Ottawa 67's 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

[beastintheeast]

It is always tragic when young people pass. But, that isn’t’ what is making me feel old. It is my body when I get out of bed!

I hear you I found a yoga program the gets the kinks.

 

[NoQuit67s]

They lost to the Petes last year and Guelph in 2019 because those teams had a more complete roster and executed their game plans better. Physicality was a factor in both series.

Not going to argue the physicality factor in last year's playoffs versus the Petes...

However I will argue that Boucher was out, both first line overage centres Morisson and (concussed) Tolnai were nowhere near 100 %, there was a weird goalie flip-flopping situation with a late season injury to Donoso, and our first "home" series versus Oshawa was played in Gatineau, which meant the team and equipment still needed to be "travelled" to the home games.

The team that had been put together had a good chance to win the championship. It just good enough to overcome some of the bumps in the road they were faced with....

 

[dirty12]

That was likely when DiVin was shitting the bed earlier in the season……. Something tells me NB won’t be having issues with them through the 2nd half

Barrie yes. Niagara with ex batt Robertson beat McIvor/NB twice in the past three weeks.

 

[OMG67]

Barrie yes. Niagara beat McIvor/NB twice in the past three weeks.

That is just unacceptable! Someone needs to go say something….

 

[dirty12]

That is just unacceptable! Someone needs to go say something….

Robertson was his best in his first game vs ex team: and Bryant the player of the week got four points in the last game, which I did not see.

 

[OMG67]

Not going to argue the physicality factor in last year's playoffs versus the Petes...

However I will argue that Boucher was out, both first line overage centres Morisson and (concussed) Tolnai were nowhere near 100 %, there was a weird goalie flip-flopping situation with a late season injury to Donoso, and our first "home" series versus Oshawa was played in Gatineau, which meant the team and equipment still needed to be "travelled" to the home games.

The team that had been put together had a good chance to win the championship. It just good enough to overcome some of the bumps in the road they were faced with....

Agreed 100%.

I think the way the team last year was assembled requires a healthy lineup. Bigger and more physical teams can slow the games down while not being fully healthy. Speedy skilled teams need to be healthy.

I healthy Boucher would have made a very significant difference with him smashing guys. Same with Morrison and Tolnai being more capable.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be not our season. An unfortunate string of events led to an early exit. Full credit goes to the Pete’s for overcoming their struggles and outing it together for the playoffs. It was shocking how ordinary they were in the regular season. Seeing them living up to potential in the playoffs was actually good to see. A lot of great players on that team.

 

[PuckStop75]

Not going to argue the physicality factor in last year's playoffs versus the Petes...

However I will argue that Boucher was out, both first line overage centres Morisson and (concussed) Tolnai were nowhere near 100 %, there was a weird goalie flip-flopping situation with a late season injury to Donoso, and our first "home" series versus Oshawa was played in Gatineau, which meant the team and equipment still needed to be "travelled" to the home games.

The team that had been put together had a good chance to win the championship. It just good enough to overcome some of the bumps in the road they were faced with....

Water under the bridge, but I will respectfully disagree with that position. Bumps in the road and the depth to deal with those situations is part of assembling a playoff and Championship caliber team.

 

[PuckStop75]

Agreed 100%.

I think the way the team last year was assembled requires a healthy lineup. Bigger and more physical teams can slow the games down while not being fully healthy. Speedy skilled teams need to be healthy.

I healthy Boucher would have made a very significant difference with him smashing guys. Same with Morrison and Tolnai being more capable.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be not our season. An unfortunate string of events led to an early exit. Full credit goes to the Pete’s for overcoming their struggles and outing it together for the playoffs. It was shocking how ordinary they were in the regular season. Seeing them living up to potential in the playoffs was actually good to see. A lot of great players on that team.

Like the situation Ottawa is in now, the Petes had to learn to play as a complete team. 1st to 4th line they committed to a system of play that took advantage of the tools and skills they had. The regular season record didn't mean anything as they were playing a completely different style of hockey.

 

[beastintheeast]

Like the situation Ottawa is in now, the Petes had to learn to play as a complete team. 1st to 4th line they committed to a system of play that took advantage of the tools and skills they had. The regular season record didn't mean anything as they were playing a completely different style of hockey.

The Petes played a heavy hitting hard defensive system. I am not sure that Ottawa has the ability let alone the plyers to play that style. We definetely do not have the defence.

 

[OMG67]

The Petes played a heavy hitting hard defensive system. I am not sure that Ottawa has the ability let alone the plyers to play that style. We definetely do not have the defence.

Rightfully so, but none of the teams in the Conference this year would stack up against that team so using that as any sort of measuring stick isn’t ideal.

What we need to do is properly evaluate the teams in the conference now and then measure against them. What do we need to do to beat those teams? Is there something about the way we play that needs to change? Things like that may be more helpful.

