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

[Larionov]

I was there tonight - pretty decent crowd given the 24 hour turnaround. OSEG has to be happy with going another round in the playoffs - I was told that last year's run to the OHL championship was absolutely huge for the Petes organization and their bottom line.

My biggest takeaway tonight was that the 67's big dogs all showed up. If you want to win in the playoffs, your best guys need to be your best guys. Tonight, I thought that our best guys all showed up, right from the goal on out. Mackenzie in particular looked dialed in right from the first shot he faced, and that confidence seemed to move through the whole team.

Pretty jacked to face the Shwa - I think we match up with them just fine. Let's go!

 

[mianjo]

PLUS/MINUS LEADERS OHL
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1Bradley Horner
Ottawa 67's

 

[NoQuit67s]

67's on a mission tonight. Horner on fire! What a power forward.

Cheap shot by Okitundu. Lol

Horner quickly becoming my favorite.
And how about the emergence of Dever!

Not taking away from anyone else (Stonehouse, Pinnelli, Gerrior, Foster, Maillet, Kressler and all 5 Dmen).

I am not buying that Pinnelli has had down games recently or isn't producing. Without the puck he was bar none the best player this series. Incredible how he always finds the puck back on his stick and causes turnovers.

Also kudos to Kelly and Barlas and Korbler tonight for playing bit parts, but being extremely effective in doing so.

And any talk of the preparation and coaching issues from Cameron and assistant coaches was greatly exaggerated. We out prepared a very capable opponent staff in this series.

IMO, Oshawa being the first seed going into the playoffs, is actually the team I would likely prefer to play in the next round, We matchup with them a lot like we did against the Bulldogs. We will bury them with forecheck and speed.

 

[OMG67]

My overall thoughts on the series.

1> Last year when Horner played I thought he was a pretty gritty D-Man that could also handle the puck. I expected him to challenge for a spot in the starting six, especially because he was a Righty. But, he started the season poorly. He didn’t fit in. Ewles was getting reps on the right side as the #6. Horner wasn’t playing. What we are seeing now is what I expected to start the season except on defence. I am glad they found a good role for him. I saw this in him, but didn’t expect it coming as a Right Winger.
2> Chris Kelly is playing his best hockey. I didn’t think he would nail down a top nine spot on Right wing because of depth issues ahead of him but I expected a lot more from him. He has a good shot, can handle the puck fairly well and his size would allow him to go north-south with some gusto. It is nice to see him finally putting it together!
3> I’ve said it all along. They need to play with relentless forechecking in the offensive zone without the puck. It leads to turnovers either in the O-Zone or in the neutral zone because the passes are rushed or the opposition just dumps it out which allows us to bring it right back in and they cannot change bodies.
4> MacK was solid overall but he hasn’t quite found his groove. I’d say he is about 90% there. You could see it a lot more tonight. Efficient movement is always his signature when he’s on.
5> Mayer needs to play every second shift until the game is in hand or out of hand. We saw it tonight with him playing a ton of minutes. That is why we brought him in. Ride him until he dies.
6> I’m hesitant to say too much about Dever yet but I will point out that he seems much more effective at centre. He needs to work on his faceoffs though. His vision in the middle of the ice vs off the wing is significantly better. He sees open spots and guides his wingers to it. His size is less of a factor at centre. I’m interested to see if he stick at centre vs Oshawa.
7> Stonehouse is playing like we expect. He’s really a massive pain in the ass. But, he’s also skating very well. It hasn’t translated into consistent offence but it doesn’t need to.
8> Mews may not be a completely different player than he was in the first half but he has significantly reduced his turnovers, is making much smarter decisions and he’s playing with the poise and confidence of a 19 year old. I think he sneaks back into the first round of the NHL Draft.

