston rolling over and doing anything other than leaving every last breath on the ice is silly. You don’t wretch your guts out for an entire season only to throw in the towel with 8 games left and surrender.

 

[FrontalLobe]

Ok. That was a stinker last night. I really don't want to overreact but for a team that should be peaking and despite the home win streak record success there are a bunch of things bothering me about this team right now. This will be mostly a negative post and just my opinions on a few things. Feel free to debate as you wish.

Firstly, I feel there should be a few missing persons reports filed with Kingston Police. First and foremast, where is Miedema??? If it wasn't for the announcers saying "The Buffalo Sabres Prospect" every time the puck goes near him I wouldn't even know he has been dressed for the last 10 games or so. And it's definitely the puck going near him because he is not going after the puck in any zone right now. It's shame that he is playing ahead of Pickell right now which is coaching thing that is irking me and will mention at the end.

While they are looking for Miedema please keep your eyes out for Soto as well.

#7 needs to up his game. There is no urgency to it at all. He's just floating around out there and not noticeable at all out there either unless on the PP and recently those notices have been negatives - like the shorty against again last night.

Last player point for now is this...Burns has always been one of my favourites and obviously having his best year. However, I feel the new disciplined approach is a bit too extreme right now. He is much more effective when he is playing with a bit of an edge and we need that from him. I'm sure he enjoys getting some points this year but his role in the pro game is not going to be producing points and would like to see some more aggression from him. It can be done in a disciplined manner.

The reffing all around has been atrocious both ways in our last several games. Not just against us. But last night there was a horrible call and non call that stood out. That penalty shot call was not even a penalty. Watch it. The kid trips on his own. Then rewatch the fight. How does Spellacy not get tossed or anything additional for that cheap shot he throws at the end when the fight is over and ref is holding Uens on the ground. That is a dangerous action that was ignored.


Lastly, I have been one of the biggest Mann supporters on here but last night in particular it felt like Caputi was still coaching. The big names and draft picks being catered to and not having to earn anything at all. I would love to see some messages sent just once and felt being down 6-1 late might have been a good time to do it. The 4th line just sitting on the bench watching the big guys float around. Now I do think I recall Pickell taking a shift from Miedema late but I would like to see Pickell start ahead of him for a game to send a message. Then starting that number one PP unit again being down 6-1 when they were stagnant the entire night and yet another float around shift and short handed goal against. Make players earn and keep their spots.

Rant over. Praying for a better effort vs London tonight.

Kingston has a chance to finish 1st and play NB in round one. I think that has to be the goal for this final stretch. I don’t see Kingston resting players and forfeiting their way to 4th seed when they are 3 points behind first with a game in hand. That seems absurd to me and it totally sends the wrong message to the players in the room as well as the fans.

The Fronts have a tough game tonight in London but that is followed by a five game stretch of Niagara, Ottawa x2 and Peterborough x2. They will be positioned perfectly to go up against Brantford at home as a potential battle for 1st on the 2nd last game of the season. Then the last game of the season they play Brampton who has nothing to win and nothing to lose on that last weekend. If any team in the Eastern Conference will be resting players going into the playoffs it will be Brampton. They are basically cemented into the 5th seed.

IMO any talk of Kingston rolling over and doing anything other than leaving every last breath on the ice is silly. You don’t wretch your guts out for an entire season only to throw in the towel with 8 games left and surrender.

One of your best posts in this thread!

 

[leafs4life94]

Schenkel again, McGowan still out, Buttar in for Wright.

I wasn't able to watch much of yesterday's game but what I saw wasn't pretty - not an easy turnaround going into London but they need to try and muster up at least a point to be able to go into Niagara with the chance to save a .500 weekend

 

[frontsfan67]

Called hunters 1000th win vs us.

Great game could’ve came out on top for sure. Wouldn’t be mad about a London vs Kingston finals but both teams have to get there first.

 

[dmead]

That was playoff hockey. The Fronts are legit. good luck going forward.

 

[beastintheeast]

Kingston has a chance to finish 1st and play NB in round one. I think that has to be the goal for this final stretch. I don’t see Kingston resting players and forfeiting their way to 4th seed when they are 3 points behind first with a game in hand. That seems absurd to me and it totally sends the wrong message to the players in the room as well as the fans.

