London Knights 2024-25 Season Thread, Part I

[TheOrangePylon]

Much better game today, if not for the Erie goalie, game could have been a blowout.

Elliott looked good in his debut as well, made some great saves and just looked like a solid netminder overall. Seems to play well positionally and make the saves he should. Should be a calming presence and doesn’t need to be a star, just make the saves he should.

Speaking of the Erie goalie, almost created a big post game problem. I saw him and Nurmi face to face, I figured they knew eachother both being Scandinavian, but it appeared to get heated and lead to some words between other players. Could have gotten out of hand quick. I wonder what was said, I didn’t see Nurmi do anything that would have upset him, other than score lol.

 

[Knightsfan90]

Elliot becomes the number 1 will give Medvedev the chance to develop under a high caliber partner.
Unfortunately Willmore didn't have the experience to lead the crease

 

[Fastpace]

Elliot becomes the number 1 will give Medvedev the chance to develop under a high caliber partner.
Unfortunately Willmore didn't have the experience to lead the crease

Very refreshing to a new Knight's goalie play in a monster game in his first Knight uniform. I hope he will come as advertised in the long run and become the #1, but for now to say he's the one is too small of a sample yet, but it's looking good for him. The things I've noticed about him are how prepared he is when the puck comes inside his zone, regardless of whether it's a foe or a friend controlling the puck, he's ready immediately.

 

[Sane Knights Fan]

Wow after one bad played game by our whole team except for Meds and one well played game in front of Elliot against a good Erie team that played last night also we are giving Elliot the number one goalie medal ?? Was anyone watching how well the Russian kid did in net Friday night ??? Man reading posters on here like being on a roller coaster
Lose a game and they basically say we suck then we win one and we’re going on the way !! It’s a long season new players in have to figure things out . We will be fine ! Trust in Dale !

 

[LDN]

Wow after one bad played game by our whole team except for Meds and one well played game in front of Elliot against a good Erie team that played last night also we are giving Elliot the number one goalie medal ?? Was anyone watching how well the Russian kid did in net Friday night ??? Man reading posters on here like being on a roller coaster
Lose a game and they basically say we suck then we win one and we’re going on the way !! It’s a long season new players in have to figure things out . We will be fine ! Trust in Dale !

Stone cold is the #1, but Medsy will get a good amount of games for sure. He’s got the talent

 

[Otto]

Was anyone watching how well the Russian kid did in net Friday night ???

Medvedev isn't Russian, he's Canadian.
Edit: nope, I'm wrong.

 

[Sane Knights Fan]

Oh really I thought he was Russian for some reason. Lol

 

[TheOrangePylon]

Medvedev isn't Russian, he's Canadian

He is Russian, he was born in St. Petersburg Russia. He just doesn’t count as an Import because he moved to Canada and played/ drafted out of the GTHL.

 

[purple pharrt]

The one thing that I noticed regarding Austin's play, was his puck handling ability on shoot-ins. He was confident, and was quite adept at stopping the puck , behind his net, and then distributing it to his d-men. It's clearly something that he could pass on to Medvedev, who seemingly has difficulty, with that aspect of his game. The team did live up to their usual slow start Sunday reputation as the 1st period was scoreless.

Regarding Dickenson's play of late.... could it be the result of him being designated as the puck carrier when entering the offensive zone ?? I've noticed that this seems to be a trend, but IMHO, it isn't a role that he's quite ready for, and leads him to be positionally disadvantaged
especially when he goes deep into the offensive zone, and the play gets reversed. Makes him look bad, and defensively irresponsible. He's a better player than that, but perhaps he is just attempting to play the assignment he's been given.

 

[LDN]

The one thing that I noticed regarding Austin's play, was his puck handling ability on shoot-ins. He was confident, and was quite adept at stopping the puck , behind his net, and then distributing it to his d-men. It's clearly something that he could pass on to Medvedev, who seemingly has difficulty, with that aspect of his game. The team did live up to their usual slow start Sunday reputation as the 1st period was scoreless.

Regarding Dickenson's play of late.... could it be the result of him being designated as the puck carrier when entering the offensive zone ?? I've noticed that this seems to be a trend, but IMHO, it isn't a role that he's quite ready for, and leads him to be positionally disadvantaged
especially when he goes deep into the offensive zone, and the play gets reversed. Makes him look bad, and defensively irresponsible. He's a better player than that, but perhaps he is just attempting to play the assignment he's been given.

What type of strategy are most teams imploring on us? I understand that we trap, but seems we are in our zone a lot due to a forecheck or press from the other team. What is the strategy? I know when we do trap and do it effectively teams have trouble, but right now there’s holes in it. The team needs more time to gel. Just wondering if someone can explain the various types of defensive strategies

How come we don’t try the 2-1-2 forecheck ?

 

[Ken Yates]

Hunters moves really helped us. Splitting up Bonk and Sam. Spreading out the lines. The return of Brzustewicz made all the difference with out D.

 

[LDN]

Hunters moves really helped us. Splitting up Bonk and Sam. Spreading out the lines. The return of Brzustewicz made all the difference with out D.

We need the boys to really get rolling

 

[ArielNederland]

If this is true, chl would have to make some changes. Maybe draft kids at 15 instead of 16?