These are my biggest takeaways form the series so far. I assumed what we saw the last 3-4 weeks of the season plus game one of this series was where the Poles were and it was in a barren wasteland of horrid hockey. But, that dinner at Pinelli’s with Zenon between games one and two CLEARLY sparked something in these kids. I assumed it was DC that needed to juggle things but really it was just one heaping can of inspiration from the past that was needed. Go figure.

 

[Larionov]

8> Mews may not be a completely different player than he was in the first half but he has significantly reduced his turnovers, is making much smarter decisions and he’s playing with the poise and confidence of a 19 year old. I think he sneaks back into the first round of the NHL Draft.

I would agree with this - he is looking like the prototypical modern NHL defenceman, and the fact that he is a right hand shot helps his draft stock as well. I could see him going anywhere from 22 - 30.

I also think that Marrelli will be a sneaky good pick for whoever gets him. I know that his draft stock fell off significantly over the course of the season, but last night you could see him also moving the puck well and never hurting us with bad turnovers. Good value in the NHL draft is when you can get a guy whose stock has fallen, and in hindsight maybe shouldn't have. That might well be Marrelli in the third round...

 

[sirius67fan]

My overall thoughts, slightly briefer than our friend OMG!

THANK YOU .....ZK

 

[sirius67fan]

On a side note Arber Xhekaj was sitting behind us with his family last night to watch little bro play. Nice kid very patient taking pictures with young fans. Teased him a bit about the game but fortunatly took it well...man those hands..lol. But it was all good when we told him we were Habs fans. Nobody's gonna mess with my Habs in a few years with the Xhekaj Brothers. Thank god we've been a soft team since the nineties.

 

[PuckStop75]

Pleasantly surprised by the play of Dever, Stonehouse and Horner in the first round, each found a way to contribute and in the final game lead the scoring. Good thing to see for each of these guys.

Another solid test ahead in Oshawa, game plan should be similar. Oshawa's D is more physical and is more experienced. Maintain a high tempo and look to push the pace and conditioning of a much bigger team.

 

[bobber]

Really impressed with the 67s game. Don't get to see them often. They look like a team on a mission. Every player looks to have bought in and playing at a high pace.
Personally if they can keep playing at this level they are a threat to win the league.
They look as good at this point in time as any team in the west. It's the OHL playoffs. Anything is possible.

 

[ecraigs]

We had arranged to be at the game, which, around here, is a major effort. Then an unplanned trip to CHEO with one of the foster kids (not his first nor will it be his last, but he was released today). In any case, after some finagling, we arrived at TD Place halfway through the second period, having watched the first period on my phone. Got a bite and sat down just in time for Horner to score the third goal. He and Gerrior are making key plays at key times.

It was obvious from the start that Ottawa wanted to set the tone and dictate the speed of play. They certainly did so. Much better effort from start to finish.

As for the officiating, there was a penalty called early and then nothing for half a game. Pinelli took 2 for tripping when the Bulldog player was tripped by Mayer crossing in front of him. Kressler took a punch in the back of the head and was sent off for roughing. Vanacker ripped off a helmet and wrestled with the Ottawa player. Naturally, Okitundu was penalized and Vanacker got nothing. Not a stellar effort by the OHL Brain Trust.

 

[sirius67fan]

Already the draft on friday. Big one for us with two first rounders. Need to hit on those (#11 and #21) as we don"t have as many picks this year. I'm hoping they go center, defense in that order although almost need to go best available in the first. Some size would be nice! Anybody know who could be realistically available at those slots as I haven't followed the 15 y.o. as usual this year.

 

[PuckLucker]

Playoffs are a different intensity but how do the 67s fans feel vs Gennies if the same Ottawa intensity shows up, good goaltending continues and players stay healthy / disciplined?
67s were 5 and 2 against Oshawa I believe in the regular season, can that continue???

 

[OMG67]

Already the draft on friday. Big one for us with two first rounders. Need to hit on those (#11 and #21) as we don"t have as many picks this year. I'm hoping they go center, defense in that order although almost need to go best available in the first. Some size would be nice! Anybody know who could be realistically available at those slots as I haven't followed the 15 y.o. as usual this year.

