London Knights 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 5)

[rve24]

Wow ! 8-4 win and are now leading 2 games to none, and I don't know if this is good or bad . Quick take it before Kitchener comes back to wrestle them away.

What a horrible second half of this game, letting off around the 15 minute mark of the second and coasting to the end of game. This could very well be a big mistake, first they let off by cutting down on their speed, this meant the Rangers could catch up and play their scrum game as much as they wanted it, also allowing the Rangers new life to their plays and abling them scoring 3 thid period goals of their own and a momentum switch for the up coming game 3. And this my friends is what we'll likely see in Kitchener, a very woken up Rangers team in front of their own fans. No way can you play defensive hockey by letting off the pedal, for me watching this is very disappointing. I'd like to find some positive in this game but other then a good start and first half, scoring 8 goals and taking 2-0 series lead there isn't much else. Their plays was getting so ugly even their powerplays were losing it's urgency after they took the 5-0 lead. Can't allow new life to your opponent when you got them where you want them, remember the 3 game lead on Guelph in 2019 they got hurt 4 times in a row after allowing them new life. In today's game I was hollering at the tv in the second period, but no way could they hear me all the way up from Quebec where I now reside . At my age I need to stop watching these kids, they are going to give me a heart attack. Cheers !

They need to go crazily fast for three period against Kitchener or go home "Fast Pace" !!!


Didn't like the second half of this game, and don't forget Francesco Pinelli will be in their lineup for game three

Ya its tough to keep up the intensity n not get caught up in the "gamesmanship" when up as big and as quick as it happened and esp after the 1st rd sweep. KItchener won't n shouldn't lie down.
It's on the staff n players to reset n not get complacent. Not get swelled pumpkins or egos. Tough with teens lol.
The Rangers may have gotten a little juice from the Knights reactions to their game after it got outta reach......
I felt Federkows open ice, clean hit on Mesar in the 3rd was great. Nice, clean way to answer the other team wanting to send a message in a series BUT BUT ( in hindsight) woulda preferred just play it out. No need to give them the scrum that at that point that may help them.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

As a Ranger Fan, confirmed not a good time.

But, The bunch of Knights fans that sat up in 312, had a blast with you all. I've been to London around 50 times and this was easily the most enjoyable fan experience.

 

[zman77]

That a Boy Connor!!
Quick accurate Shot.
He's the epitome of 'team player.'

 

[zman77]

Nice Play George.
McGurn quick Wrister Shot for the Goal!!

 

[zman77]

 

[Matt93]

To the Rags fan in 304 swearing and complaining about every penalty and yelling for the Rags players to kill the Knights players all around little children, you give Rags fans a bad name. Do yourself a favour and don’t come back to London.

 

[Blairwitch58]

Nice win...but 2nd half of game Kitchener looked like the better team. This could help their confidence in game 3. For London learn from that letdown and avoid those mistakes. Federkow hit was great..loved it. Enjoyed seeing Leonard play forward for half a period.

 

[BobHockey]

Ya its tough to keep up the intensity n not get caught up in the "gamesmanship" when up as big and as quick as it happened and esp after the 1st rd sweep. KItchener won't n shouldn't lie down.
It's on the staff n players to reset n not get complacent. Not get swelled pumpkins or egos. Tough with teens lol.
The Rangers may have gotten a little juice from the Knights reactions to their game after it got outta reach......
I felt Federkows open ice, clean hit on Mesar in the 3rd was great. Nice, clean way to answer the other team wanting to send a message in a series BUT BUT ( in hindsight) woulda preferred just play it out. No need to give them the scrum that at that point that may help them.

I think it is difficult to maintain an intensity level when you are up by 5 goals after two periods. While the "festivities" in the third perhaps may provide a spark to the Rangers it also showed them that London will not back down from them. This Knights team have each others backs and imo did the right thing by responding to the undisciplined play by the Rangers in the third. Sure it cost them a couple of goals but it sent a message.

Had the Knights PP been a bit more efficient that score could easily been 12-4. Kudos to Vandenburg of the Rangers who did a good job for the Rangers in relief.

I agree with others here that #70 has improved his play this year, and he did have a four point night last night but good grief the play dies on his stick a lot ! He would be much more effective if he simplified his game and made the smarter play more often.

Overall a good effort by the Knights last night. If the Rangers continue the futile effort of intimidating London this series will be over in 4, 5 tops. I can't recall a single Knights team in the Hunter era that could be intimidated regardless of the size of the players. Not sure why opposing coaches don't see that.

 

[superdee]

I watched game when I got off work on CHL app. I can see them resting Logan and playing Leonard up front in 3rd. They could have really run up the score. I think if they continue to play like they have Thursday and for first two Friday this series is theirs. We will have to see what Pinelli and possibly McCue brings to the table.

 

[Fastpace]

Last night game could be the turning point of the series

It only took Kitchener 4 1/2 periods of hockey to throw the Knights off their game, if the Knights do not turn their back on Kitchener's scrum London will lose this series. Kitchener can not play with London speed, if they can slow London down by taking them off their game with physicality they'll have a chance to win. London being the invincible teenagers too will want to, as they did last night, partake and respond to that Rangers scrum, taking themselves right out of their speed game plan. Look at last year series, look at the 2019 Guelph series first 2 periods of game 4, both were big heavy teams and got to the Knights to beat them in the end.


