Ottawa 67's 2023-24 Off-Season Thread (Part 1)

[PuckStop75]

Do you walk through life making decisions based on what your preconceived expectations are for the future and never change based on the current landscape around you or do you rationalize your current situation and make adjustments along the way?

I live in the present. I make life decisions based on where I currently am in respect to what the environment around me is. I don’t walk through life single minded with a singular decision on how I am going to get through the next year ignoring the changing landscape around me. As such, neither should a sports franchise. If an opportunity presents itself, take advantage.

The reality is there are six teams that are all around the same. Provided the 7th and 8th placed teams lose in the first round, two good teams will be disappointed. it is what it is. The 67’s bought themselves a chance. They paid a relatively small amount to gain that chance.

Perspective is everything. Ottawa traded away HB, Beck and Ewles. They traded for Maillet, Kressler, and Mayer. I realize not all yeras of picks are equal and there is some massaging of values but if we ignore that argument for now, the result is we moved those three players, added these three players and the net result is the 67’s lost three 3rds and two 5ths. We added a 4th and a comp 1st pick. All in all, it wasn’t a huge price to pay considering two of the players we moved didn’t want to be here. I consider the value of the comp 1st pick and the 4th as a greater value than three 3rds but that is a discussion for another day.

The point being is that Boyd managed to reconfigure a roster to be competitive this year while moving same/similar asset values around. You can argue that the assets should not have been used on this season’s roster and that is a very valid argument. I am fine with that. I don’t think either of the next two seasons would be more advantageous to use those assets but that is my perspective.

The only criticism I have in what Boyd did this year is he didn’t go far enough. If I were to be more critical, I think passing on Dubois at what he went for in trade vs Maillet was a mistake provided that opportunity was available to him. I think Dubois packaged with Mayer saving a 3rd round pick in the process would have been a better move. But, there is consideration when it comes to the years the picks are in and whether Ottawa had the flexibility to move the right years picks. I do feel he tried to maneuver around the Import market but there really wasn’t anyone out there available that would have made an impact outside of Sale who would not come to Ottawa.

Ottawa is a team with flaws but every team in the Eastern Conference has flaws so it is what it is. Ottawa needed two centres and a #1 D-Man. they went out and filled those holes and pieced together a roster that is/was a contender for the division win. Even if they finish in 6th for the conference, they will still likely be within 6-8 points of the Conference lead. As mentioned in a previous post, that is a testament to how well all of the teams managed to maintain competitiveness. Only Kingston dropped out of contention post-deadline. The Petes did as well but they traded their way out of contention so that doesn’t count. Each of those six teams are same/similar. Classifying them as anything different is disingenuous.

The only criticism is they did a half a$$ed job of loading up this year. They didn't add a much needed RD, Forward, and failed to address the physicality aspect of the game. As things sit right now, they are a one trick pony and that trick is starting to get tired looking.

The fact the top end of the conference hasn't separated doesn't improve the quality of the product, there is no defining difference between 6th in a weak conference versus 6th in a strong conference, as evident by the recent loss to Erie on home ice.

As far as the decision making process, committing to the season wasn't wrong, holding onto a few meaningless chips for the next hand was!

 

[NordiquesForeva]

The only criticism is they did a half a$$ed job of loading up this year. They didn't add a much needed RD, Forward, and failed to address the physicality aspect of the game. As things sit right now, they are a one trick pony and that trick is starting to get tired looking.

The fact the top end of the conference hasn't separated doesn't improve the quality of the product, there is no defining difference between 6th in a weak conference versus 6th in a strong conference, as evident by the recent loss to Erie on home ice.

As far as the decision making process, committing to the season wasn't wrong, holding onto a few meaningless chips for the next hand was!

I agree. Just like in recent seasons, Boyd didn't go nearly far enough to upgrade the roster for a championship run. I think the management group is allergic to making big moves involving roster players. Its a reasonable position to take, and the likely result is a 67s team that is at least somewhat competitive (read: a playoff team) every season. We're all aware of the cost. But here is the result this season, with 6 games remaining in the regular season and Ottawa the current #6 seed:

- Horner is now playing on the 1st line in the 3rd period of a game with playoff implications;
- Kressler (who has been terrific since being acquired) and Pinelli are now showing signs of frustration and wear and tear, likely because without appropriate secondary scoring support, they've been constantly relied up on help us win games that were tighter than they needed to be;
- Pinelli's instincts for what I have always perceived to be somewhat selfish play are now coming to the forefront, with some bad penalties and plays recently;
- Our 2nd and 3rd lines are again in a state of flux, with more shuffling in the 3rd period yesterday - most notably, Stonehouse + Gerrior were moved up with Maillet, and Horner was moved up to the Kressler line;
- To beat a dead horse, two of our defense pairings have two LHS, with the poor passing and puck fumbling all over the ice you might expect from such a situation. Its not a coincidence that our best pairing in recent weeks has been Mews (RHS) and Sirman (LHS);
- Mayer hasn't been playing his best hockey recently, but imho that is at least partially because he is partnered up with a d-man (Smyth) who seems to lack the awareness of where he needs to be in the d-zone, is constantly out of position, isn't blessed with great speed, and like Mayer is also a LHS. However, with Mews + Sirman working well, and Marrelli + Mayich being our top pairing, I don't see any alternatives unless Cameron decides to dress Brady or Dietsch. That would be a tough call on his part.