If Xu is available at #11, I could see them take him there. Mobile D-Man with some umph. There really isn’t a lot of top end Defence but loads of centres. Shouldn’t be an issue getting a good centre at #21.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Playoffs are a different intensity but how do the 67s fans feel vs Gennies if the same Ottawa intensity shows up, good goaltending continues and players stay healthy / disciplined?
67s were 5 and 2 against Oshawa I believe in the regular season, can that continue???

My initial take is that Oshawa is better than Brantford in all facets of the game. The goaltending will be better, Oshawa has more game-breaking skill up front, their defense is better at moving the puck, and they lose nothing to Brantford in terms of physicality/size.

Ottawa was really able to exploit the (in)ability of Brantford's d-men to move the puck crisply and quickly up to the forwards, which caused turnovers, and Ottawa was able to capitalize on those opportunities. Ottawa beat Drobac on lots of clean wrist shots. Not sure if they'll be able to force as many turnovers out of the Oshawa D, and when they do, if they can beat Oster as often. Additionally, and with all due respect to Brantford's forwards, Oshawa has more skill and is deeper up-front relative to Brantford.

In late February, Ottawa beat Oshawa 5-0 playing the exact same style of game as they did vs. Brantford. They lost 6-5 a few weeks later during Oshawa's heater, and while Ottawa was in their late-season swoon. Ottawa has played Oshawa really well all season. Ottawa's significant advantage in this series is their speed. They'll need to consistently dictate the pace of the game with their speed and intensity, and get "A" quality goaltending from MacKenzie, which we've seen glimpses of throughout the Brantford series but not at a consistent 60-minute level yet (except last night).

Ottawa is coming in as the underdogs, and really don't have much to lose. If the 1st round is any indication, Cameron will have some tricks up his sleeve when it comes to motivating the guys and tactical game-planning. Should be an interesting series.

 

[OMG67]

My initial take is that Oshawa is better than Brantford in all facets of the game. The goaltending will be better, Oshawa has more game-breaking skill up front, their defense is better at moving the puck, and they lose nothing to Brantford in terms of physicality/size.

Ottawa was really able to exploit the (in)ability of Brantford's d-men to move the puck crisply and quickly up to the forwards, which caused turnovers, and Ottawa was able to capitalize on those opportunities. Ottawa beat Drobac on lots of clean wrist shots. Not sure if they'll be able to force as many turnovers out of the Oshawa D, and when they do, if they can beat Oster as often. Additionally, and with all due respect to Brantford's forwards, Oshawa has more skill and is deeper up-front relative to Brantford.

In late February, Ottawa beat Oshawa 5-0 playing the exact same style of game as they did vs. Brantford. They lost 6-5 a few weeks later during Oshawa's heater, and while Ottawa was in their late-season swoon. Ottawa has played Oshawa really well all season. Ottawa's significant advantage in this series is their speed. They'll need to consistently dictate the pace of the game with their speed and intensity, and get "A" quality goaltending from MacKenzie, which we've seen glimpses of throughout the Brantford series but not at a consistent 60-minute level yet (except last night).

Ottawa is coming in as the underdogs, and really don't have much to lose. If the 1st round is any indication, Cameron will have some tricks up his sleeve when it comes to motivating the guys and tactical game-planning. Should be an interesting series.

Oshawa had a hell’uv’a time containing Jelsma in their first round series. He plays like the 67’s except the 67’s have a lot more Jelsma type players.

If the 67’s play like they did yesterday, it will be a good series. But, they need to play like that start to finish. No exceptions. Honestly, if they want to win in the playoffs, that is the ONLY way they are able to play and win. If a team can beat Ottawa playing that style then hats off to them. Nothing Ottawa can do. Ottawa doesn’t have the luxury of playing any other way. It really is that simple.

