London Knights 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

[nelli27]

That is unrealistic in any sport….except if you’re a Leafs fan.

You can be a fan of a team and just go with the flow and enjoy watching the sport win or lose. When they are losing, take solace in the fact they have won championships. I’m going through that with the Hawks right now.

Just enjoy the game man.

I understand your frustration with the unrealistic expectations of some posters, and the hyperbole. I feel the same way at times. But, you don't seem interested in expressing any thoughts on the game, or even in discussing London Knights hockey. IF (and I emphasize 'if') you think that there's no room for discussion among fans since we can't possibly know as much as the brain trust (Hunters, Simpson, etc...), and all that should be expected of the fans is to sit back and enjoy the game, then I have to ask: Why would you join a message board if you're not interested in discussion? Don't get me wrong...you're well within your rights to lurk, and then pounce on posts that express sentiments that you find over the top. I just prefer good discussion...unfortunately, most of it is on the Rangers' thread.

 

[Fastpace]

Good question...Here's my take for what it's worth. In a nutshell, the defence (lots of depth, incredible skill level: Bonk, Dickinson, George, Edward) VS the offence--absolutely no depth. The pressure is on the 'twins' to carry the load, and they're trying to do too much (esp. Cowan). Ideally, you would not want to break up the twins since they work so well together, but it's a necessity in order to spread out (distribute) the little talent we have up front to avoid being a one-line team. And, that's the disconnect: defensive depth, no offensive depth.
Fortunately our PP has been red hot of late due in large part to 'Halttunnen's haymakers', and 'Bonk in the bumper'.
Our 4th line is a great liability...often get hemmed into our own zone, and they do not contribute in any positive way. We also have average/mediocre forwards in the lineup that I don't think have a high ceiling in this league (e.g. Nichol, Johnston, and then there's McCue who is no goal scorer despite doing some other things well). Julien has stepped up his game; verdict is still out on O'Reilly so I'll suspend judgement. Gazizov is hit or miss...he can be a wizard with the puck, great playmaking ability, but he's inconsistent, turns the puck over, and never appears to be giving 100%.
My guess is that the Knights will use some picks to acquire an additional scoring threat, and then just roll the dice with that lineup. Will that be enough? No chance. It's unfortunate that they spent all this effort building an impressive D corps and fell short with the forward group.

Pretty good bunch of hockey players you have listed, if you don't mind my saying so

 

[Hendy]

Win or lose it's great hockey in a fantastic building for the price.

 

[Woody Dumart]

Good question...Here's my take for what it's worth. In a nutshell, the defence (lots of depth, incredible skill level: Bonk, Dickinson, George, Edward) VS the offence--absolutely no depth. The pressure is on the 'twins' to carry the load, and they're trying to do too much (esp. Cowan). Ideally, you would not want to break up the twins since they work so well together, but it's a necessity in order to spread out (distribute) the little talent we have up front to avoid being a one-line team. And, that's the disconnect: defensive depth, no offensive depth.
Fortunately our PP has been red hot of late due in large part to 'Halttunnen's haymakers', and 'Bonk in the bumper'.
Our 4th line is a great liability...often get hemmed into our own zone, and they do not contribute in any positive way. We also have average/mediocre forwards in the lineup that I don't think have a high ceiling in this league (e.g. Nichol, Johnston, and then there's McCue who is no goal scorer despite doing some other things well). Julien has stepped up his game; verdict is still out on O'Reilly so I'll suspend judgement. Gazizov is hit or miss...he can be a wizard with the puck, great playmaking ability, but he's inconsistent, turns the puck over, and never appears to be giving 100%.
My guess is that the Knights will use some picks to acquire an additional scoring threat, and then just roll the dice with that lineup. Will that be enough? No chance. It's unfortunate that they spent all this effort building an impressive D corps and fell short with the forward group.

I agree with this and Purple Phart. Jacques Beaulieu and Rob Ramage had their baggage but they usually did well in the team stat of goals against. In spite of reaching the championship last year, I would argue that the goals against category wasn’t where it should have been given the talent on defence and goaltending. (Hello, Dylan).