The team has lost the momentum if might have had from the string of competitive games they played a few weeks ago against NB, London, Saginaw, Oshawa, etc. That was a team that looked like it could play with anyone. Seems like the air has been let out of the balloon over the past week and a bit. There is still time to improve their playoff positioning a little with 2 games against Brantford, but time is running out and momentum is certainly not on their side. We shall see.

 

[PuckStop75]

I agree. Just like in recent seasons, Boyd didn't go nearly far enough to upgrade the roster for a championship run. I think the management group is allergic to making big moves involving roster players. Its a reasonable position to take, and the likely result is a 67s team that is at least somewhat competitive (read: a playoff team) every season. We're all aware of the cost. But here is the result this season, with 6 games remaining in the regular season and Ottawa the current #6 seed:

- Horner is now playing on the 1st line in the 3rd period of a game with playoff implications;
- Kressler (who has been terrific since being acquired) and Pinelli are now showing signs of frustration and wear and tear, likely because without appropriate secondary scoring support, they've been constantly relied up on help us win games that were tighter than they needed to be;
- Pinelli's instincts for what I have always perceived to be somewhat selfish play are now coming to the forefront, with some bad penalties and plays recently;
- Our 2nd and 3rd lines are again in a state of flux, with more shuffling in the 3rd period yesterday - most notably, Stonehouse + Gerrior were moved up with Maillet, and Horner was moved up to the Kressler line;
- To beat a dead horse, two of our defense pairings have two LHS, with the poor passing and puck fumbling all over the ice you might expect from such a situation. Its not a coincidence that our best pairing in recent weeks has been Mews (RHS) and Sirman (LHS);
- Mayer hasn't been playing his best hockey recently, but imho that is at least partially because he is partnered up with a d-man (Smyth) who seems to lack the awareness of where he needs to be in the d-zone, is constantly out of position, isn't blessed with great speed, and like Mayer is also a LHS. However, with Mews + Sirman working well, and Marrelli + Mayich being our top pairing, I don't see any alternatives unless Cameron decides to dress Brady or Dietsch. That would be a tough call on his part.

The team has lost the momentum if might have had from the string of competitive games they played a few weeks ago against NB, London, Saginaw, Oshawa, etc. That was a team that looked like it could play with anyone. Seems like the air has been let out of the balloon over the past week and a bit. There is still time to improve their playoff positioning a little with 2 games against Brantford, but time is running out and momentum is certainly not on their side. We shall see.

With all the jockeying and fumbling with the lineup somehow the most logical 2nd line combination of putting Gardiner with Maillet is still being avoided, add Foster with them and see what happens.

I've said this before, a monkey could play with Kressler and Pinelli right now, they are not the problem. That isn't meant to be a criticism of Horner but that isn't where the focus needs to be.

Sirman and Smyth are not top 4 D, why Cameron insists on pushing one or both of them into that position is unexplainable. Its not a good thing when your 19 yo D are only as good as the partner they are playing with. Mayer has been what should have been expected of him, there is nothing substantially different from what he did in Peterborough.

 

[OMG67]

The only criticism is they did a half a$$ed job of loading up this year. They didn't add a much needed RD, Forward, and failed to address the physicality aspect of the game. As things sit right now, they are a one trick pony and that trick is starting to get tired looking.

The fact the top end of the conference hasn't separated doesn't improve the quality of the product, there is no defining difference between 6th in a weak conference versus 6th in a strong conference, as evident by the recent loss to Erie on home ice.

As far as the decision making process, committing to the season wasn't wrong, holding onto a few meaningless chips for the next hand was!

Fully agreed. In my opinion, this was a year where if we had moved a few additional pieces and shuffled the deck a little more, we’d have been in a bette position. I think that is proven now when looking at the rest of the conference.

I wouldn’t look at any one particular game as proof of anything. It is junior hockey. Even the great teams lose to the crappy teams and it happens a lot more than most would want to admit.

