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

[AGranderson]

Not the way we had it drawn up. But we will take it & start the bus to Brantford. They don’t ask how specially In the playoffs, they aren’t all going to be pretty. MacK a little off his game tonight wasn’t as strong as he was in game 2 & 3. Nice to see when Pinelli has an off game on the offensive side of the puck other guys can step up. Mayer was a beast tonight, also thought Marrelli had a great game on the back end. Mews scares me at times throwing the puck up the middle often. Horner & Dever were both great tonight chipping in. Gerrior showing how dangerous his speed can be with open ice. Kelly & Yani not finishing the game on the bench don’t tell me a flu is hitting this team. Anyone see anything on them?

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Not the way we had it drawn up. But we will take it & start the bus to Brantford. They don’t ask how specially In the playoffs, they aren’t all going to be pretty. MacK a little off his game tonight wasn’t as strong as he was in game 2 & 3. Nice to see when Pinelli has an off game on the offensive side of the puck other guys can step up. Mayer was a beast tonight, also thought Marrelli had a great game on the back end. Mews scares me at times throwing the puck up the middle often. Horner & Dever were both great tonight chipping in. Gerrior showing how dangerous his speed can be with open ice. Kelly & Yani not finishing the game on the bench don’t tell me a flu is hitting this team. Anyone see anything on them?

Kelly took a really hard hit against the boards in the 1st and didn’t play again after. Definitely looked shaken up on the play. Yanni got stood up by a Brantford D-man behind the net in the 2nd. Looked innocent/routine enough but went back to the bench slowly.

 

[OMG67]

Kelly took a really hard hit against the boards in the 1st and didn’t play again after. Definitely looked shaken up on the play. Yanni got stood up by a Brantford D-man behind the net in the 2nd. Looked innocent/routine enough but went back to the bench slowly.

Both Barlas and Korbler were cycling through the top 9 after the first period. It is somewhat unfortunate because Kelly has been asserting himself very well in this series, albeit in a limited role. He’s playing the best hockey of his season right now.

The young guys simply aren’t prepared for playoffs in the OHL. They haven’t played enough at this level to step in and be productive. It is a completely different animal than what they’ve experienced this season. That said, Dietsch has carried himself rather well overall for his age and time on ice in uniform. It is a good wake up call for them to spend the summer trying to add weight and prepare for next season.

Oshawa needed OT for Barrie. I like seeing that. If we win this series, Oshawa is likely our next opponent. They’ve had a hard time with Jelsma. He plays a lot like we do. It is reasonable to think if Ottawa can continue to pressure the puck and force the play with pace and speed, we have a decent chance. Hopefully Barrie can take another game and get that series to six games, wear down the generals a bit.

It is really important for the 67’s to finish this series in 5 games. They get some much needed time off. They had a long stretch of games to end the season and they’ve played mostly three lines through this series. A break to rest and nurse some wounds is integral if they want to continue their run.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Both Barlas and Korbler were cycling through the top 9 after the first period. It is somewhat unfortunate because Kelly has been asserting himself very well in this series, albeit in a limited role. He’s playing the best hockey of his season right now.

The young guys simply aren’t prepared for playoffs in the OHL. They haven’t played enough at this level to step in and be productive. It is a completely different animal than what they’ve experienced this season. That said, Dietsch has carried himself rather well overall for his age and time on ice in uniform. It is a good wake up call for them to spend the summer trying to add weight and prepare for next season.

Oshawa needed OT for Barrie. I like seeing that. If we win this series, Oshawa is likely our next opponent. They’ve had a hard time with Jelsma. He plays a lot like we do. It is reasonable to think if Ottawa can continue to pressure the puck and force the play with pace and speed, we have a decent chance. Hopefully Barrie can take another game and get that series to six games, wear down the generals a bit.

It is really important for the 67’s to finish this series in 5 games. They get some much needed time off. They had a long stretch of games to end the season and they’ve played mostly three lines through this series. A break to rest and nurse some wounds is integral if they want to continue their run.

I agree on Kelly. He has been a factor for Ottawa this series, so hopefully he's able to get himself back in the lineup for game 5.

It is nice to see the 67s play up to their capabilities. I think this is the team we were all hoping to see challenge for the division title down the stretch. They need to keep playing their game. Brantford tried being much more physical last night and I thought they were the better team for much of the first two periods, but they were over-zealous at times and it cost them some dumb penalties.

