No I know. He gave the one away Oster bailed him out on. And he’s had some of those in games lately was my point. But ya defense looks like the beginning of the year at times again. Oh well brush it off as they have to beat the Soo
Oshawa Generals 2024 25 Season Thread Part Ii
- Thread starter SoupNazi
- Start date
Need to win 5 of last 6 games to reach 90 points and that still might not catch Brantford. Realistic goal now is to hang onto 3rd place. Luckily Kingston lost tonight.
I hope Gravelle gets the nod tomorrow.
From one extreme to the other - - Oshawa looked like the best team in the OHL on Wednesday in Brampton then looked hopelessly inept Friday in Sudbury. Theo 5-3 score flattered the Generals because this one was never really in doubt.
It was mind boggling to see how many breakaways and odd man rushes Sudbury had. And even harder to believe how Oshawa could manage to (essentially) give up TWO (2) shorthanded goals on the same minor penalty. Again. For the second time this season.
Sennecke and Ritchie continued to struggle again tonight. When they were paired up with Ethan Martin, that line was unstoppable. Then the first-time rookie coach decided to split them up. And ever since then, neither has done much. Over the past nine games Sennecke has 2 goals and 7 assists, Ritchie has 1 goal and 6 assists.
I have no earthly idea why the coach refuses to put them back on a line together. Brantford loads up their first line, and look at the success they’re having.
Then there’s the issue of having Matt Buckley on the 4th line. To his credit, Buckley just keeps his head down and continues to work with what little opportunities he has, but what a total waste of talent. I’m guessing there’s not too many other teams in the OHL with a 19yr old who scored 30 goals last year buried on the 4th line.
It’s really unfortunate that Oshawa loaded up for a championship season but left themselves stuck with such an incompetent coach.
It was mind boggling to see how many breakaways and odd man rushes Sudbury had. And even harder to believe how Oshawa could manage to (essentially) give up TWO (2) shorthanded goals on the same minor penalty. Again. For the second time this season.
Sennecke and Ritchie continued to struggle again tonight. When they were paired up with Ethan Martin, that line was unstoppable. Then the first-time rookie coach decided to split them up. And ever since then, neither has done much. Over the past nine games Sennecke has 2 goals and 7 assists, Ritchie has 1 goal and 6 assists.
I have no earthly idea why the coach refuses to put them back on a line together. Brantford loads up their first line, and look at the success they’re having.
Then there’s the issue of having Matt Buckley on the 4th line. To his credit, Buckley just keeps his head down and continues to work with what little opportunities he has, but what a total waste of talent. I’m guessing there’s not too many other teams in the OHL with a 19yr old who scored 30 goals last year buried on the 4th line.
It’s really unfortunate that Oshawa loaded up for a championship season but left themselves stuck with such an incompetent coach.
I love nothing better than Malone to be successful and shut us all up. The talent on this team seems wasted at times. Blender lines must stop. We are in the final 6 games of the season.
backwoods
Guest
The generals are having a hard time any time on the road squeezing out a win regardless of their opponents. It's sad that Roco has ruined this year by by neglecting getting a real coach with experience. When the generals won the Mem cup they had Dj Smith and that team would go thru a brick wall for him, he was well prepared and knew wat he was doing.. they had no stars they worked well as a team and defensively they were very stingy. I really can't see this team going past the first or 2nd round if they are lucky.. all that talent with no game plan. Pisses me off cause that was a huge personal oversight in my mind that Roco brings in a guy with 0 coaching experience. He is not a teacher I watch him every game and there is no accountability for the penalties or stupid mistakes they make.. this is not on Roger Hunt at all, his hands were tied cause at the end of the day what Roco wants he gets..
This team reminds me of the 2011/12 team.
The coach can’t get them to consistently play as a team. They breakdown because they focus on their, admittedly high level, talent as individuals.
With the talent they have they should dominate puck possession, particularly on the power play. Which, when playing as a team, they do. They just don’t do it often enough.
The coach can’t get them to consistently play as a team. They breakdown because they focus on their, admittedly high level, talent as individuals.