I think the unfortunate part was there weren’t Imports out there available. Mysiak in Erie would have been a target and I have no idea why they would keep him and choose to not make a seller move with him. As previously mentioned, Sale was a target but wouldn’t go to Ottawa. Vilma is would have been nice but the full package including the Leblanc’s went for a 1st rounder which we didn’t have to trade. I think the market dried up and too many deals went for 1st rounders. Had a team like Erie entered the ring as a seller or maybe even Kingston selling Ludwinski instead of buying Dubois, it would have made a difference.

 

[OMG67]

With all the jockeying and fumbling with the lineup somehow the most logical 2nd line combination of putting Gardiner with Maillet is still being avoided, add Foster with them and see what happens.

I've said this before, a monkey could play with Kressler and Pinelli right now, they are not the problem. That isn't meant to be a criticism of Horner but that isn't where the focus needs to be.

Sirman and Smyth are not top 4 D, why Cameron insists on pushing one or both of them into that position is unexplainable. Its not a good thing when your 19 yo D are only as good as the partner they are playing with. Mayer has been what should have been expected of him, there is nothing substantially different from what he did in Peterborough.

You can’t have a perfect roster without having multiple seasons to set it up. Since they made a couple big buyer moves last year and depleted a ton of assets doing so, they weren’t in a position to gain a roster of perfection. So, some compromises are required. Sirman playing with Mews is a reasonable compromize. Horner playing with Kressler and Pinelli is a reasonable compromise. Having to do both AND not have a reasonable 2nd RHD option on top of that is not a reasonable compromise.

The 67’s have too many of the same type of player, small speedy guys that suffer when trying to gain position in the dirty areas. They needed the three guys they added so they had a full core but from that point forward they still needed to address the little things. They checked the boxes on all the big things. The did so by essentially going asset in and asset out. They didn’t sacrifice any true assets doing so.

I do feel Boyd wanted to get more done up front. I do feel the odds were pretty good that Mayich was going to be moved in one deal with Sale and Savard coming in. That would have given us a big body winger and a RHD. Sale wouldn’t come to Ottawa. I’m not sure if it was a situation where too much time was wasted on that or whether it was a lack of other potential options. But, I sense more was attempted. I sense that last year he did everything he wanted to do and it wasn’t enough but this year he was unable to get done what he wanted.

 

[OMG67]

The season isn’t over though. Just because it isn’t likely they win the division, it doesn’t mean it is over. No team is perfect this year so there will be perceived upsets. I think the team that ends up with the strongest goaltending will end up winning the Eastern Conference playoffs. That sounds pretty ominous for Sudbury but they may turn it around and do a team meet and great with the goaltenders. I’m not sure their forward group even knows who the goaltenders are.

 

[beastintheeast]

Do you walk through life making decisions based on what your preconceived expectations are for the future and never change based on the current landscape around you or do you rationalize your current situation and make adjustments along the way?

I live in the present. I make life decisions based on where I currently am in respect to what the environment around me is. I don’t walk through life single minded with a singular decision on how I am going to get through the next year ignoring the changing landscape around me. As such, neither should a sports franchise. If an opportunity presents itself, take advantage.

The reality is there are six teams that are all around the same. Provided the 7th and 8th placed teams lose in the first round, two good teams will be disappointed. it is what it is. The 67’s bought themselves a chance. They paid a relatively small amount to gain that chance.

Perspective is everything. Ottawa traded away HB, Beck and Ewles. They traded for Maillet, Kressler, and Mayer. I realize not all yeras of picks are equal and there is some massaging of values but if we ignore that argument for now, the result is we moved those three players, added these three players and the net result is the 67’s lost three 3rds and two 5ths. We added a 4th and a comp 1st pick. All in all, it wasn’t a huge price to pay considering two of the players we moved didn’t want to be here. I consider the value of the comp 1st pick and the 4th as a greater value than three 3rds but that is a discussion for another day.

The point being is that Boyd managed to reconfigure a roster to be competitive this year while moving same/similar asset values around. You can argue that the assets should not have been used on this season’s roster and that is a very valid argument. I am fine with that. I don’t think either of the next two seasons would be more advantageous to use those assets but that is my perspective.

The only criticism I have in what Boyd did this year is he didn’t go far enough. If I were to be more critical, I think passing on Dubois at what he went for in trade vs Maillet was a mistake provided that opportunity was available to him. I think Dubois packaged with Mayer saving a 3rd round pick in the process would have been a better move. But, there is consideration when it comes to the years the picks are in and whether Ottawa had the flexibility to move the right years picks. I do feel he tried to maneuver around the Import market but there really wasn’t anyone out there available that would have made an impact outside of Sale who would not come to Ottawa.