O’Reilly and Nicholl are rookies (17) so they get a pass from me. They’ve shown positives. Johnston is limited with his skill set but can play on the bottom lines and not be awful. Same with McCue. The problem is that there are three or four forwards that are chewing up minutes that aren’t OHL players. That gets exposed even with their limited icetime.

 

[Fastpace]

I agree with this and Purple Phart. Jacques Beaulieu and Rob Ramage had their baggage but they usually did well in the team stat of goals against. In spite of reaching the championship last year, I would argue that the goals against category wasn’t where it should have been given the talent on defence and goaltending. (Hello, Dylan).

O’Reilly and Nicholl are rookies (17) so they get a pass from me. They’ve shown positives. Johnston is limited with his skill set but can play on the bottom lines and not be awful. Same with McCue. The problem is that there are three or four forwards that are chewing up minutes that aren’t OHL players. That gets exposed even with their limited icetime.

Who says some players are not OHL caliber, I trust the Knights management decisions to bring in the right players for their hockey club. If someone on this team thinks a few players does not meet OHL caliber standards, the problem is much bigger than just the 3 or 4 players. If a player signed a contract and wares the OHL team uniforms he's an OHL caliber player end of story. I am guessing some would like goalies to stop all pucks, defenders preventing all opponents from reaching the D-zone and all forwards each scoring hat tricks, to be OHL caliber hockey players.

As a player, better accept all your teammates as part of your hockey team or the real problem is starting from you. Better start accepting yours and everyone else's role on your team or the team family atmosphere won't come playoff time. IMHO

 

[dmead]

I agree that the offense talent is not in synch with the defense this year. But I also do not see a game changer on defense like Mailloux last year. Dont get me wrong we have elite, servicable defensemen, but they are wasted with the current system they are asked to play.

I would also like to see the forwards actually come back and play the half wall instead of hanging around the top of the circle or blue line. Give the defense someone to pass to.

I think the Knights penchant for aquiring the goalie that beat them, tipped their hand and made it difficult to bring in players that could have made a difference. Instead GMs around the league upped the ante so Mark had to give up players he might have preferred to keep in the back pocket.

Levin, Crane and Paris were moved for picks essentially.

I also hope they do something about the penalties. Hard to win hockey games playing a man down for 20 minutes per game. Although they do seem to use it as a weapon, overall it is a detriment.

I have not given up on this team, but I do hope to see some leadership emerge. Win or lose, just leave it all on the ice is all I ask.

 

[Frank the Skank]

Barkey, Bonk, and Cowan named to team Canada's world junior selection camp

 

[RangerNation]

Barkey, Bonk, and Cowan named to team Canada's world junior selection camp

The only time of the year I cheer for Knights players. Good luck!

 

[Fastpace]

I agree that the offense talent is not in synch with the defense this year. But I also do not see a game changer on defense like Mailloux last year. Dont get me wrong we have elite, servicable defensemen, but they are wasted with the current system they are asked to play.

I would also like to see the forwards actually come back and play the half wall instead of hanging around the top of the circle or blue line. Give the defense someone to pass to.

I think the Knights penchant for aquiring the goalie that beat them, tipped their hand and made it difficult to bring in players that could have made a difference. Instead GMs around the league upped the ante so Mark had to give up players he might have preferred to keep in the back pocket.

Levin, Crane and Paris were moved for picks essentially.

I also hope they do something about the penalties. Hard to win hockey games playing a man down for 20 minutes per game. Although they do seem to use it as a weapon, overall it is a detriment.

I have not given up on this team, but I do hope to see some leadership emerge. Win or lose, just leave it all on the ice is all I ask.

Do like your post. The players have a lot of work to do yet before they can call themselves ready to take it to the top. They'll get there but it will take times to adjust with the new comers

The season is only just above 2 months old, there are still lots of hockey to be played. We can't expect the team to replaced 10 regulars with new ones and not losing a step.

 

[cobra9850]

Barkey, Bonk, and Cowan named to team Canada's world junior selection camp

Cowan absolutely.Bonk maybe . Barkey ?

 

[nelli27]

I'll go with Bonk on the PP for the TBT goal.

 

[dmead]

Barkey. He seems to get the first goal of the game pretty regular.