Oster has been very good but Oshawa got stumped against Hillenbrand. They aren’t crazy good up front. They have a few game breaker types that can make a difference for sure.

It will be much harder for Ottawa to score vs Oshawa.

It should be a pretty even series. A lot of one goal games I think. Tough to call ont his one.

 

[PuckStop75]

Oshawa had a hell’uv’a time containing Jelsma in their first round series. He plays like the 67’s except the 67’s have a lot more Jelsma type players.

If the 67’s play like they did yesterday, it will be a good series. But, they need to play like that start to finish. No exceptions. Honestly, if they want to win in the playoffs, that is the ONLY way they are able to play and win. If a team can beat Ottawa playing that style then hats off to them. Nothing Ottawa can do. Ottawa doesn’t have the luxury of playing any other way. It really is that simple.

Oster has been very good but Oshawa got stumped against Hillenbrand. They aren’t crazy good up front. They have a few game breaker types that can make a difference for sure.

It will be much harder for Ottawa to score vs Oshawa.

It should be a pretty even series. A lot of one goal games I think. Tough to call ont his one.

If Oshawa or any other team tries to play Ottawa's style against them they will lose.

Oshawa has a very different skillset than Ottawa and I would expect them to game plan to play a way that favors the tools they have.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Oshawa had a hell’uv’a time containing Jelsma in their first round series. He plays like the 67’s except the 67’s have a lot more Jelsma type players.

If the 67’s play like they did yesterday, it will be a good series. But, they need to play like that start to finish. No exceptions. Honestly, if they want to win in the playoffs, that is the ONLY way they are able to play and win. If a team can beat Ottawa playing that style then hats off to them. Nothing Ottawa can do. Ottawa doesn’t have the luxury of playing any other way. It really is that simple.

Oster has been very good but Oshawa got stumped against Hillenbrand. They aren’t crazy good up front. They have a few game breaker types that can make a difference for sure.

It will be much harder for Ottawa to score vs Oshawa.

It should be a pretty even series. A lot of one goal games I think. Tough to call ont his one.

I agree.

I was impressed with Ottawa's ability to stay disciplined as the series progressed. A couple of ticky-tack calls on both sides last night (some of which were bad calls, like the one on Kressler at the end of the 2nd) but overall the 67s did a good job of exiting the scrums and frays without drawing penalties. You could tell that mixing it up physically didn't fall within the scope of the mission they were on, so they simply didn't participate. They need to keep that up.

Obviously we won't have Mayich for the first two games of the Oshawa series. I thought Mayer and Marrelli, in particular, had really strong games last night. Mews was good too. Don't think Dietsch played one shift, which is probably the correct call. It will be interesting to see how the d-men are deployed in the first two games in Oshawa. Throwing Dietsch into the deep-end against Oshawa wouldn't be the right course of action, but at this point the coaching staff might want to consider how much mileage they're putting on Marrelli and Mews early in the series. I predict we'll see more of Sirman and Smyth at ES than we did last night, maybe the odd Dietsch shift at opportune times (neutral zone faceoffs), another 30+ minutes for Mayer.

At forward the pieces seem to fitting well at this point. Not sure if I love Dever taking faceoffs, especially in the d-zone, and I'd probably swap Korbler with Horner on the Kressler line, but those aren't significant complaints. What we once thought was a real deficiency on this team - its forward depth - has become an advantage with guys like Horner, Gerrior and Dever all having incredibly strong series, and Barlas/Kelly looking good in limited playing time. And last night, Stonehouse looked a lot like last year's model and was more impactful than I had seen him in quite some time.

Cameron really has the players pulling in the same direction so lets see if it can continue.

 

[OMG67]

If Oshawa or any other team tries to play Ottawa's style against them they will lose.

Oshawa has a very different skillset than Ottawa and I would expect them to game plan to play a way that favors the tools they have.