Ottawa is a team with flaws but every team in the Eastern Conference has flaws so it is what it is. Ottawa needed two centres and a #1 D-Man. they went out and filled those holes and pieced together a roster that is/was a contender for the division win. Even if they finish in 6th for the conference, they will still likely be within 6-8 points of the Conference lead. As mentioned in a previous post, that is a testament to how well all of the teams managed to maintain competitiveness. Only Kingston dropped out of contention post-deadline. The Petes did as well but they traded their way out of contention so that doesn’t count. Each of those six teams are same/similar. Classifying them as anything different is disingenuous.

Just like you I go into things with a peceived outlook or goal. As the facts change or the outcomes change so do I in my goals.

I went into this sweason with the understanding that this was a team that was in teh start of a rebuild/ retool. It was not gong to be like any oof the past teams in recent memory. Last year I went in withthe saem outlook and was surprised and raised my expectations based on the changes and the way second year players played. Pinelli, Tonelli, Gardner, Barlas and Foster surprised us and showed a lot more than we thought.

This year I had the same outlook but there really was no one new that stepped up their game. as well as there really was no number 1 or 2 center.

If this team had of showed the ability to have more thanone line scoring consistently then I would have adjusted my feelings towards what this team is. BUT right now it is a bunch of players that play at what would normally be a 5th place level.

Next year weill be worse as they will again have basically the same crowd Gardner will be the number 1 center and as it stands Whitehead will be number 2. We will have teh sme defence minus Sirman.

Our forwards will be the same group of players and unless someone new comes along scoring will gain be an issue.

 

[beastintheeast]

I agree. Just like in recent seasons, Boyd didn't go nearly far enough to upgrade the roster for a championship run. I think the management group is allergic to making big moves involving roster players. Its a reasonable position to take, and the likely result is a 67s team that is at least somewhat competitive (read: a playoff team) every season. We're all aware of the cost. But here is the result this season, with 6 games remaining in the regular season and Ottawa the current #6 seed:

- Horner is now playing on the 1st line in the 3rd period of a game with playoff implications;
- Kressler (who has been terrific since being acquired) and Pinelli are now showing signs of frustration and wear and tear, likely because without appropriate secondary scoring support, they've been constantly relied up on help us win games that were tighter than they needed to be;
- Pinelli's instincts for what I have always perceived to be somewhat selfish play are now coming to the forefront, with some bad penalties and plays recently;
- Our 2nd and 3rd lines are again in a state of flux, with more shuffling in the 3rd period yesterday - most notably, Stonehouse + Gerrior were moved up with Maillet, and Horner was moved up to the Kressler line;
- To beat a dead horse, two of our defense pairings have two LHS, with the poor passing and puck fumbling all over the ice you might expect from such a situation. Its not a coincidence that our best pairing in recent weeks has been Mews (RHS) and Sirman (LHS);
- Mayer hasn't been playing his best hockey recently, but imho that is at least partially because he is partnered up with a d-man (Smyth) who seems to lack the awareness of where he needs to be in the d-zone, is constantly out of position, isn't blessed with great speed, and like Mayer is also a LHS. However, with Mews + Sirman working well, and Marrelli + Mayich being our top pairing, I don't see any alternatives unless Cameron decides to dress Brady or Dietsch. That would be a tough call on his part.

The team has lost the momentum if might have had from the string of competitive games they played a few weeks ago against NB, London, Saginaw, Oshawa, etc. That was a team that looked like it could play with anyone. Seems like the air has been let out of the balloon over the past week and a bit. There is still time to improve their playoff positioning a little with 2 games against Brantford, but time is running out and momentum is certainly not on their side. We shall see.

OKAY to listen to everyone there is a feeling that Boyd should have traded more. So lets look at what he needed to get

Offence, we need a second line. Would getting just a winger to play with Maqillet and Stonehouse make the difference? I think we would need more than that.

Defence: We needed a starting 4 RD . Does anyone care to guess how expensive that would have been? To me, unless you were bringing in 2 RD, then the trade for Mayer was a waste of time.

Mews and Mayich are proven players on LD
Mayer only played Ld


Mews Sirman (LD)
Mayich Marelli
Mayer Horner
Smythe Brady

Not a good look.

In order to get the necessary players, we would have needed to get rid of a lot of draft picks and players. I am not sure that this year was or is a year to go for it. There is NO WAY that any eastern team is ready for London or the team good enough to beat them.

This was a year that we came in with a few star players, Pinelli and Stonehouse. Marelli, Mews, Mayich Mackenzie and Donoso.

We had a cast of support players to assist them.