The Fronts have a tough game tonight in London but that is followed by a five game stretch of Niagara, Ottawa x2 and Peterborough x2. They will be positioned perfectly to go up against Brantford at home as a potential battle for 1st on the 2nd last game of the season. Then the last game of the season they play Brampton who has nothing to win and nothing to lose on that last weekend. If any team in the Eastern Conference will be resting players going into the playoffs it will be Brampton. They are basically cemented into the 5th seed.

IMO any talk of Kingston rolling over and doing anything other than leaving every last breath on the ice is silly. You don’t wretch your guts out for an entire season only to throw in the towel with 8 games left and surrender.

If we want to lay has a chance then whynot Kingston Ottawa. Ottawa has a chance of making the playoffs.

While I agree with your argument, I also feel that Kingston, if they come out of this weekend with 0 points, would be at least 5 points behind Brantford, who is playing hot. I would like to see a Kingston team that is not burnt out from trying for first and possibly getting eliminated in the first round due to tired, injured players make a good run in the playoffs.

What it says to the players is simple: The team is putting a premium on the playoffs and going for it, so they are not going to go to 2 lines down the stretch. Players like Miedema and Soto are going to see some bench time.

How many years did Ottawa fight for the top spot and then get eliminated in the first round because there were beat-up players?

I realize that my idea is not what others might want but there is value in it. As has been said, in order to win in the east you have to be healthy and to even have a chnce against the West, you really have to be on your game.

 

[OMG67]

If we want to lay has a chance then whynot Kingston Ottawa. Ottawa has a chance of making the playoffs.

While I agree with your argument, I also feel that Kingston, if they come out of this weekend with 0 points, would be at least 5 points behind Brantford, who is playing hot. I would like to see a Kingston team that is not burnt out from trying for first and possibly getting eliminated in the first round due to tired, injured players make a good run in the playoffs.

What it says to the players is simple: The team is putting a premium on the playoffs and going for it, so they are not going to go to 2 lines down the stretch. Players like Miedema and Soto are going to see some bench time.

How many years did Ottawa fight for the top spot and then get eliminated in the first round because there were beat-up players?

I realize that my idea is not what others might want but there is value in it. As has been said, in order to win in the east you have to be healthy and to even have a chnce against the West, you really have to be on your game.

The schedule is too easy the rest of the way. Hypothetically speaking, they could probably rest guys and still run the schedule the rest of the way. But, doing that is just crazy talk. They can easily roll four lines through the first two periods of each of the next five games and probably be fine. Niagara can sneak up on you offensively but they can’t keep the puck out of their own net with Flores (and Robertson) out of the lineup.

They have one game they need to show up for (Brantford). The rest “should” be pushover games for the Fronts. Like I mentioned, Brampton will likely play it safe the last game of the season with nothing to play for.

I would be shocked if Kingston didn’t get at minimum 11 points the rest of the way and really should get 12-14.

If Kingston runs the schedule, that means they beat Brantford. That limits Brantford to 93 points max. Kingston would have 92. Brantford has four on the road. The game tomorrow in Saginaw is probably the one to circle as a game to watch.

Barrie and Oshawa both have relatively weak schedules as well. Sudbury may be the team to circle as the spoiler. Barrie and Brantford play them once and Oshawa twice. Sudbury will likely have a lot to say about how the top four end up finishing.

But, regardless of all that, the only thing Kingston can control is their game. Their purpose is to go out there and give 100%. It doesn’t’ meant they should play reckless but they should be gearing up, not throttling down. A one goal loss in London tonight shows that the team is in the mix and should not be taken lightly.

I am mystified at how you come to the conclusion that fighting for favourable seeding with 7 games remaining is a lost cause and not worth the effort. To me, that is mind boggling. Getting an easier round one will do more for the team’s playoff stress than easing up down the stretch of the regular season. Finishing 4th pits them against Brampton. Brampton is not a pushover team. They may have underachieved but they aren’t a pushover. I’d want to play Niagara or North Bay which will require a 1st or 2nd seed most likely. I think Sudbury is a team that can pounce if they are healthy. North Bay and Niagara could be four game series whereas the other two opponents could be more like 6 games. Why not rest the entire team for an extra 4-5 days between round one and two? That is more meaningful.

 

[beastintheeast]

The schedule is too easy the rest of the way. Hypothetically speaking, they could probably rest guys and still run the schedule the rest of the way. But, doing that is just crazy talk. They can easily roll four lines through the first two periods of each of the next five games and probably be fine. Niagara can sneak up on you offensively but they can’t keep the puck out of their own net with Flores (and Robertson) out of the lineup.