I think the main point is it isn’t the other team choosing to play that style, it is the 67s that force the opposition into finding ways to execute when the 67’s press heavily and aggressively. Last year, there were two teams capable of stuffing the 67’s and they were North Bay and Peterborough. Both were both just as fast and were bigger. Since there are no teams in the Eastern Conference that are fast and big, it is more up to the 67’s to dictate the pace. Anytime the opposition is in possession of the puck in their defensive zone, Ottawa “should” be on top of them. That team needs to move it quickly.

 

[OMG67]

I agree.

I was impressed with Ottawa's ability to stay disciplined as the series progressed. A couple of ticky-tack calls on both sides last night (some of which were bad calls, like the one on Kressler at the end of the 2nd) but overall the 67s did a good job of exiting the scrums and frays without drawing penalties. You could tell that mixing it up physically didn't fall within the scope of the mission they were on, so they simply didn't participate. They need to keep that up.

Obviously we won't have Mayich for the first two games of the Oshawa series. I thought Mayer and Marrelli, in particular, had really strong games last night. Mews was good too. Don't think Dietsch played one shift, which is probably the correct call. It will be interesting to see how the d-men are deployed in the first two games in Oshawa. Throwing Dietsch into the deep-end against Oshawa wouldn't be the right course of action, but at this point the coaching staff might want to consider how much mileage they're putting on Marrelli and Mews early in the series. I predict we'll see more of Sirman and Smyth at ES than we did last night, maybe the odd Dietsch shift at opportune times (neutral zone faceoffs), another 30+ minutes for Mayer.

At forward the pieces seem to fitting well at this point. Not sure if I love Dever taking faceoffs, especially in the d-zone, and I'd probably swap Korbler with Horner on the Kressler line, but those aren't significant complaints. What we once thought was a real deficiency on this team - its forward depth - has become an advantage with guys like Horner, Gerrior and Dever all having incredibly strong series, and Barlas/Kelly looking good in limited playing time. And last night, Stonehouse looked a lot like last year's model and was more impactful than I had seen him in quite some time.

Cameron really has the players pulling in the same direction so lets see if it can continue.

I would caution on the Horner, Dever, Korbler assessments for now. Sometimes those unexpected returns are more opposition based rather than not. That’s why I praised them but didn’t endorse them. I think this next series will tell whether those three have all made that step forward or whether they were taking advantage of a less deep roster that was super tired.

 

[beastintheeast]

CONGRATULATIONS

This team found ways to win and finally adapted to DC's game plan. I also have to think that Zenon's speech might have made a HUGE difference.

The leaders showed up and players that were lost finally found their game.

It is going to be interesting to see which team we play in the next round

Ihave to think that unless Barrie wins game 7 that this is tghe upset of the playoffs.

 

[beastintheeast]

If Xu is available at #11, I could see them take him there. Mobile D-Man with some umph. There really isn’t a lot of top end Defence but loads of centres. Shouldn’t be an issue getting a good centre at #21.

I would rather they draft carter hicks as he is an RD with size

the other p[ick I would mak is for Ryder Carey RF 6'- 170

What ever we get this year we need to draft size Right shot and a center.

The lkack of picks is why I thought we should have sold more at the deadline. BUT oh well, it is going to be an interesting weekend

 

[AGranderson]

CONGRATULATIONS

This team found ways to win and finally adapted to DC's game plan. I also have to think that Zenon's speech might have made a HUGE difference.

The leaders showed up and players that were lost finally found their game.

It is going to be interesting to see which team we play in the next round

Ihave to think that unless Barrie wins game 7 that this is tghe upset of the playoffs.

Beast refresh last nights scores.

 

[Race Dawg]

Playoffs are a different intensity but how do the 67s fans feel vs Gennies if the same Ottawa intensity shows up, good goaltending continues and players stay healthy / disciplined?
67s were 5 and 2 against Oshawa I believe in the regular season, can that continue???