With the talent they have they should dominate puck possession, particularly on the power play. Which, when playing as a team, they do. They just don’t do it often enough.
Kingston in spurts is the only team I’ve seen able to actually play a puck possession type game. It’s tough to do against teams equally as good or faster. It won’t work against the Brantford trap imo. Barrie does not chase… six eastern conference teams with high level talent in place added significant pieces right up to the trade deadline.
Wow Gens hire Mario Pouliot 1 time CHL COTY, 2-time Mem Cup Champion, 2-time Q champion, and 1-time Q COTY. Was Rouyn-Noranda Huskies HC/GM until 2021, coached in the AJHL for a season then the Swiss SL for two season before Relieved of his duties on Dec 13th, 2024.
backwoods
Guest
Very interesting.. associate coach in oshawa now? Watever tf that means. Why not make him the coach and put Malone back as assistant coach. Anyways wish they had done this months ago but I guess better late the never.
Because Malone is the coach of their future like it or not. Coach Marion was brought in to help and guide him with his inexperience.
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Don’t want to throw off the room with big changes like that with less than 10 games remaining. If Pouliot ends up as head coach there will likely be a move made in the off season that way the players can have the off season to learn the new coaches tactics/playstyle
Bringing in Mario Pouliot to be the “associate” coach is by far the biggest addition Oshawa has made all season. Let’s be honest here - - EVERYBODY is going to understand who’s in charge regardless of whatever titles have been designated.
It’s been painfully obvious that Brad Malone is hopelessly out of his depth as the head coach. The undisciplined penalties, the incessant line juggling and the constant defensive breakdowns resulting in breakaways and odd man rushes made that very clear.
If Pouliot is only coming in as a temporary hired gun for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs, I’m totally fine with that because this is going to be Oshawa’s best opportunity for success for the next few years.
Go ahead and let Malone have full control next year and the year after because they’re going to be rebuilding years and it won’t matter how badly he gets out coached.
But they absolutely could not afford to flush a championship season down the toilet with an inexperienced first time rookie head coach. Full credit to the Generals brain trust for recognizing this and finally doing something about it before it’s too late.
It’s been painfully obvious that Brad Malone is hopelessly out of his depth as the head coach. The undisciplined penalties, the incessant line juggling and the constant defensive breakdowns resulting in breakaways and odd man rushes made that very clear.
If Pouliot is only coming in as a temporary hired gun for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs, I’m totally fine with that because this is going to be Oshawa’s best opportunity for success for the next few years.
Go ahead and let Malone have full control next year and the year after because they’re going to be rebuilding years and it won’t matter how badly he gets out coached.
But they absolutely could not afford to flush a championship season down the toilet with an inexperienced first time rookie head coach. Full credit to the Generals brain trust for recognizing this and finally doing something about it before it’s too late.
Yeah, it's a much-needed addition. I hope Pouliot is running the show now. Brad Malone might have the potential to be a long-time successful coach for the Gens, has experience playing for guys like Patrick Roy and Rod Brind'Amour, and they were in a tough spot when Laxdal left. Malone would simply get bullied by the Hunters at this point in his career if they could even make the finals.
I've always thought maybe they shouldn't have gone for it this season. No coach. Ritchie, Sennecke and Danford haven't taken big leaps from where they were at the end of the year. Griffin stepped up. Sinivuori has somewhat replaced Kumpulainen, but Kumpulainen is a better player. And only using 1/2 import spots when going for it is tough. Unfortunate that Roobroeck didn't come back, and he wasn't replaced. Lockhart hasn't been replaced. Tried to replace Punnet with Gibson, but Gibson is not as good, Punnet might've been their best player last year. And the big get, Barlow, hasn't been as good. Getting 0/3 of Laxdal, Roobroeck or Kumpulainen to return should've been their sign not to go for it. Instead, sell Ritchie, Marelli and Oster. Target 2-year players and build around Danford and Sennecke, who is absolutely going to torch the OHL at 19/20. You would have all the picks traded for Gibson and Barlow plus Brady Martain, Deslie and Bedkowski. Plus everything acquired for Ritchie, Marelli and Oster. Then you could target guys like Carter George, Ivankovic, Misa, Martone, Schaefer, Beaudoin and more.