They have one game they need to show up for (Brantford). The rest “should” be pushover games for the Fronts. Like I mentioned, Brampton will likely play it safe the last game of the season with nothing to play for.

I would be shocked if Kingston didn’t get at minimum 11 points the rest of the way and really should get 12-14.

If Kingston runs the schedule, that means they beat Brantford. That limits Brantford to 93 points max. Kingston would have 92. Brantford has four on the road. The game tomorrow in Saginaw is probably the one to circle as a game to watch.

Barrie and Oshawa both have relatively weak schedules as well. Sudbury may be the team to circle as the spoiler. Barrie and Brantford play them once and Oshawa twice. Sudbury will likely have a lot to say about how the top four end up finishing.

But, regardless of all that, the only thing Kingston can control is their game. Their purpose is to go out there and give 100%. It doesn’t’ meant they should play reckless but they should be gearing up, not throttling down. A one goal loss in London tonight shows that the team is in the mix and should not be taken lightly.

I am mystified at how you come to the conclusion that fighting for favourable seeding with 7 games remaining is a lost cause and not worth the effort. To me, that is mind boggling. Getting an easier round one will do more for the team’s playoff stress than easing up down the stretch of the regular season. Finishing 4th pits them against Brampton. Brampton is not a pushover team. They may have underachieved but they aren’t a pushover. I’d want to play Niagara or North Bay which will require a 1st or 2nd seed most likely. I think Sudbury is a team that can pounce if they are healthy. North Bay and Niagara could be four game series whereas the other two opponents could be more like 6 games. Why not rest the entire team for an extra 4-5 days between round one and two? That is more meaningful.

If they were at the top, I could see it. Yes, there is a chance; however, even if they run the table and lose to Brantford, it would be a huge loss you have to think that not only is Brantford on a roll, but you also have Oshawa who has a pretty lax schedule

I just think that it might be too little, too late, with three top teams ahead of them. Everyone wants to play either us or NB; that is a given. I am just not sure Kingston can without getting banged up.
I know I sound weird, but that is just how I see it. Kingston does not have the power to upend all three teams.

I will stay with my predictions

 

[Donnie740]

I would be shocked if Kingston didn’t get at minimum 11 points the rest of the way and really should get 12-14.

Kingston only has 7 games remaining - - with two of them coming against Brantford and Brampton - - so those are some wildly optimistic expectations.

You know Brantford will be going all out because that game will have first place implications. Unless Ottawa has completely given up, they’ll be doing everything possible to sneak into the playoffs. Peterborough beat Kingston in a shootout in their last meeting and took them to a shootout in an earlier match up, so a loss in one of the two games remaining against the Petes isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Brampton may have nothing to play for and only have 500 people in the stands, but they’re still going to ice a team in the last game of the season and either of their goalies are capable of singlehandedly winning the game.

It’s going to be enormously difficult for Kingston to win 6 of 7 and virtually impossible to expect them to go 7 for 7.

 

[OMG67]

Kingston only has 7 games remaining - - with two of them coming against Brantford and Brampton - - so those are some wildly optimistic expectations.

You know Brantford will be going all out because that game will have first place implications. Unless Ottawa has completely given up, they’ll be doing everything possible to sneak into the playoffs. Peterborough beat Kingston in a shootout in their last meeting and took them to a shootout in an earlier match up, so a loss in one of the two games remaining against the Petes isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Brampton may have nothing to play for and only have 500 people in the stands, but they’re still going to ice a team in the last game of the season and either of their goalies are capable of singlehandedly winning the game.

It’s going to be enormously difficult for Kingston to win 6 of 7 and virtually impossible to expect them to go 7 for 7.

I think it is very realistic. Ottawa and Peterborough are both awful, as is North Bay. If the Fronts cannot manage at least 11 points in this last stretch then they have zero chance of getting out of round one in the playoffs.

 

[Donnie740]

I think it is very realistic. Ottawa and Peterborough are both awful, as is North Bay. If the Fronts cannot manage at least 11 points in this last stretch then they have zero chance of getting out of round one in the playoffs.

There’s no consistently dominant team in the East this year. You never know what you’re going to get from Barrie or Oshawa - - they could be phenomenal or they could take a bunch of dumb penalties and have defensive breakdowns all game. Brantford has one line, and if you shut that down you shut the whole tram down, as London just demonstrated. Brampton has woken up recently but they’ve been sleepwalking through the entire season, and have the same inept coaching problem that Oshawa has.