Therefore, this should have been a year to enjoy what we have and build for the future. The fact that no one in the East decided int eh first half of the season to stand up and be counted gave us the false thought we could be the top team. (we still might but it will not be because we are really good but the other teams fell apart)


Next year we will go into the season with

Pinelli Gardner Gerrior (maybe)
Barlas Foster Stonehouse (maybe) Dever
Hilton Whitehead Korbler
Yanni rookie Kelly
Houben Euro

Mews Horner
Mayich (OA) Marelli
Dietsch Brady

Mackenzie OA
Nelson


Gerrior and Stonehouse are maybe because only one of them can come back . I see Gerrior starting the year while Stonehouse gets a chance at the AHL level.

Hilton and Houben are going to be the unknowns for next year. If they can adjust to their size and Hhilton gets drafted, I think it will make a difference.
Is that also a top-place team that should go all in? LOL

 

[badnova]

OKAY to listen to everyone there is a feeling that Boyd should have traded more. So lets look at what he needed to get

Offence, we need a second line. Would getting just a winger to play with Maqillet and Stonehouse make the difference? I think we would need more than that.

Defence: We needed a starting 4 RD . Does anyone care to guess how expensive that would have been? To me, unless you were bringing in 2 RD, then the trade for Mayer was a waste of time.

Mews and Mayich are proven players on LD
Mayer only played Ld


Mews Sirman (LD)
Mayich Marelli
Mayer Horner
Smythe Brady

Not a good look.

In order to get the necessary players, we would have needed to get rid of a lot of draft picks and players. I am not sure that this year was or is a year to go for it. There is NO WAY that any eastern team is ready for London or the team good enough to beat them.

This was a year that we came in with a few star players, Pinelli and Stonehouse. Marelli, Mews, Mayich Mackenzie and Donoso.

We had a cast of support players to assist them.

Therefore, this should have been a year to enjoy what we have and build for the future. The fact that no one in the East decided int eh first half of the season to stand up and be counted gave us the false thought we could be the top team. (we still might but it will not be because we are really good but the other teams fell apart)


Next year we will go into the season with

Pinelli Gardner Gerrior (maybe)
Barlas Foster Stonehouse (maybe) Dever
Hilton Whitehead Korbler
Yanni rookie Kelly
Houben Euro

Mews Horner
Mayich (OA) Marelli
Dietsch Brady

Mackenzie OA
Nelson


Gerrior and Stonehouse are maybe because only one of them can come back . I see Gerrior starting the year while Stonehouse gets a chance at the AHL level.

Hilton and Houben are going to be the unknowns for next year. If they can adjust to their size and Hhilton gets drafted, I think it will make a difference.
Is that also a top-place team that should go all in? LOL

Mayer,Mews,marelli,Mayich that is very good to start the playoffs

 

[beastintheeast]

Mayer,Mews,marelli,Mayich that is very good to start the playoffs

So is Marelli going to be RD for all of them?

Mayer and Mews need a defensive RD to cover for them.

That is the problem. In order to do anything, they will have to at least double shift Marelli.

I would be surprised if we see anything of Smythe after the warm-up and the skate to the bench at the start of the period.

 

[PuckStop75]

So is Marelli going to be RD for all of them?

Mayer and Mews need a defensive RD to cover for them.

That is the problem. In order to do anything, they will have to at least double shift Marelli.

I would be surprised if we see anything of Smythe after the warm-up and the skate to the bench at the start of the period.

Mews is a RD not Marrelli, but same problem. We are seeing way to much of Smyth and Sirman as they try to figure out who can play RD.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

OKAY to listen to everyone there is a feeling that Boyd should have traded more. So lets look at what he needed to get

Offence, we need a second line. Would getting just a winger to play with Maqillet and Stonehouse make the difference? I think we would need more than that.

Defence: We needed a starting 4 RD . Does anyone care to guess how expensive that would have been? To me, unless you were bringing in 2 RD, then the trade for Mayer was a waste of time.

Mews and Mayich are proven players on LD
Mayer only played Ld


Mews Sirman (LD)
Mayich Marelli
Mayer Horner
Smythe Brady

Not a good look.

In order to get the necessary players, we would have needed to get rid of a lot of draft picks and players. I am not sure that this year was or is a year to go for it. There is NO WAY that any eastern team is ready for London or the team good enough to beat them.

This was a year that we came in with a few star players, Pinelli and Stonehouse. Marelli, Mews, Mayich Mackenzie and Donoso.

We had a cast of support players to assist them.

Therefore, this should have been a year to enjoy what we have and build for the future. The fact that no one in the East decided int eh first half of the season to stand up and be counted gave us the false thought we could be the top team. (we still might but it will not be because we are really good but the other teams fell apart)


Next year we will go into the season with

Pinelli Gardner Gerrior (maybe)
Barlas Foster Stonehouse (maybe) Dever
Hilton Whitehead Korbler
Yanni rookie Kelly
Houben Euro

Mews Horner
Mayich (OA) Marelli
Dietsch Brady

Mackenzie OA
Nelson


Gerrior and Stonehouse are maybe because only one of them can come back . I see Gerrior starting the year while Stonehouse gets a chance at the AHL level.

