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I agree. Not a fan of the hit at all. Was indeed a blindside headshot. Glad to see Dickinson finished the 1st period on the ice.
London Knights 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)
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2nd period thoughts..
Dickinson with another step-up on a 1 v 1 to block the shot. Engaged in front of the net, tying up sticks and using his size to control the area.
Wooley with short passes to get the Knights going in transition. Not flashy but effective. Good jump into the play on the shift he got beside Dickinson. Nice low hard shot that found the net with a juicy rebound.
Halttunen with a couple of heavy shots. Cowan/Barkey connection looking dangerous almost every shift.
Most of the Knights forwards are playing physically, whether that's just in general board battles or finishing their hits. Ryder Boulton leading the way in the energy department, had a shift with 2 big hits and tried for a 3rd at the end his shift.. seems like he's inspiring McCue and O'Reilly to get more engaged physically as well.
34 shots through 2 periods and 0/16 lately on the PP.. somethings gotta give
Dickinson with another step-up on a 1 v 1 to block the shot. Engaged in front of the net, tying up sticks and using his size to control the area.
Wooley with short passes to get the Knights going in transition. Not flashy but effective. Good jump into the play on the shift he got beside Dickinson. Nice low hard shot that found the net with a juicy rebound.
Halttunen with a couple of heavy shots. Cowan/Barkey connection looking dangerous almost every shift.
Most of the Knights forwards are playing physically, whether that's just in general board battles or finishing their hits. Ryder Boulton leading the way in the energy department, had a shift with 2 big hits and tried for a 3rd at the end his shift.. seems like he's inspiring McCue and O'Reilly to get more engaged physically as well.
34 shots through 2 periods and 0/16 lately on the PP.. somethings gotta give
Knights Watcher
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Ran into a hot goalie but thoroughly unimpressed with the lack of finish tonight. So many chances but Nada. And WTF is going on with the power play? They're so desperate they're using Bonk in front of the net. A couple of passengers tonight who I won't name but they know who they are. Once again we witness a team that just expects to roll over the opposition but almost gets it handed to them. Lucky to escape with a two points. With that type of effort no way they beat Owen Sound and Kitchener both teams with hot offenses. Starting to see why Dale is so frustrated in this team right now. Change is have to be made and soon.
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Dickinson is the real deal. Very impressive showing from him tonight. Creative in the offensive end and steady in the defensive end. He barely spends anytime back there because his first pass and zone exits are efficient. Had a shift on the PP where he was behind the Bulldogs net skated it out and hard accurate shot led to a scoring chance. Just before that connected on a one-timer. A few poor decisions at the top of the PP (feathered shot wide of the net, poor pass through the slot) but all players his age are going to make some mistakes. Great game from him.
O'Reilly should've probably had a goal on that passing play set up by Gazizov and Dickinson at the beginning of the period. Still all in all, I liked his energy tonight and he's doing things to remain an effective player even even when he's not in on the scoresheet. 7/11 in the faceoff circle tonight and some physicality.
Boulton bros solid when called upon. Ryder just keeps coming.
Was Simpson cheating on that 2nd Bulldogs goal or did it take a weird bounce or a combination of the two? Was like something out of a proline commercial - Knights responded quickly.
I would not be opposed to watching Easton Cowan play every minute of 3 on 3 hockey possible. What a finish to the game. I'll spare the Cowan enthusiasm for today except for saying best Knights forward tonight.
Dale's gotta solve the PP woes though. Way too much talent to go this long without a PP goal.
O'Reilly should've probably had a goal on that passing play set up by Gazizov and Dickinson at the beginning of the period. Still all in all, I liked his energy tonight and he's doing things to remain an effective player even even when he's not in on the scoresheet. 7/11 in the faceoff circle tonight and some physicality.
Boulton bros solid when called upon. Ryder just keeps coming.
Was Simpson cheating on that 2nd Bulldogs goal or did it take a weird bounce or a combination of the two? Was like something out of a proline commercial - Knights responded quickly.
I would not be opposed to watching Easton Cowan play every minute of 3 on 3 hockey possible. What a finish to the game. I'll spare the Cowan enthusiasm for today except for saying best Knights forward tonight.
Dale's gotta solve the PP woes though. Way too much talent to go this long without a PP goal.
That was one of the best goaltending performances Ive seen on that ice. Drobac was solid. Shame he had to lose that game.
4 minute penalty wasted trying for the perfect setup. Not saying the Knights played poorly, just need to get out of some habits that will bite them come the Spring.
4 minute penalty wasted trying for the perfect setup. Not saying the Knights played poorly, just need to get out of some habits that will bite them come the Spring.