It is not in numbers of fights won or in total penalty minutes in a game the Knights are in need of, it's winning hockey games and series, got to stick to their speed and game plan or it'll be all over quick. Eight goals scored in one game does not win you series it only win you one game, more goals are needed to win a total of four games. London's talent is not going to score goals with muscle flexing, their abilities is in their skating skill IMHO

 

[Otto]

The third period let down for the Knights was the best thing that could have happened to them. Shows that the Rangers won't give up and the Knights will not take them lightly tomorrow

 

[Hendy]

Last night game could be the turning point of the series

It only took Kitchener 4 1/2 periods of hockey to throw the Knights off their game, if the Knights do not turn their back on Kitchener's scrum London will lose this series. Kitchener can not play with London speed, if they can slow London down by taking them off their game with physicality they'll have a chance to win. London being the invincible teenagers too will want to, as they did last night, partake and respond to that Rangers scrum, taking themselves right out of their speed game plan. Look at last year series, look at the 2019 Guelph series first 2 periods of game 4, both were big heavy teams and got to the Knights to beat them in the end.


It is not in numbers of fights won or in total penalty minutes in a game the Knights are in need of, it's winning hockey games and series, got to stick to their speed and game plan or it'll be all over quick. Eight goals scored in one game does not win you series it only win you one game, more goals are needed to win a total of four games. London's talent is not going to score goals with muscle flexing, their abilities is in their skating skill IMHO

The Knights stopped the speed game and allowed Kitchener to have more success. If the Knights can keep up the "fast pace" (sorry couldn't help myself) Kitchener has no choice but to keep playing aggressively and taking penalties. If Kitchener tries to match the speed then the Knight's transition game will lead to odd man rushes and more goals. Kitchener is in a bad spot if the Knights keep the pedal to the metal. The Knights can play with speed and skill. I don't think Kitchener can play with speed and skill.

 

[Fastpace]

The Knights stopped the speed game and allowed Kitchener to have more success. If the Knights can keep up the "fast pace" (sorry couldn't help myself) Kitchener has no choice but to keep playing aggressively and taking penalties. If Kitchener tries to match the speed then the Knight's transition game will lead to odd man rushes and more goals. Kitchener is in a bad spot if the Knights keep the pedal to the metal. The Knights can play with speed and skill. I don't think Kitchener can play with speed and skill.

Will the Knights cooler heads prevail to Kitchener constant abuse, lets hope so

 

[Fastpace]

The third period let down for the Knights was the best thing that could have happened to them. Shows that the Rangers won't give up and the Knights will not take them lightly tomorrow

I hope you are right too, I would take it the save way as you say but we are no teenagers needing to prove our strength, but they are

 

[Otto]

I hope you are right too, I would take it the save way as you say but we are no teenagers needing to prove our strength, but they are

And that's where Dale900 comes in. They will be fine.

 

[Otto]

How long will it take until we hear the "We Want a ref" chants in Kitchener tomorrow?

 

[EvenSteven]

How long will it take until we hear the "We Want a ref" chants in Kitchener tomorrow?

First minute in! Lol!!

Actually, we’ve also been hearing “Hey ref you suck” lately.

 

[rve24]

This series so far shows why I think the Kitchener board is the best on HF. Realistic, quality, non whinnig, insightful and fair.
Some teams even with Ws complain lol.

 

[Fastpace]

And that's where Dale900 comes in. They will be fine.

Yes you are right I should put more faith in Knights coaching staffs, I hope you are right. Even though it's the same Dale900 that lost last year's series to Kitchener and in 2019 to Guelph. I am getting miserable as heck, think I am going to retire from watching kids hockey and living room armchair bitching.

This series so far shows why I think the Kitchener board is the best on HF. Realistic, quality, non whinnig, insightful and fair.
Some teams even with Ws complain lol.

Stick arround kid, you are still young on this board thing !

 

[rve24]

Stick arround kid, you are still young on this board thing !

Ok then lol. Back to the Noof, the other site we used to frequent for the MidWest and 10 plus years here I think I can have an opinion.
As the Rogers colour commentator Doyle would say "Check that".... definitely on here longer than you by about twice as many years

So not so young on here FP Careful with assumptions lol
(Changed name from aresknights)

 

[Blairwitch58]

Keep the 7 Dman rolling. Stick with the 3 lines. Federkow is odd man out...too bad hes played well, gained confidence with his two goals.

 

[rve24]

Keep the 7 Dman rolling. Stick with the 3 lines. Federkow is odd man out...too bad hes played well, gained confidence with his two goals.

They have gotten minutes for the 10th n 11th Fs by rotating a top 3 line W in when the 4th line plays (7, 14, 86....) or thrown 74 on the ice to fill in after a PP or PK til lines get set again. I like the approach of 7D also, as it's working and gives flexibility in case of a lopsided game or an injury. You play your best players is MO. And our 7/8 D (Leonard and Federkow- even thou a F/D), are probly better than our 12F at this time. Dale and staff are keeping the 18 dressed engaged. If Federkow sits when McC returns so be it. Nice to have 2/3 hungry bodies ready to go. But I'd like his grit in KTown on Sunday but can't see who else to sit. Everyone has contributed and done a good job thru 6 games.

 

[Harley49]

Game Day!!!!! Go Knights!!!!

 

[Otto]

Ok then lol. Back to the Noof, the other site we used to frequent for the MidWest and 10 plus years here I think I can have an opinion.
As the Rogers colour commentator Doyle would say "Check that".... definitely on here longer than you by about twice as many years

So not so young on here FP Careful with assumptions lol
(Changed name from aresknights)

Noof battles were epic

 

[Otto]

Love it, Rags coach is screwing the taxpayers