Hilton and Houben are going to be the unknowns for next year. If they can adjust to their size and Hhilton gets drafted, I think it will make a difference.
Is that also a top-place team that should go all in? LOL

Two things made this a good year to push some chips in - (1) there is a lot of parity in the eastern conference, and (2) if Saginaw wins the western conference, the eastern champ goes directly to the Memorial Cup. I certainly cannot fault Boyd for his deadline moves. The team is much better than it was prior to the deadline and imho can still compete in the eastern conference.

We needed a RW that can play in the top-6, and a RHD that could play on any of the pairings as Cameron typically rolls balanced defense pairings. OMG67 gave some insight above on a rumoured trade that would have seen Mayich traded to Kitchener, with the picks returned used to acquire Sale (RW) and Savard (RHD) from Barrie. Losing Mayich would have been significant, but we would have gotten a capable RHD and a top-6 RW. My personal view is that one more trade would have needed to happen in order to bump Smyth down to #7D. It seems like that series of trades was in the works, but fell apart due to Sale's NMC. What we're left with is a good team that I think can make things interesting in the eastern conference, but is by no means the favourite.

Let's not forget that we also lost a top-6 RW to injury very early in the season (Uronen).

Mews is a RHD - our only one!

I'd like to see a sell-off next season. To be revisited in the offseason.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Mews is a RD not Marrelli, but same problem. We are seeing way to much of Smyth and Sirman as they try to figure out who can play RD.

I have no problem with Sirman personally, I think he's a good depth d-man and provides a full effort every game. Only problem is he's a LHS.

 

[ScoutLife4]

Down to the final 2 weeks and Ottawa has not moved from 6th place. @OMG67
I can see you guys likely winning 4/6 to finish at 81PTS.
Oshawa however has the Tiebreaker so 1 more win for them likely secures finishing ahead of Ottawa.
I think we will see Oshawa finish ahead of Ottawa by 4 PTS in the end.

 

[OMG67]

Down to the final 2 weeks and Ottawa has not moved from 6th place. @OMG67
I can see you guys likely winning 4/6 to finish at 81PTS.
Oshawa however has the Tiebreaker so 1 more win for them likely secures finishing ahead of Ottawa.
I think we will see Oshawa finish ahead of Ottawa by 4 PTS in the end.

I think it was about a week ago where I felt it would be:

Oshawa 85
Brantford 84
Ottawa 83

I still feel that is the likely finish. The loss to Erie threw a wrench into the mix for Ottawa’s division win.

Brantford is limping and Oshawa is in tough on their schedule. If Brantford can return to full health prior to the playoffs commencing, they may be the team to beat. I have to admit that I didn’t see that one coming. With their injury list to still be competing at a high level, even getting doubles in shots many nights, it has been impressive.

I still feel Oshawa has one speed and no real sense of urgency in their game. I think they play too flat to win in the playoffs. Speedy teams expose their flat feet.

I originally circled North Bay at the deadline to be the team to beat. I think that is where I still lean.

Regardless, it will be close and looking at the playoff predictions will be a fun read for sure. The Eastern Conference predictions will be all over the board!

 

[OMG67]

Sirman and Mews have been fine as a pairing. In fact, I think Mews has played his best hockey as a 67 since pairing up beside Sirman.

Marrelli and Mayich have been fine as well. That is not an ideal pairing but it works well enough.

Mayer hasn’t been quite as impactful as we know he can be. He really needs a solid stay at home type guy which is why we needed the RHD for him. I believe Olivier Savard would have been that guy. It is what it is. We have what we have. No roster in the Eastern Conference is approaching perfection so we run it out and hope for the best just like every other team we are bunched with.

We could have kept Ewles (RHD) but I think we can all agree that was a good return for a player that probably shouldn’t be in our top 6.

 

[PuckStop75]

I have no problem with Sirman personally, I think he's a good depth d-man and provides a full effort every game. Only problem is he's a LHS.

The decision was made to prioritize Smyth and Sirman ahead of Ewles, Brady, Dietsch and Horner on the backend. So much so that Ewles was traded. Right or wrong that was the decision made by management. Whatever plans may have been in the works didn't pane out and don't matter at this stage. Mews seems to be working with either of Mayer or Mayich, they are struggling to figure out a consistently reliable 2nd pairing.

 

[PuckStop75]

I think it was about a week ago where I felt it would be:

Oshawa 85
Brantford 84
Ottawa 83

I still feel that is the likely finish. The loss to Erie threw a wrench into the mix for Ottawa’s division win.

