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

[NordiquesForeva]

One thing I'll be watching for this evening is Ottawa's continued success on the faceoff dot. The 67s were 58% in game 3 (29/50), which is good considering where they were a few weeks ago.

Overall, I thought the 67s executed really well in game 3. I'm interested to see what adjustments McKee makes in preparation for tonight's game. I feel like when they cranked up the forechecking pressure to start the 3rd period last game, the ice tilted a bit and the 67s were put back on their heels. But even then, the 67s were able to limit the opportunities in the middle of the ice and Mackenzie was really solid. I think there was one post hit in the 3rd, but besides that not much was given up. The 67s need to continue with their crisp/clean breakouts and limit the amount of time spent in their d-zone.

Someone mentioned it above, but Barlas and Yanni got <maybe> 3 shifts the entire game, so if we get a body or two back in the form of Gardiner and/or Korbler it would allow Cameron to extend out the lineup and look to get that 4th line 2/3 shifts per period. We've knocked around #25 and #24 a bit on here recently, for different reasons, but the fact is both guys can play the up-tempo puck pressure style that has been successful for us the last 2 games and they will both contribute when/if they're back.

Finally, I was skeptical at first but splitting up Kressler and Pinelli has worked well so far. Gives each of the top 2 lines game-breaking skill. When Maillet was centering Foster + Horner, they were most productive when working off the cycle but I don't think that approach would work well against Brantford's sturdier and more physical defense. Putting Pinelli's and Gerrior's speed and forechecking ability on Maillet's wings has improved that line from a puck pursuit perspective. Simply put, I don't think the 67s would have been as successful in their puck pressure approach if the lines remained as previously configured; Cameron needed to split the speed components I think, and its looked good so far.

 

[sirius67fan]

The turning point last game imo. Brantford up 1-0., 2 on 0 on Mckenzie and makes an incredible save. Shortly after Ottawa ties it...different game completely.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

The turning point last game imo. Brantford up 1-0., 2 on 0 on Mckenzie and makes an incredible save. Shortly after Ottawa ties it...different game completely.

MacKenzie REALLY bailed out Marrelli on that one!

 

[ecraigs]

MacKenzie REALLY bailed out Marrelli on that one!

One of those "what the F&&K were you doing?" moments.

 

[OMG67]

One thing I'll be watching for this evening is Ottawa's continued success on the faceoff dot. The 67s were 58% in game 3 (29/50), which is good considering where they were a few weeks ago.

Overall, I thought the 67s executed really well in game 3. I'm interested to see what adjustments McKee makes in preparation for tonight's game. I feel like when they cranked up the forechecking pressure to start the 3rd period last game, the ice tilted a bit and the 67s were put back on their heels. But even then, the 67s were able to limit the opportunities in the middle of the ice and Mackenzie was really solid. I think there was one post hit in the 3rd, but besides that not much was given up. The 67s need to continue with their crisp/clean breakouts and limit the amount of time spent in their d-zone.

Someone mentioned it above, but Barlas and Yanni got <maybe> 3 shifts the entire game, so if we get a body or two back in the form of Gardiner and/or Korbler it would allow Cameron to extend out the lineup and look to get that 4th line 2/3 shifts per period. We've knocked around #25 and #24 a bit on here recently, for different reasons, but the fact is both guys can play the up-tempo puck pressure style that has been successful for us the last 2 games and they will both contribute when/if they're back.

Finally, I was skeptical at first but splitting up Kressler and Pinelli has worked well so far. Gives each of the top 2 lines game-breaking skill. When Maillet was centering Foster + Horner, they were most productive when working off the cycle but I don't think that approach would work well against Brantford's sturdier and more physical defense. Putting Pinelli's and Gerrior's speed and forechecking ability on Maillet's wings has improved that line from a puck pursuit perspective. Simply put, I don't think the 67s would have been as successful in their puck pressure approach if the lines remained as previously configured; Cameron needed to split the speed components I think, and its looked good so far.

At the beginning of the 3rd, Ottawa let up on the heavier puck pursuit in the O-Zone and fell back into the “protect the lead” posture. This allows Brantford time and space to move thorugh the neutral zone. Once Brantford is set up in our D-Zone, they gain more situational control.

This circles back to the “full court press” scenario I have highlighted for the 67’s since pretty much the start of the season. They are most successful when they are aggressive. They are least successful when trying to not be scored upon. They need to be mindful of when they fall into the more traditional defensive structure. They really aren’t great at it. They need to push the opposition.