If this was the team:
Kumpulainen-Roobroeck-Sennecke
Barlow-Ritchie-Powell
Torrance-Sinivouri-Buckley
Toms-Griffin-Rogowski
Same D core and goalies, ran by Laxdal - Except Griffin may waive his no move if this is the team, and you could upgrade D.
Then you go for it.
I've always thought maybe they shouldn't have gone for it this season. No coach. Ritchie, Sennecke and Danford haven't taken big leaps from where they were at the end of the year. Griffin stepped up. Sinivuori has somewhat replaced Kumpulainen, but Kumpulainen is a better player. And only using 1/2 import spots when going for it is tough. Unfortunate that Roobroeck didn't come back, and he wasn't replaced. Lockhart hasn't been replaced. Tried to replace Punnet with Gibson, but Gibson is not as good, Punnet might've been their best player last year. And the big get, Barlow, hasn't been as good. Getting 0/3 of Laxdal, Roobroeck or Kumpulainen to return should've been their sign not to go for it. Instead, sell Ritchie, Marelli and Oster. Target 2-year players and build around Danford and Sennecke, who is absolutely going to torch the OHL at 19/20. You would have all the picks traded for Gibson and Barlow plus Brady Martain, Deslie and Bedkowski. Plus everything acquired for Ritchie, Marelli and Oster. Then you could target guys like Carter George, Ivankovic, Misa, Martone, Schaefer, Beaudoin and more.
If this was the team:
Kumpulainen-Roobroeck-Sennecke
Barlow-Ritchie-Powell
Torrance-Sinivouri-Buckley
Toms-Griffin-Rogowski
Same D core and goalies, ran by Laxdal - Except Griffin may waive his no move if this is the team, and you could upgrade D.
Then you go for it.
disagree on not going for it . Ritchie is one of the top point per game guys in the league. Since you may just look at the stat line. He makes every one better around him and is a 200 foot centre with skill. Hence a first round pick. He has made great progress in playing the full game. Senneke can turn a game around by himself. Again playing along the boards better. Sinuvori is just as good as Kump. In fact his compete level is much higher. He’s always going where games would go by you didn’t notice Kumpulainen. Agree Sovzil was not good. Agree we did not have great coaching especially since Malone took over. His constant line juggling is why Sennekes stats are not even higher. When you get a shot at a Barlow you take it. He is 30 plus goal scorer and will be a tremendous weapon come playoffs. I’d rather Hunt go for it when you have great talent than as you say sell sell sell. No guarantees draft picks are top line players. This team is as good as any team when they are playing as they can. It’s up to the coach to institute consistency. I’d agree that Danford hasn’t impressed yet look when he’s out of the lineup. Gibson is very good and not a comparable player to Punnet. Punnet is a guy who will probably never make the NHL and Gibson has a shot. Oster can make timely saves and would be a goalie Id be afraid of in the playoffs. So whether we see the team that can dominate or not is up in the air but I sure hope Pouliot can instil some consistency. I’m not saying your opinion is wrong I’m just not in agreement.
The below will discuss what magic number is needed to claim 3rd place in the conference. 1st is not a realistic goal anymore.
Currently Kingston is 2 points up on Oshawa with 4 games left. Both teams have 38 wins this season (this may matter later)
Kingstons next Opponents are:
Ottawa(Away), Peterborough(Away), Brantford(Home), Brampton(Away)
Let's say favorites win out, and Kingston goes 2-2 in regulation. That puts them at 88 pts and 40 wins.
For Oshawa to pace that, they need 6 of 8 potential points down the stretch.
Oshawa's opponents are:
Sudbury(Home), North Bay(Away), Sudbury(Away), and Peterborough(Home)
For arguments sake, let's say Oshawa splits Sudbury and wins the other two bottom conference teams and go 3-1.
That would put them at 88 pts also with 41 wins.
Season would finish with them having the same points but Oshawa having 1 extra win.