Brantford is limping and Oshawa is in tough on their schedule. If Brantford can return to full health prior to the playoffs commencing, they may be the team to beat. I have to admit that I didn’t see that one coming. With their injury list to still be competing at a high level, even getting doubles in shots many nights, it has been impressive.

I still feel Oshawa has one speed and no real sense of urgency in their game. I think they play too flat to win in the playoffs. Speedy teams expose their flat feet.

I originally circled North Bay at the deadline to be the team to beat. I think that is where I still lean.

Regardless, it will be close and looking at the playoff predictions will be a fun read for sure. The Eastern Conference predictions will be all over the board!

Ottawa is a competitive hockey team, it is just a matter of them figuring things out, which has and is taking some time. Whether by design or not it isn't fitting the eye of some of our ideals but I believe by the time playoffs roll around the team will be playing to its potential. Which is all any of us can ask or expect.

 

[dirty12]

I think it was about a week ago where I felt it would be:

Oshawa 85
Brantford 84
Ottawa 83

I still feel that is the likely finish. The loss to Erie threw a wrench into the mix for Ottawa’s division win.

Brantford is limping and Oshawa is in tough on their schedule. If Brantford can return to full health prior to the playoffs commencing, they may be the team to beat. I have to admit that I didn’t see that one coming. With their injury list to still be competing at a high level, even getting doubles in shots many nights, it has been impressive.

I still feel Oshawa has one speed and no real sense of urgency in their game. I think they play too flat to win in the playoffs. Speedy teams expose their flat feet.

I originally circled North Bay at the deadline to be the team to beat. I think that is where I still lean.

Regardless, it will be close and looking at the playoff predictions will be a fun read for sure. The Eastern Conference predictions will be all over the board!

Also close, I think the Gens have the best goal differential. Maybe slow and steady does win the race. The Battalion still have a fair chance to win the conference as the Gens, wolves, ‘67s, Steelheads, Bulldogs could very well lose and tie a game against each other over the next two weeks.
Starts with Colts at ‘67s and Gens at Steelheads tonight. The Steelheads have a chance too. It’s going to be a great finish.

 

[OMG67]

Ottawa is a competitive hockey team, it is just a matter of them figuring things out, which has and is taking some time. Whether by design or not it isn't fitting the eye of some of our ideals but I believe by the time playoffs roll around the team will be playing to its potential. Which is all any of us can ask or expect.

I’m not sure I agree with that reason. I think it is drive. I think they lack a lot of drive. They have a horrible habit of playing to their opponent. It is like they allow the opponent to dictate the play and the 67’s respond in kind. For example, if they play a team that lacks physical intensity, you don’t see any physical intensity from Ottawa, at all. When they play a physical team, you see a lot of push back in response.

The 67’s are a team that needs to play pesky hockey 100% of the time and they need to push the play on their opponent. They cannot let the opponent settle into a defensive position like they did vs Mississauga on Sunday. They played that first period in a way where Mississauga was able to dictate the type of play on that game. They quite simply cannot do that. They need to play their game 100% of the time. When they do play their game and do not allow the opposition to settle into their game, they are successful. It is why they’ve been so successful against Oshawa this season, as well as many of the better teams in the West.

The 67’s play too much trying not to lose. They need to flip that mentality and be much more consistent with it. They need to push the pedal to the floor and stay in that mode all game. They roll four lines so that should not be a problem.

 

[OMG67]

Also close, I think the Gens have the best goal differential. Maybe slow and steady does win the race. The Battalion still have a fair chance to win the conference as the Gens, wolves, ‘67s, Steelheads, could very well lose and tie a game against each other over the next two weeks.
Starts with Colts at ‘67s and Gens at Steelheads tonight. The Steelheads have a chance too. It’s going to be a great finish.

For sure. I had North Bay as the Conference winner and Eastern Conference winner when the dust settled at the deadline. I am still earning that way but they haven’t been quite as impressive as I first thought.

To me, the big surprise is Brantford. When they started getting hit with injuries, I thought they would fall back and they really haven’t. They’ve been 4 weeks now missing at least three key players (more than 3 in many games). I’ve also been a little surprised with Mississauga. I thought they would fall back a bit in 5th/6th. They are a young team but it is a testament to how good Richmond is. I honestly feel Richmond may be emerging as the next great OHL coach/GM. I have a ton of respect for what he’s done to date.

I like Oshawa as many others do. It is just that tone tendency they have of being out-skated by the speedy teams and they don’t have enough of a response to it. Oster is great in net for sure and he can win a series in those situations but I really think teams like North Bay and Ottawa present a problem for Oshawa in the style of play. If they can avoid those two teams, I think they have a much stronger chance.