 

[Frank the Skank]

I'll go with Sim

 

[Knightsfan90]

Sim first game is against lil brother!!!

I understand your frustration with the unrealistic expectations of some posters, and the hyperbole. I feel the same way at times. But, you don't seem interested in expressing any thoughts on the game, or even in discussing London Knights hockey. IF (and I emphasize 'if') you think that there's no room for discussion among fans since we can't possibly know as much as the brain trust (Hunters, Simpson, etc...), and all that should be expected of the fans is to sit back and enjoy the game, then I have to ask: Why would you join a message board if you're not interested in discussion? Don't get me wrong...you're well within your rights to lurk, and then pounce on posts that express sentiments that you find over the top. I just prefer good discussion...unfortunately, most of it is on the Rangers' thread.

Well said

 

[Fastpace]

Nicholl will be hunting for the bears tonight

 

[Knightsfan90]

Woolley is going is going to be special love to see it!!!!

 

[Fastpace]

I am sure had we all knew Woolley was going to play tonight, all of us would have picked him

 

[LDN]

Jacob Julien is a point per game player!

 

[TheOrangePylon]

Man oh man, not to beat a dead horse as some have already commented this. But do Sloan and Doyle even watch what’s happening on the ice? So many comments tonight that aren’t even remotely close to what’s happening.
I don’t mind their call of the play by play, but there is just so many mistakes and comments that make no sense. Maybe the casual viewer doesn’t notice, but it bugs me an, avid fan.

 

[ArielNederland]

Nice job london!

 

[Fastpace]

4-1 over Sarnia, not their best effort but we;ll take it

Julien did really well on faceoffs tonight

 

[StingUpdates]

Man oh man, not to beat a dead horse as some have already commented this. But do Sloan and Doyle even watch what’s happening on the ice? So many comments tonight that aren’t even remotely close to what’s happening.
I don’t mind their call of the play by play, but there is just so many mistakes and comments that make no sense. Maybe the casual viewer doesn’t notice, but it bugs me an, avid fan.

Worst I've ever heard them. Usually don't mind them but hoo boy was tonight bad. They had no clue wtf was going on half the night.

Had to enjoy the ref show in that on eh? Definitely didn't wanna see any pace, flow, energy in the game lol. Not like it would've changed the result anyway but Christ. 16 penalties is the most I've seen in years.

Julien was impressive. Always feel bad for George he never gets to get in on the scoring/points fun haha. He's such a rock back there.

 

[TheOrangePylon]

Worst I've ever heard them. Usually don't mind them but hoo boy was tonight bad. They had no clue wtf was going on half the night.

Had to enjoy the ref show in that on eh? Definitely didn't wanna see any pace, flow, energy in the game lol. Not like it would've changed the result anyway but Christ. 16 penalties is the most I've seen in years.

Julien was impressive. Always feel bad for George he never gets to get in on the scoring/points fun haha. He's such a rock back there.

Agree with everything you said, refs were equally weak on some calls. They got a little carried away at the end with calls, trying to keep the game calm too I think.

For Julien, that might be the best game he’s played as a Knight. Was very effective both ends of the ice, including the dot. Had some good steals, physically involved and of course the 3 points.

 

[Smithsy]

Worst I've ever heard them. Usually don't mind them but hoo boy was tonight bad. They had no clue wtf was going on half the night.

Had to enjoy the ref show in that on eh? Definitely didn't wanna see any pace, flow, energy in the game lol. Not like it would've changed the result anyway but Christ. 16 penalties is the most I've seen in years.

Julien was impressive. Always feel bad for George he never gets to get in on the scoring/points fun haha. He's such a rock back there.

The amount of soft penalties called in the OHL is insane. Add that to the now 2 TV timeouts and the incredibly long goal reviews and it absolutely kills the flow of the game and can be tough to watch. The other day there was a TV timeout to shovel the ice with 30 seconds left in the period! Let’s use some common sense here!

 

[Ken Yates]

Enjoyed the game last night. Even though Sim was not great it really helps to have another regular back. He will get better and help our depth. Our Defense player a lot better...very good game by George,Leonard and all the back end. Looking forward to Friday game. Was good to see Hunter put 37 on 4th line.