The one thing the 67’s can benefit from is there is not a team in the Eastern Conference that is both BIG and FAST. Last year both Peterborough and North Bay were big and fast. This presented a relatively difficult issue for Ottawa. This season the bigger teams aren’t really fast and the fast teams aren’t really big. This is the reason why we’ve seen so much parity in the Eastern Conference.

Oshawa had difficulty with Ottawa this year because they have an issue playing speedy and aggressive teams. In the Barrie series, they’ve had a hell of a time trying to contain Jelsma. He is the type of player that exposes the Generals. Ottawa has a few of that type of player which, again, Oshawa has had difficulty containing consistently.

When Ottawa uses speed and aggressiveness and pressure the puck, they have been most successful. That is the game they need to play. It really doesn’t matter who they play. There isn’t an alternate way to play for this team. Sure, they can win some games playing a more traditional style but that is an exception.

It really shouldn’t matter what Brantford does. It shouldn’t alter how Ottawa approaches their games. Either Brantford is able to move the puck quicker and find open guys faster or they don’t. If Ottawa gives them time and space to make plays, they will likely lose.

Brantford does have that home ice equalizer. That short neutral zone really makes it difficult for Ottawa because finding separation when they have the puck is more difficult. Brantford can hunt them down a bit easier. Technically speaking, that should hamper Ottawa’s ability to generate offence but what I stated above still applies on their ice surface form a goal suppression perspective.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

At the beginning of the 3rd, Ottawa let up on the heavier puck pursuit in the O-Zone and fell back into the “protect the lead” posture. This allows Brantford time and space to move thorugh the neutral zone. Once Brantford is set up in our D-Zone, they gain more situational control.

This circles back to the “full court press” scenario I have highlighted for the 67’s since pretty much the start of the season. They are most successful when they are aggressive. They are least successful when trying to not be scored upon. They need to be mindful of when they fall into the more traditional defensive structure. They really aren’t great at it. They need to push the opposition.

The one thing the 67’s can benefit from is there is not a team in the Eastern Conference that is both BIG and FAST. Last year both Peterborough and North Bay were big and fast. This presented a relatively difficult issue for Ottawa. This season the bigger teams aren’t really fast and the fast teams aren’t really big. This is the reason why we’ve seen so much parity in the Eastern Conference.

Oshawa had difficulty with Ottawa this year because they have an issue playing speedy and aggressive teams. In the Barrie series, they’ve had a hell of a time trying to contain Jelsma. He is the type of player that exposes the Generals. Ottawa has a few of that type of player which, again, Oshawa has had difficulty containing consistently.

When Ottawa uses speed and aggressiveness and pressure the puck, they have been most successful. That is the game they need to play. It really doesn’t matter who they play. There isn’t an alternate way to play for this team. Sure, they can win some games playing a more traditional style but that is an exception.

It really shouldn’t matter what Brantford does. It shouldn’t alter how Ottawa approaches their games. Either Brantford is able to move the puck quicker and find open guys faster or they don’t. If Ottawa gives them time and space to make plays, they will likely lose.

Brantford does have that home ice equalizer. That short neutral zone really makes it difficult for Ottawa because finding separation when they have the puck is more difficult. Brantford can hunt them down a bit easier. Technically speaking, that should hamper Ottawa’s ability to generate offence but what I stated above still applies on their ice surface form a goal suppression perspective.

My sense was that Brantford came out with some jump in their step at the beginning of the 3rd, but you of course raise a good point on the 67s falling back into a "protect the lead" approach which is a classic Cameron style of coaching (you think he'd learn by now).

But Brantford's D isn't going to suddenly learn how to move the puck quicker between Tuesday and tonight, so its imperative that Ottawa continues to play the same style of game as games 2 and 3. Apparently Korbler is going to at least dress for warmups, so we'll see if he plays. Gardiner still out. Korbler will provide some fresh legs and the speed + tenacity to play the type of game that has been successful recently, so I think he'll be additive if he does play.

Tonight is actually a really important game as I don't like our chances if it comes down to a best of 3 with two of those games in Brantford.

 

[AGranderson]

Hearing a Thomas Uronen sighting on ice at morning practice. Can anyone else confirm?

 

[OMG67]

Hearing a Thomas Uronen sighting on ice at morning practice. Can anyone else confirm?

That would be interesting to say the least.

Bujold back in the lineup for Brantford. He will give them a solid boost.

 

[mianjo]

67's down 1-0 early n 1st

67's down 1-0 after 1

SHOTS ON GOAL

Teams	1st	Total
BFD	6	6
OTT	9	9

 

[OMG67]

Four pucks trickle by the outside of the post. No puck luck so far tonight. The boys are puting forth a strong effort and have mostly controlled the play and pace. If they keep it up, they have a good chance.