I have zero respect for Sudbury at this point. They are playing 80’s firewagon hockey and that won’t fly in the playoffs. If they don’t piece it together and start Playing responsible hockey, they may not make it out of the first round no matter who they play. They don’t have the goaltending to play that style of hockey successfully.

If Brantford returns to full health, how can any of us not pick them to win the Conference? With what they have done short staffed, a full team would make a huge difference. Their rink is tiny and they play to it very well. In many respects, a healthy Brantford team scares me most.

67’s could still win the division but they’d need to run the schedule and hope Oshawa and Brantford lose an unexpected game. Not very likely so I think that ship has sailed. That puts Ottaw ain tough for round one. Was hoping for a bit of a vacation round one.

 

[PuckStop75]

I’m not sure I agree with that reason. I think it is drive. I think they lack a lot of drive. They have a horrible habit of playing to their opponent. It is like they allow the opponent to dictate the play and the 67’s respond in kind. For example, if they play a team that lacks physical intensity, you don’t see any physical intensity from Ottawa, at all. When they play a physical team, you see a lot of push back in response.

The 67’s are a team that needs to play pesky hockey 100% of the time and they need to push the play on their opponent. They cannot let the opponent settle into a defensive position like they did vs Mississauga on Sunday. They played that first period in a way where Mississauga was able to dictate the type of play on that game. They quite simply cannot do that. They need to play their game 100% of the time. When they do play their game and do not allow the opposition to settle into their game, they are successful. It is why they’ve been so successful against Oshawa this season, as well as many of the better teams in the West.

The 67’s play too much trying not to lose. They need to flip that mentality and be much more consistent with it. They need to push the pedal to the floor and stay in that mode all game. They roll four lines so that should not be a problem.

This is the product of the system and Coaching, which I can say is not my favorite. But I can reassure you of one thing; DC is not changing, the players will play his way or they will not play.

 

[PuckStop75]

For sure. I had North Bay as the Conference winner and Eastern Conference winner when the dust settled at the deadline. I am still earning that way but they haven’t been quite as impressive as I first thought.

To me, the big surprise is Brantford. When they started getting hit with injuries, I thought they would fall back and they really haven’t. They’ve been 4 weeks now missing at least three key players (more than 3 in many games). I’ve also been a little surprised with Mississauga. I thought they would fall back a bit in 5th/6th. They are a young team but it is a testament to how good Richmond is. I honestly feel Richmond may be emerging as the next great OHL coach/GM. I have a ton of respect for what he’s done to date.

I like Oshawa as many others do. It is just that tone tendency they have of being out-skated by the speedy teams and they don’t have enough of a response to it. Oster is great in net for sure and he can win a series in those situations but I really think teams like North Bay and Ottawa present a problem for Oshawa in the style of play. If they can avoid those two teams, I think they have a much stronger chance.

I have zero respect for Sudbury at this point. They are playing 80’s firewagon hockey and that won’t fly in the playoffs. If they don’t piece it together and start Playing responsible hockey, they may not make it out of the first round no matter who they play. They don’t have the goaltending to play that style of hockey successfully.

If Brantford returns to full health, how can any of us not pick them to win the Conference? With what they have done short staffed, a full team would make a huge difference. Their rink is tiny and they play to it very well. In many respects, a healthy Brantford team scares me most.

67’s could still win the division but they’d need to run the schedule and hope Oshawa and Brantford lose an unexpected game. Not very likely so I think that ship has sailed. That puts Ottaw ain tough for round one. Was hoping for a bit of a vacation round one.

Brantford is a well coached hockey team, McKee adapts his system very well and the players will play for him. NB and Sudbury don't have coaching IMO they will live and die based on the skill they put on the ice. Increasingly I am seeing a commitment from the Oshawa team to play a certain way, Laxdal has been around the block so it will be interesting to see if his message sours or whether the team continues to thrive under his direction. If Ottawa is going to succeed the system needs to be tinkered with which I'm not sure DC will do.

 

[ecraigs]

With all due respect to playoffs, I go to see the team develop over a season. I never really worried too much about trades, with them often taking my by surprise. Like when Killer shipped out the Wilson boys. I understand why they're done, but meh.

What I do see this year is a very patchy development record. Some players have been given a chance to shine and did so, while others just keep making the same errors over and over again. The young players are sitting. Practice is great, but they also need to play games.

Whether this works out long term, I don't know but, I will be back next year to see.

 

[sirius67fan]

This is the product of the system and Coaching, which I can say is not my favorite. But I can reassure you of one thing; DC is not changing, the players will play his way or they will not play.

The problem is hd has not sat anybody to send a message yet. Quite a few recently would have deserved it for lack of effort.