London Knights 2023-2024 Season Thread (Part 8)

[Fergus31]

From a recent LFPress Article:

PAREKH EFFECT?: Did Saginaw defenceman Zayne Parekh deserve a major penalty for cross-checking London’s Max McCue in the face Wednesday?

It sure looked like it. Instead, the OHL’s top rearguard drew a double minor for high-sticking, while McCue ended up bleeding with some chipped teeth.

A major penalty, of course, would have meant a first-period ejection for Parekh. That would have sent the Spirit bench – and most of the crowd – into a frenzy.

Objectively, what Parekh did to McCue was worse than the cross-check to the neck London’s Kaleb Lawrence delivered to Parekh in the playoffs and Lawrence was suspended for five games.


Parekh has now committed 2 serious cross checks to the head without a suspension during the playoffs. Papa Hache still has his finger prints on Saginaw even though he apparently recused himself during the playoffs.

I hope Saginaw loses tonight so they don't even have a chance to win the Memorial Cup as backdoor entrants.

I don’t necessarily disagree with you. Imagine if the roles were reversed and the uproar we’d hear from OHL “fans”. Maybe Parekh is still considered to not be a repeat offender. I dunno. I don’t care too much to argue penalties or suspensions. I like to see the talent on the ice. Sunday will be nerve wracking. Go Knights.

 

[EvenSteven]

I'm surprised at this take? He is considered by many to be one of the best that played in the OHL. 3 time world Juniors, 2 memorial Cup wins and another conference final. And watched him for years and he played a strong game in his own end. Has to be the first time I've heard that from anyone. Even Tavares said he found it hard to play against Ellis in the 09 series.

Agree on all points. But, we saw a lot of him in Kitchener during his OHL career, and if the race was remotely close, he always held up to allow the forechecker to get to the puck first if the checker was coming hard. He always allowed the guy to go in first and then took the body instead of getting hit.

Call it a smart play or call it self preservation by avoiding taking a big hit.

Nothing wrong with this as a smaller player I suppose. Worked for him.

Past that, the Parekh comparison ends there.

 

[rve24]

Ellis > Parekh with their affect on outcomes of big games, easily IMO. Dang that guy burned us alot in important games lol.
Murphy in Ktown also was an offensive D but I felt good with him on the ice, just like Dionicio or Parerkh cause ya know they will give you prime chances thru the game.

JMO but it's not even close.
One does what it takes to win games, one seems to be more self interest based and looking ahead. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[rve24]

From a recent LFPress Article:

PAREKH EFFECT?: Did Saginaw defenceman Zayne Parekh deserve a major penalty for cross-checking London’s Max McCue in the face Wednesday?

It sure looked like it. Instead, the OHL’s top rearguard drew a double minor for high-sticking, while McCue ended up bleeding with some chipped teeth.

A major penalty, of course, would have meant a first-period ejection for Parekh. That would have sent the Spirit bench – and most of the crowd – into a frenzy.

Objectively, what Parekh did to McCue was worse than the cross-check to the neck London’s Kaleb Lawrence delivered to Parekh in the playoffs and Lawrence was suspended for five games.


Parekh has now committed 2 serious cross checks to the head without a suspension during the playoffs. Papa Hache still has his finger prints on Saginaw even though he apparently recused himself during the playoffs.

I hope Saginaw loses tonight so they don't even have a chance to win the Memorial Cup as backdoor entrants.

There's a reason I don't read the Freeps coverage. Fruit is to low hanging looking for clicks. Do better RP pr pander to who you do.
As FJ said and I agree Idon't get into the stripes calls much at all. Its solly imo.
It's no worse than the NHL, NBA, NFL, etal......And a crutch for fans to justify......
But I do like Parekhs assessed penalty regardless of length, cost them a goal.
Hache n Dionicio also made suspect plays on goals as well, as predicted (well I didn't mention Hache previous, but admittedly was sweet to see him overcomitting n get toe dragged)

2/4/5 or whatever......Parekh cost his team. And that'll be the case more often than not until he changes the way he plays.
( now watch him finally make a play to win a game Sunday lol )

 

[All the Answers]

Ellis > Parekh with their affect on outcomes of big games, easily IMO. Dang that guy burned us alot in important games lol.
Murphy in Ktown also was an offensive D but I felt good with him on the ice, just like Dionicio or Parerkh cause ya know they will give you prime chances thru the game.