 

[mianjo]

1-2

GOAL
#19 Samuel Mayer (2) scores. Assists: #27 Jacob Maillet, #12 Braeden KresslerPOWER PLAY
2nd 4:57

 

[mianjo]

1-3

 

[ottawarenegader613]

PxP annoncer Kenny Walls just went off on the officiating after Henry Mews took a slashing the stick call. Not sure if it was a light or a hard slashing, but if it was a hard slash, then the penalty had to be called.

 

[mianjo]

2-3 after 2

GOAL
#11 Henry Mews (1) scores. Assists: #19 Samuel Mayer, #18 Jack Dever
2nd 19:20

 

[OMG67]

PxP annoncer Kenny Walls just went off on the officiating after Henry Mews took a slashing the stick call. Not sure if it was a light or a hard slashing, but if it was a hard slash, then the penalty had to be called.

He slashed the stick out of the players hands. It was a clear penalty, especially considering Mews was standing virtually still and hacked a guy as he skated behind the net to attack the puck.

Kenny is a great game caller but he is a tremendously bad homer.

 

[OMG67]

Oshawa had difficulty with Ottawa this year because they have an issue playing speedy and aggressive teams. In the Barrie series, they’ve had a hell of a time trying to contain Jelsma. He is the type of player that exposes the Generals. Ottawa has a few of that type of player which, again, Oshawa has had difficulty containing consistently.

Jelsma with two goals and one assist tonight after two periods vs Oshawa. He’s having a game. Oshawa really struggles vs players like him.

 

[mianjo]

3-3

GOAL
#11 Henry Mews (1) scores. Assists: #12 Braeden Kressler, #19 Samuel MayerPOWER PLAY
3rd 6:20

4-3

GOAL
#5 Bradley Horner (1) scores. Assists: #11 Henry Mews, #29 Cooper Foster
3rd 7:29

5-3

GOAL
#23 Will Gerrior (1) scores. Assists: #8 Frankie Marrelli, #22 Matthew MayichINSURANCE GOAL
3rd 14:36

5-4

5-5

 

[beastintheeast]

Where the hell has this team been?

Something tells me that Zenon did wake them up.

no matter how far they go I think that this is redeeming the team.

 

[Race Dawg]

Don't you know the cool people sit in section 26/27. Gotta raz that opposition goalie

Well that was unfortunate. Trying to watch 2 games but the 67's let this one slip away. Shit call to get Brantford that 4th goal....

 

[mianjo]

Brantford score 2 goals in last 3 mins with the goalie pulled

SCORING

Teams	1st	2nd	3rd	T
BFD	1	2	2	5
OTT	0	2	3	5

SHOTS ON GOAL

Teams	1st	2nd	3rd	Total
BFD	6	21	8	35
OTT	9	11	7	27

SCORING

Teams	1st	2nd	3rd	T
BFD	1	2	2	5
OTT	0	2	3	5

SHOTS ON GOAL

Teams	1st	2nd	3rd	Total
BFD	6	21	8	35
OTT	9	11	7	27

 

[mianjo]

67's win 6-5

Mayer hattie
GOAL
#19 Samuel Mayer (4) scores. Assists: #5 Bradley Horner, #18 Jack DeverGAME WINNING
4th 10:23

STARS OF THE GAME​

FIRST
#19 Samuel Mayer D
G 3A 1+/- +1Ottawa

SECOND
#16 Nick Lardis RW
G 1A 2+/- 0Brantford

THIRD
#11 Henry Mews D
G 1A 1+/- +2Ottawa

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

67's win 6-5

Mayer hattie

Idiot Bulldog put it in his own net. Bulldogs have no chance though,. Their goaltender is garbage.

 

[OMG67]

Big win. Sloppy and not all that pretty but you gotta take ‘em when you get ‘em.

 

[Race Dawg]

Juggling between the dire destitution of the Ottawa Senators and these Ottawa 67's and the Poles make it happen sending the Dogs packing down 3-1. Good job boys!!

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Just like they drew it up, right?

That would have been a debilitating loss for Ottawa if Brantford had scored in OT. Will be interesting to see how Brantford comes out for game 5; they have a steep hill to climb.

One takeaway from this game is that MacKenzie needs to be much better going forward. Not sure what he was doing on the second goal, and I’m sure he’d like the tying goal by Lardis back. This game shouldn’t have gotten to OT honestly.