For much of the game Brantford d-men were attempting long stretch passes out of their d-zone to their wingers at the red line for chip + chases, so that is one adjustment McKee made to limit the amount of time his d-men had control of the puck. I have to say that it worked to a certain extent and now the ball is back in Cameron's court to find a way to limit the amount of pressure Brantford's forecheck was putting on the 67s D.

I thought it was interesting that Cameron was riding 4 d-men in OT. No shifts for Sirman or Smyth. Smyth took a really hard hit near the Ottawa bench in (I think) the 2nd, and seemed to be in pain afterwards. He maybe missed a few shifts but was playing regularly thereafter. We'll see what comes of that.

 

[PuckStop75]

I agree on Kelly. He has been a factor for Ottawa this series, so hopefully he's able to get himself back in the lineup for game 5.

It is nice to see the 67s play up to their capabilities. I think this is the team we were all hoping to see challenge for the division title down the stretch. They need to keep playing their game. Brantford tried being much more physical last night and I thought they were the better team for much of the first two periods, but they were over-zealous at times and it cost them some dumb penalties.

For much of the game Brantford d-men were attempting long stretch passes out of their d-zone to their wingers at the red line for chip + chases, so that is one adjustment McKee made to limit the amount of time his d-men had control of the puck. I have to say that it worked to a certain extent and now the ball is back in Cameron's court to find a way to limit the amount of pressure Brantford's forecheck was putting on the 67s D.

I thought it was interesting that Cameron was riding 4 d-men in OT. No shifts for Sirman or Smyth. Smyth took a really hard hit near the Ottawa bench in (I think) the 2nd, and seemed to be in pain afterwards. He maybe missed a few shifts but was playing regularly thereafter. We'll see what comes of that.

The response was don't play Sirman and Smyth who don't get turned around and back into their own end well enough to recover the puck and move it back out of the zone.

I would say that Ottawa is winning the game plan battle at the moment, both teams are creating turnovers but the goaltending wasn't particularly good again last night so its a tough read. 6-5 in OT isn't textbook for either team. Ultimately, Ottawa is showing more character than we saw in the last month of the season which is cause for optimism.

 

[SidSixpointSeven]

I think Cameron's shortening of the bench (which I applaud) was in response to McKee's decision to shorten Brantford's bench. Announcer's mentioned that Brantford was basically going all in and running with their two big lines in order to push for the win. Like it or not Smyth (and to a lesser extent Sirman) are not well suited to defend against the other teams top forwards on a regular basis and the decision to run the top 4 out there ended up paying off with the Mayer goal - which I admit was kind of fluky but we'll take it. That being said, Mackenzie needs to be better as I believe he is ultimately the difference maker between these two teams.

 

[gadder]

I thought Mack was a bit woozy after getting run over on the 1st goal. He was down for a bit, then made some glaring errors one of which cost a goal. It was odd that no one went out to help him up or examine him. I hope it's only one bad game. Contrast even a woozy Mack with Drobac who gives up straight clean wrist shots regularly; we are lucky with our goaltending.

 

[OMG67]

I thought Mack was a bit woozy after getting run over on the 1st goal. He was down for a bit, then made some glaring errors one of which cost a goal. It was odd that no one went out to help him up or examine him. I hope it's only one bad game. Contrast even a woozy Mack with Drobac who gives up straight clean wrist shots regularly; we are lucky with our goaltending.

In all fairness to Drobac, he played a ton of hockey in the 2nd half of the season. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is worn out now. He had a lot of tough games with so many skaters out of the lineup. I wouldn’t go as far as saying he single handedly got the Bulldogs to where they are but it was pretty close. That team was running on blood and sweat most nights.

I have a ton of respect to for what Drobac managed to do for the Bulldogs this seaosn. If he is wearing down now, it is unfortunate for the Bulldogs but fortunate for Ottawa. I’d hesitate razzing him that way. I don’t think he deserves it considering what he accomplished this year. Granted, you aren’t incorrect when talking just about this series.

Regardless, MacK needs to be better and more consistent. HE had a solid game 2 and 3. Game 4 he was very weak. I agree it was likely due to getting shaken up with that hit. Hopefully he bounces back.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

I thought Mack was a bit woozy after getting run over on the 1st goal. He was down for a bit, then made some glaring errors one of which cost a goal. It was odd that no one went out to help him up or examine him. I hope it's only one bad game. Contrast even a woozy Mack with Drobac who gives up straight clean wrist shots regularly; we are lucky with our goaltending.