Fastpace
The Devil's Advocate in Person
Great game ending up 3-2 London victory over Brantford
Another example of a lower team coming into London not wanting to be embarrassed in front 9000+ fans
I like McCue and do think he earned at least a co-captaincy job with this year's team so has Bunk and Cowan. With this said I think Brantford goalie Matteo Drobac should had have First Star, this was one heck of goaltending performance we witness tonight
The team still have some work to do especially on men advantages and on those soft passes directly into opponents skates, too many of those they have got to make sure the passes will get through. I also noticed players not releasing the quick shots, seems they like to take their time placing it before shooting, not in this league you can't, the execution must be done quick and they'll get more goals that way. IMHO. London will be fine! "Great Team"
Oh ya, did anyone notice the mile wide smile on Nicholl's face, this kids loves it when he scores, want to see more of that smile kiddo !
Another example of a lower team coming into London not wanting to be embarrassed in front 9000+ fans
I like McCue and do think he earned at least a co-captaincy job with this year's team so has Bunk and Cowan. With this said I think Brantford goalie Matteo Drobac should had have First Star, this was one heck of goaltending performance we witness tonight
The team still have some work to do especially on men advantages and on those soft passes directly into opponents skates, too many of those they have got to make sure the passes will get through. I also noticed players not releasing the quick shots, seems they like to take their time placing it before shooting, not in this league you can't, the execution must be done quick and they'll get more goals that way. IMHO. London will be fine! "Great Team"
Oh ya, did anyone notice the mile wide smile on Nicholl's face, this kids loves it when he scores, want to see more of that smile kiddo !
Rubbers29
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This team needs to start trying to score some dirty goals. They’re so focused on the cross crease pass they miss the open net in front of them half the time.
That said Drobec stood on his head tonight! His glove was like a puck magnet. If the 3 stars ment anything anymore he was far and away #1 tonight.
@DraftEligibleOHL the second Brantford goal was a corner dump in. Simpson left his net to play it and it took a strange bounce off the boards just inside the blueline. Super crappy but it happens.
Woolley did not look out of place tonight. Very impressed with his composure. We have a few vets that would lazily turn over the puck on a few plays that he stood in there and managed a nice outlet pass. Look forward to seeing more of him in the future.
That said Drobec stood on his head tonight! His glove was like a puck magnet. If the 3 stars ment anything anymore he was far and away #1 tonight.
@DraftEligibleOHL the second Brantford goal was a corner dump in. Simpson left his net to play it and it took a strange bounce off the boards just inside the blueline. Super crappy but it happens.
Woolley did not look out of place tonight. Very impressed with his composure. We have a few vets that would lazily turn over the puck on a few plays that he stood in there and managed a nice outlet pass. Look forward to seeing more of him in the future.
LDN
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Woolley looked good for a first game. He was a bit nervous, but it all worked out. Both goalies were good. Their goalie stood on his head, but summer faced some solid shots as well.
I thought we could have potted more goals. Brantford should be proud of their efforts. They worked their asses off
I thought we could have potted more goals. Brantford should be proud of their efforts. They worked their asses off
LDN
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Knightsfan90
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TheOrangePylon
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Power play looks horrible, but using Bonk in front of the net isn’t new. They did this at times last year too. So I wouldn’t call that the sign of desperation, but the certainly need to figure something out.
Rubbers29
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They could start by eliminating the stupid drop pass which hasn’t worked for them since they started trying it
nelli27
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I saw the game as a prelude of what we can expect this season, and to be honest, I'm not excited about an OT victory when it's abundantly clear that we've returned to the years when Dale rides his number one line. We've seen this many times before, it's no surprise. When Dale recognizes that his team lacks scoring depth, he'll ride the number one unit. Last year was a rare, and pleasant exception, but we had assets to bring in players (Diaco, Winterton, Humphrey).
How many minutes did Barkey/Cowan play last night? Yes, the team had a week off to rest, but it's a 3 in 3 weekend, and Cowan played what seemed like the entire 3rd period and OT.
If you liked the "Evangelista years" (to use one example of many), you won't have a problem with riding the top line. But, that strategy never ends well. Me, I prefer last year's team...scoring was spread out, the lines top to bottom could be counted on. Entertaining style of hockey.
We're seeing my biggest concern heading into the season being realized every game. A star-studded defence that is going to waste because the forward group is not talented enough "as a whole" to complement the likes of Bonk, George, Dickinson, and Edward. As for Simpson, he made some key saves last night, and I have no complaints overall about his play. He's clearly an asset. The goal from centre ice left you shaking your head, but those are rare, and you know he will provide consistent goaltending. Willmore is a capable backup.
So, why not go out and add secondary scoring? Problem solved, maybe give Halttunen linemates that can match his talent level (or come close), and offer scoring from more than one line? That would normally be the solution, right?
Here's the problem, Mark decided to spend big to acquire H. Bruz... from Ottawa, and once that move was made we could kiss away any chance of bolstering the offence this season through trades where we would be in a position to compete for a championship. A decision was made early on to deplete our assets for this season by acquiring H. Bruz....it was a decision to have him in the lineup for 4 seasons instead of using those picks to add secondary scoring this season that would have put us in contention for a championship. Good move? Or, a waste of a defence corps (Bonk, Dickinson, George, Edward), the likes of which we may not see here in quite some time? Or....? Help me to understand the logic behind these moves.