Can this team stack up against teams like Oshawa, Sudbury and North Bay in a seven game series? Can Ottawa go up against Brantford in their small rink and win games? If not, what needs to change?

These are the questions we need answers to.

 

[beastintheeast]

Rightfully so, but none of the teams in the Conference this year would stack up against that team so using that as any sort of measuring stick isn’t ideal.

What we need to do is properly evaluate the teams in the conference now and then measure against them. What do we need to do to beat those teams? Is there something about the way we play that needs to change? Things like that may be more helpful.

Can this team stack up against teams like Oshawa, Sudbury and North Bay in a seven game series? Can Ottawa go up against Brantford in their small rink and win games? If not, what needs to change?

These are the questions we need answers to.

I think our biggest downfall, and what will make any series short, is the lack of scoring and Pinelli and Kresslers's ability to play defensive hockey.

Whoever we play will concentrate on Pinelli. Any time he gets near the puck, he will get hit and hit hard. After 2 games of that, he will not be effective as he will start hearing skate blades.

Then it will be a case of what do we have left.

Getting 2nd place would be the best for us with a healthy team as I don't think we would have trouble with Kingston. After that, it is going to be about who is in the best shape. If we do not take a top 4, then I really do not see us getting out of the first round.

 

[PuckStop75]

I think our biggest downfall, and what will make any series short, is the lack of scoring and Pinelli and Kresslers's ability to play defensive hockey.

Whoever we play will concentrate on Pinelli. Any time he gets near the puck, he will get hit and hit hard. After 2 games of that, he will not be effective as he will start hearing skate blades.

Then it will be a case of what do we have left.

Getting 2nd place would be the best for us with a healthy team as I don't think we would have trouble with Kingston. After that, it is going to be about who is in the best shape. If we do not take a top 4, then I really do not see us getting out of the first round.

In order to score more goals the team needs to increase the time of possession in the offensive zone, Pinelli, Kressler and Mews need to handle the puck more, and a few others need to be a little more patient in the way they handle the puck, not just get it and drive into the tough areas as quickly. There is more time and space out there then they give it credit for sometimes. Plays have to happen with some pace but the best players in the league know when to hold the puck a little longer and allow plays to develop.

Defensively they have a system which can work but again requires players to have some awareness of the situation and position of other players on the ice. The pursuit tactics they use are predicated on taking away time and space and forcing turnovers; more skilled players are able to manage these situations and make plays. And in the case of the Petes last year when they couldn't make a play force Ottawa to engage them physically until support joined the play. They didn't make the critical mistake of turning the puck over and allowing a quick transition.

This team has not been constructed to play a physical game, which will be a challenge against the bigger teams. At a certain point they do need to engage, but it has to be controlled and in a way that doesn't over commit players and open up odd man situations in the more dangerous areas on the ice. With the D core they have maintaining numbers at the top of the crease is important, have active sticks and keep the house area clear of pucks.

These are the keys for the team IMO and that should be the focus, if they get those things sorted out they will be competitive in the conference. I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the position in the standings, make sure the team is playing the right way.

 

[OMG67]

I think our biggest downfall, and what will make any series short, is the lack of scoring and Pinelli and Kresslers's ability to play defensive hockey.

Whoever we play will concentrate on Pinelli. Any time he gets near the puck, he will get hit and hit hard. After 2 games of that, he will not be effective as he will start hearing skate blades.

Then it will be a case of what do we have left.

Getting 2nd place would be the best for us with a healthy team as I don't think we would have trouble with Kingston. After that, it is going to be about who is in the best shape. If we do not take a top 4, then I really do not see us getting out of the first round.

You can’t hit what you can’t catch. Guys like Pinelli and Kressler don’t typically get hit. That won’t change in the playoffs.

There hasn’t been enough time to start seeing real separation int he standings yet. Brantford stumbled a bit last weekend when they finally had more of a test to face compared to much of their schedule the previous 5-6 weeks. Oshawa seems to be in some turmoil right now. We’ll see how that affects the team on the ice.

Sudbury has been playing better than I anticipated and North Bay maybe a little weaker than I anticipated. Sudbury tends to give up a lot of goals though. Not good for a playoff team.

I still think it is a bit wide open. We’ll see how things shake out the rest of the way.

 

[Tryblot]

Just curious, what does general admission mean for seating? Buy a ticket and sit wherever you want on that side? Would it be better to just buy a regular ticket on the other side?

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Just curious, what does general admission mean for seating? Buy a ticket and sit wherever you want on that side? Would it be better to just buy a regular ticket on the other side?

GA tickets give you access to any seat on the south side of the arena. They're cheaper than regular tickets and depending on where you sit, can be closer to the concourse and concession stands. The cost is the main benefit. Sight lines can be obstructed by the glass and glass around the penalty boxes as the seats aren't very high (thus fewer steps up to the concourse). GA tickets don't give you a view of the big screen for replays, but there is a TV for each section. I have season tickets but sometimes choose to sit in GA if my son wants to be closer to the glass or if I'm compiling a larger group of people together, as there are usually a lot of GA seats available.