ANY of the top five teams could come out of the East this year and it would not surprise me at all.

 

[OMG67]

There’s no consistently dominant team in the East this year. You never know what you’re going to get from Barrie or Oshawa - - they could be phenomenal or they could take a bunch of dumb penalties and have defensive breakdowns all game. Brantford has one line, and if you shut that down you shut the whole tram down, as London just demonstrated. Brampton has woken up recently but they’ve been sleepwalking through the entire season, and have the same inept coaching problem that Oshawa has.

ANY of the top five teams could come out of the East this year and it would not surprise me at all.

Yes but the one consistent to point to is how bad Ottawa and Peterborough have been since the deadline. I have faith in both of those team remaining inept which means Kingston should have four easy wins. North Bay has had their balls clipped as well, although, they haven’t played poorly. They jsut don’t have the guns. Brampton has, at best, been inconsistent. This final stretch for Kingston is super easy considering what it could look like. For them to have such an easy stretch to finish is more luck than anything. Their issue will be how to remain focused.

 

[TrustInIX]

Miedema-Guindon-Uronen
Pickell-Hay-Heyes
Battaglia-Hopkins-Willis
Clark-Kelly-Soto

Burns-Bishop
Pieniniemi-Uens
McGowan-Williamson

Schenkel Starts, finally seeing some line changes here. Soto who has been invisible for the better part of 2 months now, is on the 4th line. Miedema jumps to the first line to get him going and McGowan returns to the lineup

 

[leafs4life94]

Well Kingston made it out of that nasty 4 week stretch with a 5-4-2 record. Tough end with 3/4 losses on the road, with an ugly end against Niagara - I have no idea how you leave a player as wide as open as Paris on the game-tying goal yesteday, but at least they were still able to pull out the win.

These next 4 are absolute must-wins against Ottawa 2x and Peterborough 2x if they want any chance of avoiding Brampton - although Sudbury is rolling right now too, so they're not an easy out either.

Dervin should be back with Kingston as soon as Wednesday with SAC's schedule ending - although with how well Kelly's played it'll be interesting to see how the lines are set-up and whether Dervin draws in.

 

[Logosarejusttargets]

Well Kingston made it out of that nasty 4 week stretch with a 5-4-2 record. Tough end with 3/4 losses on the road, with an ugly end against Niagara - I have no idea how you leave a player as wide as open as Paris on the game-tying goal yesteday, but at least they were still able to pull out the win.

These next 4 are absolute must-wins against Ottawa 2x and Peterborough 2x if they want any chance of avoiding Brampton - although Sudbury is rolling right now too, so they're not an easy out either.

Dervin should be back with Kingston as soon as Wednesday with SAC's schedule ending - although with how well Kelly's played it'll be interesting to see how the lines are set-up and whether Dervin draws in.

I think you'll see Pickell take Kelly's spot, Dervin will move to Pickells spot. When Wright comes back, it will interesting to see if Clark sits

 

[FrontalLobe]

I think you'll see Pickell take Kelly's spot, Dervin will move to Pickells spot. When Wright comes back, it will interesting to see if Clark sits

Pickell should take Miedema's spot until Miedema shows he deserves it. Finally saw some accountability pay off last weekend. Loved seeing Soto moved to the 4th line on Sunday and look at that, he started moving his feet, played fantastic and had his best game/effort in months while playing limited minutes on the 4th line. Thank you coach Mann. There is nothing wrong with an earn your ice mentality.

It seems to be they won't do that with Miedema. Is it because he is a drafter player???? Who cares. It should be about winning games and not catering to egos. It's funny that it seems to always be "Miedema moved to top line" or with certain guys to "try to get him going." Why on earth cant he get himself going. Just skate, move your feet and engage in the play yourself. It's so frustrating to watch. All this drafted, prospect, contract talk every game. So much size and skill but just cant figure out the motivation part for some reason. Not sure how he can watch players like Uens, Pickell, and Hayes go out there and play the way they do putting their bodies on the line every shift being undersized and nowhere near the skill level of him, and then wonder why he is not signed yet.

I would love nothing more than for the kid to catch fire and take off. That could be key for putting the Fronts over the top and possibly winning a few rounds. I honestly don't feel putting him with Guindon and Uronen is the answer to the problem. Last year he actually stepped up in the playoff vs North Bay but that was because of a much deserved demotion to what was considered the third line, not an undeserved promotion to the top line.