Now back to last night's game...Woolley was a bright spot. Surprising how he displayed so much confidence in his first OHL game (I think it was his first game), no sign of nerves. He certainly likes to join the rush. We've cut down on penalties...another good sign. Cowan and Barkey are fun to watch. I want to say that about more forwards, but I can't yet. Julien continues to use "the Julien" move...fire the puck in, and beat the opposition to the rebound off the boards. It's his thing, and he does it well to create chances. PP needs to get going, and it will. 4th line is painful to watch...Jr. B level talent.
How many minutes did Barkey/Cowan play last night? Yes, the team had a week off to rest, but it's a 3 in 3 weekend, and Cowan played what seemed like the entire 3rd period and OT.
If you liked the "Evangelista years" (to use one example of many), you won't have a problem with riding the top line. But, that strategy never ends well. Me, I prefer last year's team...scoring was spread out, the lines top to bottom could be counted on. Entertaining style of hockey.
We're seeing my biggest concern heading into the season being realized every game. A star-studded defence that is going to waste because the forward group is not talented enough "as a whole" to complement the likes of Bonk, George, Dickinson, and Edward. As for Simpson, he made some key saves last night, and I have no complaints overall about his play. He's clearly an asset. The goal from centre ice left you shaking your head, but those are rare, and you know he will provide consistent goaltending. Willmore is a capable backup.
So, why not go out and add secondary scoring? Problem solved, maybe give Halttunen linemates that can match his talent level (or come close), and offer scoring from more than one line? That would normally be the solution, right?
Here's the problem, Mark decided to spend big to acquire H. Bruz... from Ottawa, and once that move was made we could kiss away any chance of bolstering the offence this season through trades where we would be in a position to compete for a championship. A decision was made early on to deplete our assets for this season by acquiring H. Bruz....it was a decision to have him in the lineup for 4 seasons instead of using those picks to add secondary scoring this season that would have put us in contention for a championship. Good move? Or, a waste of a defence corps (Bonk, Dickinson, George, Edward), the likes of which we may not see here in quite some time? Or....? Help me to understand the logic behind these moves.
Now back to last night's game...Woolley was a bright spot. Surprising how he displayed so much confidence in his first OHL game (I think it was his first game), no sign of nerves. He certainly likes to join the rush. We've cut down on penalties...another good sign. Cowan and Barkey are fun to watch. I want to say that about more forwards, but I can't yet. Julien continues to use "the Julien" move...fire the puck in, and beat the opposition to the rebound off the boards. It's his thing, and he does it well to create chances. PP needs to get going, and it will. 4th line is painful to watch...Jr. B level talent.
Fastpace
The Devil's Advocate in Person
There is a reason why some players are on the ice and some are sitting, players out to get Dale's message soon or it'll be a long season for some warming the bench. Dale needs maximum from every players he puts on, if they don't he will ride other players that can give their maximum even if he has to double shift them.
That's how it works at this level, look at last season four lines were giving him their maximum and he rolled all four lines one after the other, we fans call it team gelling as everyone looks happy. Sometime it takes half of a season and sometime they just don't get it. Dale has sat his best players many times when he don't get their effort out there. We've watched him sitting down players like Cory Perry Rob Schremp Max Domi Seth Griffith he even sat Dylan a couple times just to name a few. He is not afraid to put in younger players if they'll give him a reason to. Players that want more icetime better play the minutes given to their fullest while on the ice.. It's a team and the team needs four lines moving at their top notch, and when that happens they won't lose as many games and judging by Dale's record he coached his team well even when he had to rides his better players at times to get his 4 lines moving for 60 minutes IMHO.
That's how it works at this level, look at last season four lines were giving him their maximum and he rolled all four lines one after the other, we fans call it team gelling as everyone looks happy. Sometime it takes half of a season and sometime they just don't get it. Dale has sat his best players many times when he don't get their effort out there. We've watched him sitting down players like Cory Perry Rob Schremp Max Domi Seth Griffith he even sat Dylan a couple times just to name a few. He is not afraid to put in younger players if they'll give him a reason to. Players that want more icetime better play the minutes given to their fullest while on the ice.. It's a team and the team needs four lines moving at their top notch, and when that happens they won't lose as many games and judging by Dale's record he coached his team well even when he had to rides his better players at times to get his 4 lines moving for 60 minutes IMHO.
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I remember a captain named Danny Bois. Spent more time in the box than out of it.
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nelli27
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Looking forward to seeing Carter George (no relation to Isaiah) between the pipes for OS tonight. The next on a long list of stellar goaltending coming out of OS. Few teams draft that position as well as the Attack (Guelph, Missie up there too).
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JagrBomb93
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LDN
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Fastpace
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All you need to know, if he's a Wooley he's got to be good
Carter's last start was his shortest. Showing he is not a superhuman.
He is a fun kid to watch.
Not overly big but plays very composed for a kid .
He is, by all accounts very well liked in the room .
The rotation was set this week to see him start tonight .
The Attack has not named their starter,but its evident 32 will draw the bulk of games .
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