JMO but it's not even close.
One does what it takes to win games, one seems to be more self interest based and looking ahead. Maybe I'm wrong.

Agreed with Murph with offensive skills and defensive liabilities, but never saw antics from him that would put him in a Parekh/Merkely conversation.

 

[Fastpace]

There's a reason I don't read the Freeps coverage. Fruit is to low hanging looking for clicks. Do better RP pr pander to who you do.
As FJ said and I agree Idon't get into the stripes calls much at all. Its solly imo.
It's no worse than the NHL, NBA, NFL, etal......And a crutch for fans to justify......
But I do like Parekhs assessed penalty regardless of length, cost them a goal.
Hache n Dionicio also made suspect plays on goals as well, as predicted (well I didn't mention Hache previous, but admittedly was sweet to see him overcomitting n get toe dragged)

2/4/5 or whatever......Parekh cost his team. And that'll be the case more often than not until he changes the way he plays.
( now watch him finally make a play to win a game Sunday lol )

Should we compare Parekh stick check on McCue, bloody and a trip to the dentist, to Lawrence's stick check, no blood no hurt but got 5mi major and 5 game suspension, There is something wrong, either both gets double minors or both gets 5mi major and 5 game suspension as both of their sticks were above the shoulders. In my humble opinion. Cheers!

OHL, is the best junior hockey league in the world, and that's on team's development works. Unfortunately can't say much about people in the front office, there is something really wrong in there

 

[dmead]

Agreed with Murph with offensive skills and defensive liabilities, but never saw antics from him that would put him in a Parekh/Merkely conversation.

Only thing I ever saw was Murph standing behind his net for up to 40 seconds multiple times when the Rangers were ahead. Thats why the move it along delay of game rule was created. I get it, find a way to tick seconds off the clock.

 

[rve24]

Agreed with Murph with offensive skills and defensive liabilities, but never saw antics from him that would put him in a Parekh/Merkely conversation.

Not really here either, was a comparison of being able to take advantage of them when on the ice. Never mentioned Murphy and antics. Sorry it wasn't clear on my end.
Only one I remember was the stand behind the net games but it didn't bug me, unlike the theatrics we see fron Parekh, especially when he is no Saint with the stick or bodily fluids.

 

[rve24]

Should we compare Parekh stick check on McCue, bloody and a trip to the dentist, to Lawrence's stick check, no blood no hurt but got 5mi major and 5 game suspension, There is something wrong, either both gets double minors or both gets 5mi major and 5 game suspension as both of their sticks were above the shoulders. In my humble opinion. Cheers!

OHL, is the best junior hockey league in the world, and that's on team's development works. Unfortunately can't say much about people in the front office, there is something really wrong in there

No we shouldn't compare them. Completely different in my humble opinion. Cheers. Lol.

Both bad shots to take. If you can't figure out the difference, no biggie here.

 

[EvenSteven]

Only thing I ever saw was Murph standing behind his net for up to 40 seconds multiple times when the Rangers were ahead. Thats why the move it along delay of game rule was created. I get it, find a way to tick seconds off the clock.

Umm, that wasn’t why the rule was created. Chris Pronger first did this at the NHL level during the same season exposing the opposition’s no forecheck trap game plan.

Murphy merely copied it here vs London and their no forecheck trap game plan.

The NHL created the rule in the off season and as usual, the OHL followed suit.

 

[Fastpace]

No we shouldn't compare them. Completely different in my humble opinion. Cheers. Lol.

Both bad shots to take. If you can't figure out the difference, no biggie here.

I agree, they are completely different, Parekh should have got the 5mi and 5 games, and Lawrence just the double minors and Cheers lol

 

[Buttsy]

I'm hoping you meant Ryan Merkley because that fits a lot more

I get the knock on Merkley I really do.