A bit harsh, maybe? But I truly feel he is a key factor that needs to get going. Nothing more I would like to do than eat crow if he actually gets to some loose pucks tomorrow night first, uses his size, and scores a hattrick! Let's go 15!

 

[leafs4life94]

Pickell should take Miedema's spot until Miedema shows he deserves it. Finally saw some accountability pay off last weekend. Loved seeing Soto moved to the 4th line on Sunday and look at that, he started moving his feet, played fantastic and had his best game/effort in months while playing limited minutes on the 4th line. Thank you coach Mann. There is nothing wrong with an earn your ice mentality.

It seems to be they won't do that with Miedema. Is it because he is a drafter player???? Who cares. It should be about winning games and not catering to egos. It's funny that it seems to always be "Miedema moved to top line" or with certain guys to "try to get him going." Why on earth cant he get himself going. Just skate, move your feet and engage in the play yourself. It's so frustrating to watch. All this drafted, prospect, contract talk every game. So much size and skill but just cant figure out the motivation part for some reason. Not sure how he can watch players like Uens, Pickell, and Hayes go out there and play the way they do putting their bodies on the line every shift being undersized and nowhere near the skill level of him, and then wonder why he is not signed yet.

I would love nothing more than for the kid to catch fire and take off. That could be key for putting the Fronts over the top and possibly winning a few rounds. I honestly don't feel putting him with Guindon and Uronen is the answer to the problem. Last year he actually stepped up in the playoff vs North Bay but that was because of a much deserved demotion to what was considered the third line, not an undeserved promotion to the top line.

A bit harsh, maybe? But I truly feel he is a key factor that needs to get going. Nothing more I would like to do than eat crow if he actually gets to some loose pucks tomorrow night first, uses his size, and scores a hattrick! Let's go 15!

Agreed - based on the way he played in the NB series and even the first few weeks of this year I thought he was destined for a great season. He's been just ok, which isn't enough for a guy as big and talented as he is.

If playing on an energy line with Hay/Heyes for as long as he did couldn't re-light that fire he played with last playoffs, I'm not sure what will. Maybe the first time he gets hit this playoffs will piss him off enough he'll get back to where he was at this time last year.

He must know a contract is on the line, and especially seeing guys around the league, including in the room with Willis, signing their ELCs, hopefully that can light a fire too.

 

[frontsfan67]

Agreed - based on the way he played in the NB series and even the first few weeks of this year I thought he was destined for a great season. He's been just ok, which isn't enough for a guy as big and talented as he is.

If playing on an energy line with Hay/Heyes for as long as he did couldn't re-light that fire he played with last playoffs, I'm not sure what will. Maybe the first time he gets hit this playoffs will piss him off enough he'll get back to where he was at this time last year.

He must know a contract is on the line, and especially seeing guys around the league, including in the room with Willis, signing their ELCs, hopefully that can light a fire too.

Gonna make a prediction that if he doesn’t get a fire lit under his ass seeing all these other guys sign contracts and not him. Not sure anything will and he will be back next year unless he catches fire late in the season or in the playoffs.

Hay is a great pickup too, but he has yet to show a ton of offensive capabilities. Even though his game is far more well rounded than Miedema and the kid tries nonstop- I think he comes back next year perhaps as Guindon has for this year(but don’t see him scoring like Guindon, hopefully near a ppg or at a ppg before NCAA/AHL)

 

[frontsfan67]

Unless we go on a big streak it’s looking more and more likely we play Brampton or Sudbury in the playoffs.

I would 1000% prefer Sudbury. Nobody wants to play Brampton first round and especially a goalie that can steal games like Ivankovic.

Will be interesting to see how it goes down the stretch. Gonna win tomorrow for sure if they want a chance at 1st/2nd

 

[dirty12]

Unless we go on a big streak it’s looking more and more likely we play Brampton or Sudbury in the playoffs.

I would 1000% prefer Sudbury. Nobody wants to play Brampton first round and especially a goalie that can steal games like Ivankovic.

Will be interesting to see how it goes down the stretch. Gonna win tomorrow for sure if they want a chance at 1st/2nd

Brantford, Barrie, Sudbury, Niagara, and Kingston all own winning records currently vs Brampton, and Oshawa has split. I doubt any team wants to avoid Brampton. I think teams are more concerned about going into the playoffs playing well, and would prefer to face a team reeling a bit.