I was also surprised that a trainer didn't come out, but while he was on the ice for a while he seemed to be communicating with his teammates and they were in turn looking over at the bench (as if to say, "he's OK, just taking some time to get up"). In the meantime, Michelone went and got his mask but put it back even before Mack was fully upright. Some fans near where I was sitting were shouting for the trainers to go check on him but the situation seemed to be under control as far as I could tell.

Mack did seem shaky afterwards, misplaying the puck a few times and dropping the puck on the long wrist shot which led to the 2nd Brantford goal. On the whole, he has outplayed Drobac but didn't look like the Mackenzie we are accustomed to in game 4.

 

[ecraigs]

Mack did seem shaky afterwards, misplaying the puck a few times and dropping the puck on the long wrist shot which led to the 2nd Brantford goal. On the whole, he has outplayed Drobac but didn't look like the Mackenzie we are accustomed to in game 4.

On the first Brantford goal, yet again, a 67s defender turned over the puck inside their blue line. On the second goal, two defenders did a fly-by and the only player near the puck was a Bulldog. Extremely poor defensive coverage.

The balance of play belonged to Brantford in the first two periods. They were more aggressive and more dangerous. In the third, they looked tired and needed a late PP to get close.

 

[Race Dawg]

 

[Race Dawg]

 

[Larionov]

Momentum this afternoon will be huge - it is crucial to NOT give up the first goal, as has been this team's habit. If the 67's can jump out to an early lead they can take the crowd out of it and start sowing the seeds of doubt on the Bulldogs bench. Go down 2-0 and it's the opposite - they start believing in themselves, and our kids start thinking about game six. So much in the playoffs is about psychology and momentum - need to stay on the right side of that today.

In former 67's news, I see that Jack Beck is out for the Soo with what appears to be another concussion. You start worrying about a player with a concussion history like his picking up yet another one. Looking ahead, you worry about how a player with his very slight frame and concussion history is going to make out in the ECHL...

 

[OMG67]

Plain and simple today. Play their game. Heavy puck pursuit in the O-Zone, force the puck carrier. Make them move the puck quicker. It will lead to turnovers and higher puck possession minutes. They can’t score if the puck is on the sticks of 67’s. Start with that and stay there in that pocket. The rest doesn’t matter.

 

[OMG67]

Gardiner is back in the lineup today. He is penciled into the 4th line with Barlas and Yanni. Kelly out.

 

[Hinterland]

Why would you try to beat players yourself if you're the last man? Literally the same mistake Mayer made last game...surprising.
Just pass the puck up ice or retreat if you don't like what you see. Those are unnecessary, costly mistakes.

 

[ecraigs]

The League's 15th-ranked PP scores again, their 6th goal in 4 games and a bit. Referees are Ferguson and Faist, so not much help coming from there. Another goal in the last minute. They haven't managed to match Brantford's energy or drive.

 

[ecraigs]

No idea why Ferguson and Faist get playoff assignments. When Alan Letang got tossed and suspended, Ferguson was the ref. Some things follow some people.

 

[Hinterland]

Too bad they're losing the special teams battle tonight and that 2nd goal was a dumb one to give up as well. That late Dever goal is big though. Two goals down heading into the 3rd would have been a tough in such an even game.

 

[sirius67fan]

I dunno looked like an obvious redirection by Stoney?

 

[Hinterland]

I dunno looked like an obvious redirection by Stoney?

He was tied up in a battle with a Bulldog there but yeah. I also think he knew exactly what he was doing there. Definitely did it on purpose.

 

[ecraigs]

The OHL Brain Trust strikes again.

 

[Hinterland]

Two poor calls if you ask me. Distinct kicking motion by Stonehouse and Körbler was pushed in there. Also, the contact happened when the puck was already in the net. The second goal should have counted, not the first one. The long review also killed all momentum Ottawa had. Shame.

 

[Race Dawg]

f***ing bullshit call. 10 f***ing minutes to review a goal where the Ottawa player is PUSHED into the net by the Brantford player.

The fix is in....

 

[sirius67fan]

Two poor calls if you ask me. Distinct kicking motion by Stonehouse and Körbler was pushed in there. Also, the contact happened when the puck was already in the net. The second goal should have counted, not the first one. The long review also killed all momentum Ottawa had. Shame.

Yep agree. But got to admire the refs consistency...they got both wrong. However good game that could have gone either way. Ah well I get a game tomorrow!