However it’s almost sad BUT based on the season he was in London (Covid shortened?) I have great confidence in saying that if he had spent his OHL career in London with Dale (and the development group) he would have been a totally different hockey player. In London he showed great skill at BOTH ends of the rink and was it appeared a true team player. Given 3-4 years with Dale and the team in London I think he would have become an all round hockey player worthy of a solid NHL career. His personality style didn’t handle being labeled “The Star” as he was in Guelph and even later on in Peterboro. The sad part is the kid had skills but it looks like they will go “untapped” in the end?

 

[dmead]

Umm, that wasn’t why the rule was created. Chris Pronger first did this at the NHL level during the same season exposing the opposition’s no forecheck trap game plan.

Murphy merely copied it here vs London and their no forecheck trap game plan.

The NHL created the rule in the off season and as usual, the OHL followed suit.

Hey didnt know that. Shows you can always learn something no matter how old.

 

[rve24]

I agree, they are completely different, Parekh should have got the 5mi and 5 games, and Lawrence just the double minors and Cheers lol

Ok coach.

Let's go Moose Jaw..........Let's go Moose Jaw........

Mini Go Time!

 

[Fastpace]

If I am Saginaw, I'd be worrying right about now, Moose Jaw are a third period kind of team, they've shown it against both London and Saginaw in this tourney, and also in their playoffs run, many times.

 

[ArielNederland]

I'm not sure who'd I'd rather play against tbh. Both are very strong teams

 

[Fastpace]

Saginaw used their fourth line three times so far in this game, they scored 2 goals. They can keep up with this pace because they are getting help from their 4th line

4th line just got other one

 

[Knights77]

Looks like it’s another battle against Saginaw for the final. Moose Jaw looks uninspired. I hope the boys play better than they did mid week. I would really love it if 13 showed up and scored a few in the final. The little things like taking his time skating to the bench etc just is annoying at this point in the season.
I would love to see Dale play the 3rd and 4th line a bit more to add the physicality, save more late game energy for the top lines too.
Don’t leave anything in the tank, let’s go boys! You got this!

 

[Fastpace]

Moose Jaw, playing really nervous, losing 6-1. I guess Saginaw are no longer worried. It goes to show the OHL western conference are in a league of their own. Their 4th line now have 4 goals tonight in 2 periods played. This will confuse things for Dale on Sunday if he's still planning to go with 3 lines.

 

[jimbarrou]

Looks like Saginaw wants the smoke once again. Bring it on

 

[rve24]

Moose Jaw, playing really nervous, losing 6-1. I guess Saginaw are no longer worried. It goes to show the OHL western conference are in a league of their own. Their 4th line now have 4 goals tonight in 2 periods played. This will confuse things for Dale on Sunday if he's still planning to go with 3 lines.

I doubt it'll confuse anything for Dale or the Knights lol.
Win or lose you play your game.

I'd love Saggy to roll 4 lines all game. Please please please.

And after how many head to head matchups this year vs.Saggy, 1000 NHL games, 900 plus OHL Ws he will let an opponents one game blow out confuse things for him after about 90 games with year with this squad? OK then. I'm sure he has,a feel for what gives his team the best chance .
They may not win, but it won't be because Dale was confused.

 

[rve24]

Saginaw obviously put their stamp on this game in the 2nd. We'll done and earned. They capitalized in that 2nd moving the puck east/west in the O zone. (couple things LK can do to slow that down)
Thought MJ shoulda tried to be more physical early on.
MJ just couldn't slow the ball from rolling down hill. Tough loss but this is gravy time. The won the W and good on them.

One game showdown Sunday.

 

[ArielNederland]

Saginaw has momentum which isn't good. London will have to have a very good start. Will have to bring their A game on sunday

 

[crowncarrier]

2:35 left in the game and I hear a familiar chant "We want London".

Ok, cya Sunday.

 

[All the Answers]

Only one I remember was the stand behind the net games but it didn't bug me, unlike the theatrics we see fron Parekh, especially when he is no Saint with the stick or bodily fluids.

I hate the "blow it dead" on the team with the lead behind the net. If you're going to trap and not pressure the play in the attempt to even the score the team with the lead should be able to stand there until the time ticks out. It should be on the team losing to try to get the puck.

Change my mind.