 

[LDN]

If this is true, chl would have to make some changes. Maybe draft kids at 15 instead of 16?
View attachment 919367

Interesting! They still have to make it. It would take the top end talent …

 

[Fastpace]

The problem with the Knights defenders, is not 2-2-1 or 2-1-2 or 2-3 or 3-2 or 5 players standing on the blue line & etc. They have the right approach and defensive system in the defensive zone coverage system, the problem is when using the zone coverage you are almost standing still against a high-flying offense. The right approach is to up their pace to match the other team's intensity within their zone defense in order to apply more pressure on the offense. They're using this with great success on their PKs, even getting short-end goals at times. Do it quickly in your area, boys. Everything should be fine. Cheers!

 

[Otto]

He is Russian, he was born in St. Petersburg Russia. He just doesn’t count as an Import because he moved to Canada and played/ drafted out of the GTHL.

Thanks for the correction

 

[Fergus31]

O’Reilly signed with the Oilers today - congratulations!

 

[LDN]

O’Reilly signed with the Oilers today - congratulations!

Big congrats to him!

 

[Buttsy]

Interesting! They still have to make it. It would take the top end talent …

Will continue to say that this rule actually is hurting the CHL recruitment process. Far more options for a player that is drafted into the NHL from any other team in the WORLD rather then being drafted while playing for a CHL team.
Also if you are the Development League you claim to be you are hindering a kids career by forcing them to return to Junior rather then allowing them to play in the AHL. For example Easton Cowan ….. great for London, great for the CHL …. not so great for the player?
Quit with the self serving restrictive rules of “player ownership” and let them make their own decisions based on what is best for the player.

 

[Fastpace]

Will continue to say that this rule actually is hurting the CHL recruitment process. Far more options for a player that is drafted into the NHL from any other team in the WORLD rather then being drafted while playing for a CHL team.
Also if you are the Development League you claim to be you are hindering a kids career by forcing them to return to Junior rather then allowing them to play in the AHL. For example Easton Cowan ….. great for London, great for the CHL …. not so great for the player?
Quit with the self serving restrictive rules of “player ownership” and let them make their own decisions based on what is best for the player.

We've seen so many wasted talented players kept up over, instead sending them for more seasoning in juniors, ex. à la Rico Fata that often comes to mind, sometime higher level league play don't always help player development. NHL teams must ensure that they maintain an open mind when it comes to the development of players between the ages of 18 and 19. This stage of their development requires a significant amount of playing time.

 

[LDN]

So 2nd import status? Will it be Halttunnen, Semenyov or a trade? I’m assuming we will utilize this slot.

How can you not love Will Nicholl. Must be the most likeable Knight this yr

 

[Otto]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1848787431736086923

 

[tjziel]

So 2nd import status? Will it be Halttunnen, Semenyov or a trade? I’m assuming we will utilize this slot.

How can you not love Will Nicholl. Must be the most likeable Knight this yr

Mark Hunter waits until the Halttunen situation is cleared up. Be patient. Mike Grier isn’t set on him staying in the AHL either.

Grier: Will Sharks Keep Halttunen, Cagnoni With Cuda?

Will Kasper Halttunen and Luca Cagnoni be part of the San Jose Barracuda’s playoff push this year? “I think it’s important for them to have success down there,” San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said about his AHL affiliate on Monday. “The goal is for them to be in the playoffs.” Both 2023...

sanjosehockeynow.com

“Grier seemed more confident about Cagnoni being around for the Cuda playoff push than Halttunen, though he hasn’t finalized a decision on either. He has until the Trade Deadline in both prospects’ respective CHL leagues, the OHL’s London Knights for Halttunen and the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks for Cagnoni, to decide. The Trade Deadline for both leagues is roughly early January.

Grier seemed less committed to keeping Halttunen in the AHL than he was with Cagnoni: “I think Tuna is a little bit different. I think it’s good for him, he’s getting a taste of playing against men and playing pro hockey.”

Regardless of how the San Jose Sharks proceed with Halttunen, Grier doesn’t think there’s a wrong answer.

“We’ve just got to make a decision here, as a development group and as an organization. If it’s better for him to be up here and have to really work for it, or get more puck touches with a really good London team and have the puck and produce offensively. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer, and it’s not an easy answer, but something we’re going through probably a little bit more with him than with Luca.”

Grier was careful not to set too strict of a deadline on making the decision but said he’d prefer to get it done sooner rather than later for Halttunen’s sake and to be fair to London.“

 

[GoKnightsGo44]

That is huge, seems like he is definitely leaning into sending him back. Obviously looks of respect for the Knights system.

I wonder if having Halttunen would have any impact on getting Musty? Can’t hurt.

 

[tjziel]

That is huge, seems like he is definitely leaning into sending him back. Obviously looks of respect for the Knights system.

I wonder if having Halttunen would have any impact on getting Musty? Can’t hurt.

To be honest, not sure there is enough ice time with Musty if we have Halttunen, Cowan, Barkey, Julien, Nichol, O’Rielly, Nurmi etc.

The only way we get Musty is if he requests to only come here and the Wolves give in and don’t have a huge asking price. TBH though, I would like Musty only to move Julien down to the 3rd line and make him earn a top six role.