Here is where it gets interesting.
According to the OHL tie breaker rules, the following determines a tiebreaker:
At the conclusion of the regular season schedule, if there is a tie for other than last playoff position, the standing of the teams in each Conference shall be determined by the following tie-breaking procedure:
Let's look at tie breaker rules 1.
Assuming there is no more shootout wins this season for either team, Kingston has 2 shootout wins, Oshawa has 4.
Meaning, if we take those away from their win columns, Kingston would have 38 regulation and OT wins, Oshawa would have 37, thus giving Kingston the tie breaker for 3rd place and head to head will not matter and Oshawa will finish 4.
Let's of pieces need to lineup bur Oshawa winning out is becoming ever more important to avoid a Oshawa/Brampton 1st round then a Brantford in round 2. Both teams Oshawa has struggled with this year.
The more appealing route for Oshawa is Oshawa vs Sudbury/Niagara round 1 and then Barrie round 2, which again, is no easy take in round 2 no matter how you slice it.
going to be an interesting Eastern Conference playoffs.
Currently Kingston is 2 points up on Oshawa with 4 games left. Both teams have 38 wins this season (this may matter later)
Kingstons next Opponents are:
Ottawa(Away), Peterborough(Away), Brantford(Home), Brampton(Away)
Let's say favorites win out, and Kingston goes 2-2 in regulation. That puts them at 88 pts and 40 wins.
For Oshawa to pace that, they need 6 of 8 potential points down the stretch.
Oshawa's opponents are:
Sudbury(Home), North Bay(Away), Sudbury(Away), and Peterborough(Home)
For arguments sake, let's say Oshawa splits Sudbury and wins the other two bottom conference teams and go 3-1.
That would put them at 88 pts also with 41 wins.
Season would finish with them having the same points but Oshawa having 1 extra win.
Here is where it gets interesting.
According to the OHL tie breaker rules, the following determines a tiebreaker:
At the conclusion of the regular season schedule, if there is a tie for other than last playoff position, the standing of the teams in each Conference shall be determined by the following tie-breaking procedure:
- The team with the greater number of regular and overtime wins during the regular season shall be declared higher in the standings. (Shootout wins are not included.)
- If two teams are still tied, the team with the best record in head-to-head competition (based on points including overtime and shootout losses) shall be declared higher in the standing.
- If still tied, the team with the greater differential between goals scored for and against by clubs having equal standing under Priority 2 shall be declared higher in the standings.
- If still tied, the team with the higher percentage of goals for plus goals against divided into goals for shall be declared higher in standings.
Let's look at tie breaker rules 1.
Assuming there is no more shootout wins this season for either team, Kingston has 2 shootout wins, Oshawa has 4.
Meaning, if we take those away from their win columns, Kingston would have 38 regulation and OT wins, Oshawa would have 37, thus giving Kingston the tie breaker for 3rd place and head to head will not matter and Oshawa will finish 4.
Let's of pieces need to lineup bur Oshawa winning out is becoming ever more important to avoid a Oshawa/Brampton 1st round then a Brantford in round 2. Both teams Oshawa has struggled with this year.
The more appealing route for Oshawa is Oshawa vs Sudbury/Niagara round 1 and then Barrie round 2, which again, is no easy take in round 2 no matter how you slice it.
going to be an interesting Eastern Conference playoffs.
Sudbury is sitting all of their top players tonight so you would think Oshawa should be able to end their losing skid.
Realistically, the focus needs to be on the playoffs at this point because there’s no real difference between playing Sudbury or playing Brampton.
Brampton is the more skilled team but Sudbury is more experienced. And there’s no comparison in the travel between the two.
One way or another, Oshawa will have to have to go through Barrie and Brantford - - the order is irrelevant.
Realistically, the focus needs to be on the playoffs at this point because there’s no real difference between playing Sudbury or playing Brampton.
Brampton is the more skilled team but Sudbury is more experienced. And there’s no comparison in the travel between the two.
One way or another, Oshawa will have to have to go through Barrie and Brantford - - the order is irrelevant.