Depending on the game/day you should be able to buy a GA ticket and move over to the regular seats, there are usually plenty available. I think attendance is averaging ~4k/game, so there are plenty of open rows and seats even in the better sections behind the benches.

 

[Tryblot]

GA tickets give you access to any seat on the south side of the arena. They're cheaper than regular tickets and depending on where you sit, can be closer to the concourse and concession stands. The cost is the main benefit. Sight lines can be obstructed by the glass and glass around the penalty boxes as the seats aren't very high (thus fewer steps up to the concourse). GA tickets don't give you a view of the big screen for replays, but there is a TV for each section. I have season tickets but sometimes choose to sit in GA if my son wants to be closer to the glass or if I'm compiling a larger group of people together, as there are usually a lot of GA seats available.

Depending on the game/day you should be able to buy a GA ticket and move over to the regular seats, there are usually plenty available. I think attendance is averaging ~4k/game, so there are plenty of open rows and seats even in the better sections behind the benches.

I appreciate the thorough answer. Thank you

 

[Larionov]

Oshawa seems to be in some turmoil right now. We’ll see how that affects the team on the ice.

I had wondered last year why Vancouver, whose prospect pipeline isn't as strong as some other clubs, didn't sign Lockhart to an entry level deal after his fairly strong season and playoff run for the Petes. Now we might have an indication as to why - perhaps they got wind of some character concerns...

 

[OMG67]

I had wondered last year why Vancouver, whose prospect pipeline isn't as strong as some other clubs, didn't sign Lockhart to an entry level deal after his fairly strong season and playoff run for the Petes. Now we might have an indication as to why - perhaps they got wind of some character concerns...

Maybe but he is 5’9” 165 and isn’t an elite player at his size. An NHL contract is a $500k commitment so it is more likely as a 6th round pick that they didn’t want to make that investment in a player of his stature.

 

[Tryblot]

GA tickets give you access to any seat on the south side of the arena. They're cheaper than regular tickets and depending on where you sit, can be closer to the concourse and concession stands. The cost is the main benefit. Sight lines can be obstructed by the glass and glass around the penalty boxes as the seats aren't very high (thus fewer steps up to the concourse). GA tickets don't give you a view of the big screen for replays, but there is a TV for each section. I have season tickets but sometimes choose to sit in GA if my son wants to be closer to the glass or if I'm compiling a larger group of people together, as there are usually a lot of GA seats available.

Depending on the game/day you should be able to buy a GA ticket and move over to the regular seats, there are usually plenty available. I think attendance is averaging ~4k/game, so there are plenty of open rows and seats even in the better sections behind the benches.

Sorry, one more thing, how is the parking situation?

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Sorry, one more thing, how is the parking situation?

I walk, so have no experience with that underground parking but have heard it’s expensive and takes a while to exit. I suggest parking on a side street west of Bank - woodlawn, holmwood, melgund, thornton. That’ll work I think.

 

[Larionov]

An underrated place to park is the City owned Glebe parkade at Third and Bank. You need to go to the third and fourth floors for longer term (i.e. over two hours) parking, but the rates are cheaper, parking is generally available, and it's a pretty short walk to the rink...

 

[Logosarejusttargets]

An underrated place to park is the City owned Glebe parkade at Third and Bank. You need to go to the third and fourth floors for longer term (i.e. over two hours) parking, but the rates are cheaper, parking is generally available, and it's a pretty short walk to the rink...

As a frequent visitor to the arena to watch the Fronts play, I wholeheartedly agree with this. While the convenience of parking underneath can't be overstated, it's very crowded, slow to exit and sure ain't cheap $17 when you buy with tickets $20 without. Plus if you park away from the rink, you get to go by Kettlemans which is awesome

 

[OMG67]

Lineup posted for tonight. Michelone starting but no backup listed on the scorers sheet. Foster still out but looks like everyone else is back.

 

[sirius67fan]

Lineup posted for tonight. Michelone starting but no backup listed on the scorers sheet. Foster still out but looks like everyone else is back.

Where do you get the lineup so early. I only see it when Kenny puts it on twitter ~1hr bdfore the game.

 

[OMG67]

Where do you get the lineup so early. I only see it when Kenny puts it on twitter ~1hr bdfore the game.

Go to the OHL site and click on the scorers sheet. The teams add their lineup to the sheet during the day. Later on they post the lines As well. Jsut click the links on the Game Preview page of the Game Centre page.

Ontario Hockey League

The OHL consists of 20 member teams, including 17 in the province of Ontario as well as three in the United States, with two in the state of Michigan and one in the state of Pennsylvania.

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