London Knights 2024-25 Season Thread, Part IV

[Fastpace]

1 game, no big deal. On to the next one. Props to Kitchener for being prepared and playing a tough game.

I will give the Knights a pass on this one, can't win them all and showing up to the game late really messes with pregame activities. Hockey players are a creature of habit, so messing that up has a mental effect. Chalk one up for Kitchener in this one and move on and come out prepared for the east swing this weekend.

It is a big deal, for the mental side of the game, may be not so much from the talented side. What this game has done is handled Kitchener the confidence they did not have before this game. They now know they can beat the Knights and the how to as well. You bet it is a big deal, when it comes to motivation for future games, what it is to grabbing the momentum from the almighty Knights can do. Many team uses London as springboard for future motivation after beating them. London is very much still the better and more experience team, but now Kitchener knows they can be beaten

 

[TheOrangePylon]

It is a big deal, for the mental side of the game, may be not so much from the talented side. What this game has done is handled Kitchener the confidence they did not have before this game. They now know they can beat the Knights and the how to as well. You bet it is a big deal, when it comes to motivation for future games, what it is to grabbing the momentum from the almighty Knights can do. Many team uses London as springboard for future motivation after beating them. London is very much still the better and more experience team, but now Kitchener knows they can be beaten

I am still of the opinion a game on January 21st, when your bus breaks down on the way to the game and have to sit on the side of the highway in -20 temperatures. Is no big deal, could they have put forth a better effort, sure. But I don't believe the ball is now in Kitchener's court. The Knights have more confidence than anybody and for good reason.

One game doesn't change the Knights attitude, nor should it. If this starts becoming a trend or they have this kind of effort next time against Kitchener, then sure, be concerned. But until that happens, this game is a one off in which the Knights played in less than ideal circumstances leading up to it. This was said to be Kitchener's biggest win in years, for London, this game is simply a hiccup a long the way. That is the difference, it means much less to the Knights. So, forget about it and move on and bring a better effort next time. Momentum is only a factor if you want it to be, it can be taken away in a hurry and the Knights have proved time and time again, they can handle that.

 

[RangerNation]

It is a big deal, for the mental side of the game, may be not so much from the talented side. What this game has done is handled Kitchener the confidence they did not have before this game. They now know they can beat the Knights and the how to as well. You bet it is a big deal, when it comes to motivation for future games, what it is to grabbing the momentum from the almighty Knights can do. Many team uses London as springboard for future motivation after beating them. London is very much still the better and more experience team, but now Kitchener knows they can be beaten

Id say it is and it isn't. Jussi always likes to bring everyone back down to reality in his post games. Sure its a great win, but it only gets you 2 points. Would have loved to see this effort earlier against Brampton, another top team that can easily win it all. If at all, it keeps the rivalry alive. It's a pleasure to watch 2 great coaches run their teams very differently. Hunters playbook hasn't changed much in 20 years, and it still works. You just have to get the right players (which they always do). It's refreshing to watch Jussi in Kitchener, but we all know it's a limited time.

 

[RangerNation]

I am still of the opinion a game on January 21st, when your bus breaks down on the way to the game and have to sit on the side of the highway in -20 temperatures. Is no big deal, could they have put forth a better effort, sure. But I don't believe the ball is now in Kitchener's court. The Knights have more confidence than anybody and for good reason.

One game doesn't change the Knights attitude, nor should it. If this starts becoming a trend or they have this kind of effort next time against Kitchener, then sure, be concerned. But until that happens, this game is a one off in which the Knights played in less than ideal circumstances leading up to it. This was said to be Kitchener's biggest win in years, for London, this game is simply a hiccup a long the way. That is the difference, it means much less to the Knights. So, forget about it and move on and bring a better effort next time. Momentum is only a factor if you want it to be, it can be taken away in a hurry and the Knights have proved time and time again, they can handle that.

I think it's fair to say London's "biggest win of the season" generally happens in the playoffs, not in the regular season. When they are the measuring stick, it's hard to say any win is "big".

 

[Fastpace]

I am still of the opinion a game on January 21st, when your bus breaks down on the way to the game and have to sit on the side of the highway in -20 temperatures. Is no big deal, could they have put forth a better effort, sure. But I don't believe the ball is now in Kitchener's court. The Knights have more confidence than anybody and for good reason.

One game doesn't change the Knights attitude, nor should it. If this starts becoming a trend or they have this kind of effort next time against Kitchener, then sure, be concerned. But until that happens, this game is a one off in which the Knights played in less than ideal circumstances leading up to it. This was said to be Kitchener's biggest win in years, for London, this game is simply a hiccup a long the way. That is the difference, it means much less to the Knights. So, forget about it and move on and bring a better effort next time. Momentum is only a factor if you want it to be, it can be taken away in a hurry and the Knights have proved time and time again, they can handle that.

As far as Kitchener players goes, they couldn't care less how London got to this game, what mattered to them is they have beaten London, and this what they will use and go with as motivation from now on

 

[TheOrangePylon]

As far as Kitchener players goes, they couldn't care less how London got to this game, what mattered to them is they have beaten London, and this what they will use and go with as motivation from now on

Exactly my point, Kitchener played a good game and good on them. They did what they had to do and won the game.

From a London perspective, your pregame got messed up and didn't put forth a good effort, so move on to the next one and beat them next time out.

I think it's fair to say London's "biggest win of the season" generally happens in the playoffs, not in the regular season. When they are the measuring stick, it's hard to say any win is "big".

For sure and I don't think this game changes that thought process for London, move on to the next one. Kitchener got ya and all that matters is how you respond.

 

[K2]

Not too sure this was a headshot, it definitely was a blind hit as Sim came from behind and hit him on the back of the left shoulder and arm. I'd like to see a replay of it...