You guys again. Isnt this like the 15th time the 67's have played Oshawa in the post-season? Statisticians help me out on this number please. But I believe the 67's are something 11-3 or 12-3 lifetime against Oshawa?

We never take the General lightly though. They're actually the favorite here so expect a hard fought series despite the regular season records.

If the 67's can settle in and dictate the pace while getting McKenize to keep up his stellar performance (from last game 6), it'll work well for them.

Friday here we come!

 

[OMG67]

You guys again. Isnt this like the 15th time the 67's have played Oshawa in the post-season? Statisticians help me out on this number please. But I believe the 67's are something 11-3 or 12-3 lifetime against Oshawa?

We never take the General lightly though. They're actually the favorite here so expect a hard fought series despite the regular season records.

If the 67's can settle in and dictate the pace while getting McKenize to keep up his stellar performance (from last game 6), it'll work well for them.

Friday here we come!

Nine points separate Ottawa and Oshawa. Oshawa finished the season with 12 straight. Ottawa only managed 13 points over that same 12 game stretch. That is a 11 point difference. Ottawa was playing brutal hockey to give the Conference away. There really isn’t a lot separating these teams. It may be a 1st vs 6th series but Barrie was 29 points back and made it a series. Ottawa has turned back into that first half team we saw except they now actually have more than one centre!

I’ve felt all year that if Ottawa were to play their game 60 minutes, they’d be a tough out in the playoffs, at least in the Eastern Conference. There is a reason why they were first place in the conference pretty much all the way to the Christmas break. Adding Mayer and the two centres wasn’t less than any other teams acquisitions in the Eastern conference. North Bay and Sudbury made additions but neither were “more” than Ottawa. Pretty much similar impact. Even Oshawa only added Punnett and Sandhu, and got Ritchie back from injury. It’s not like anyone in the Eastern Conference blew their brains out like Peterborough last year.

Many would simply look at this series as Oshawa being a favourite. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is a pick-um series. I firmly believe the games will be close. This could go either way. I think all three remaining series in the Eastern Conference will be the same tight series. It is possible we could see some short series but the games themselves will be of the one goal variety.

That North Bay vs Sudbury series will be close too. I think Sudbury takes it, especially if DiVin is out.

 

[Race Dawg]

Nine points separate Ottawa and Oshawa. Oshawa finished the season with 12 straight. Ottawa only managed 13 points over that same 12 game stretch. That is a 11 point difference. Ottawa was playing brutal hockey to give the Conference away. There really isn’t a lot separating these teams. It may be a 1st vs 6th series but Barrie was 29 points back and made it a series. Ottawa has turned back into that first half team we saw except they now actually have more than one centre!

I’ve felt all year that if Ottawa were to play their game 60 minutes, they’d be a tough out in the playoffs, at least in the Eastern Conference. There is a reason why they were first place in the conference pretty much all the way to the Christmas break. Adding Mayer and the two centres wasn’t less than any other teams acquisitions in the Eastern conference. North Bay and Sudbury made additions but neither were “more” than Ottawa. Pretty much similar impact. Even Oshawa only added Punnett and Sandhu, and got Ritchie back from injury. It’s not like anyone in the Eastern Conference blew their brains out like Peterborough last year.

Many would simply look at this series as Oshawa being a favourite. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is a pick-um series. I firmly believe the games will be close. This could go either way. I think all three remaining series in the Eastern Conference will be the same tight series. It is possible we could see some short series but the games themselves will be of the one goal variety.

That North Bay vs Sudbury series will be close too. I think Sudbury takes it, especially if DiVin is out.

You didn't answer my main question though.

Anyways the Generals are going to want to beat the 67's. Ottawa has had their way with them in recent years including last year's playoff battle. They're going to show up trust me so DC better have his boys ready to play Friday. Ottawa is a great road team so I honestly feel they can win in any rink...