 

[LDN]

Our ice surface sucks. Pucks bounce far too often. I think it’s too soft. We need a better refrigeration unit in the old barn. I think Dale knows it too. I noticed the point men made a real effort to control pucks coming back to the point before making a play.

Weird. I thought your rink was one of the best? I haven’t been in a while though.

 

[Fastpace]

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Thank You K2.

Clearly a dirty hit, no doubt, the reviews are showing Sim coming from behind hitting the back of the left shoulder and arm as he was following through. He may have made contact to the head, but the shoulder was the primary point of contact. It was a bad play all around

 

[LDN]

Id say it is and it isn't. Jussi always likes to bring everyone back down to reality in his post games. Sure its a great win, but it only gets you 2 points. Would have loved to see this effort earlier against Brampton, another top team that can easily win it all. If at all, it keeps the rivalry alive. It's a pleasure to watch 2 great coaches run their teams very differently. Hunters playbook hasn't changed much in 20 years, and it still works. You just have to get the right players (which they always do). It's refreshing to watch Jussi in Kitchener, but we all know it's a limited time.

I think Jussi seems to do more with less right now though. Next year will test Dales coaching skills a bit with an inexperienced team

 

[RangerNation]

I think Jussi seems to do more with less right now though. Next year will test Dales coaching skills a bit with an inexperienced team

He is good at exploiting what is best of a certain player. He also looks like a bond villain, so it's easier to do what he says.

 

[All the Answers]

I am still of the opinion a game on January 21st, when your bus breaks down on the way to the game and have to sit on the side of the highway in -20 temperatures. Is no big deal, could they have put forth a better effort, sure. But I don't believe the ball is now in Kitchener's court. The Knights have more confidence than anybody and for good reason.

One game doesn't change the Knights attitude, nor should it. If this starts becoming a trend or they have this kind of effort next time against Kitchener, then sure, be concerned. But until that happens, this game is a one off in which the Knights played in less than ideal circumstances leading up to it. This was said to be Kitchener's biggest win in years, for London, this game is simply a hiccup a long the way. That is the difference, it means much less to the Knights. So, forget about it and move on and bring a better effort next time. Momentum is only a factor if you want it to be, it can be taken away in a hurry and the Knights have proved time and time again, they can handle that.

Both can be true. Not a big deal to the Knights, and a big deal for the Rangers.

 

[TheOrangePylon]

Both can be true. Not a big deal to the Knights, and a big deal for the Rangers.

Absolutely, I am mostly talking from a perspective of London.

 

[All the Answers]

Weird. I thought your rink was one of the best? I haven’t been in a while though.

No, Kitchener's ice has been substandard for a couple decades, and why I've always been a fan of having players with good board play and can muck it up. It's like the groundskeepers at Fenway keeping the infield grass long. Play to your surroundings and strengths.

 

[rve24]

With regard to puck handling, we may have one of the best organizations in the O, but we are in the bottom when it comes to ice.

That puck was bouncing all over. Good observation.

 

[rve24]

Every time Canada does not win a Hockey Canada over haul is required.
It was fine a few weeks earlier when the ‘07 born plus late birth ‘06s dominated the USNTDP plus additions.
I think we should just accept that the Canada 2004-05 classes are no where near as good as the 2002-03 and 2006-07x

The ole boy system needs an overhaul. Regardless of any single birth year success at lower levels. They can do better than live in their bubble.

 

[LostRangers]

That puck was bouncing all over. Good observation.

Easy to make having played there. Although my teammates might debate the ice was the issue in my case!

 

[rve24]

Easy to make having played there. Although my teammates might debate the ice was the issue in my case!

Home team knows it's barn best and should use it, build teams around it to a point.
Dickinson takes some heat for decision making on here and some I get but handling the puck like a grenade? I'll give him a pass on (most) of them. LK rely on quick, precise passing game esp on the PP (along with a ton of movement) I said first post game post thst 1st early PK by Kitchenener that was aggressive set the tone. LK could do nothing and Kudos to Kitchener n staff for playing to their strengths and arena.
Game(s) of adjustments.

 

[Hendy]

Our ice surface sucks. Pucks bounce far too often. I think it’s too soft. We need a better refrigeration unit in the old barn. I think Dale knows it too. I noticed the point men made a real effort to control pucks coming back to the point before making a play.

I noticed that early in the game. The pucks where bouncing like crazy. Told my wife it was either the ice or the pucks weren't frozen. For a puck possession team like the Knights it wasn't helpful. However the Rangers played a solid game like they wanted it and rushed the Knights a little more than they're used to.

 

[LDN]

Not a knight, but damn I love his kid. I think he goes #1. Wish he could wear the green and gold, but it won’t happen

 

[LDN]

Brz at 41 Medsy at 61 in Bobs rankings. Both project as 2nd rounders

 

[LDN]

No local teams

 

[LostRangers]

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K2, thanks for sharing. After watching these two angles, must admit, while this was a dirty hit, not suspension worthy. My reaction was seeing the helmet come off from the stands, which seems to be as much a result of a loose chin strap as it was due to where contact was made. Sorry for trying to be judge and jury earlier. Sim becoming one of those players you hate when he is on the opposing team, but would love to have him on yours.

 

[Billyjack]

the only thing this game does is give the Ranger players confidence they can beat the Knights if they at play the top of their game. Don't think they would prevail in a 7 game series but for a rebuilding team compared to London's older go for it team, I'll take it. They are fun to watch for sure. They have to beat Windsor to get to London anyways and Windsor is a tough team to beat as well

 

[Otto]

The 2005 born are far from being among the best Canada has produced. The WJC is not going to be won by a team loaded with 17-18 yr olds often.

All the more reason why they shouldn't have been underutilized