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

[OMG67]

I'm starting to like Korbler on that top line with Kressler and Pinelli. He's a great skater, and aggressive on the forecheck and in puck pursuit. Good motor. Now, I think he lacks the offensive creativity to truly complement Kressler and Pinelli from an offensive perspective, but he does provide a necessary element to that line. It allows allows Cameron to lengthen out the forward lineup somewhat instead of stacking the top lines.

Horner has also been having a nice run recently. Some goals (GWGs at that), a good fight the other night, and some big hits on the forecheck. I think he's a bottom-6 player for us when everyone is healthy, but he'll be a nice weapon for us in the playoffs provided he can stay disciplined and play within his limitations.

Kudos to Cameron for sticking with those two players through some earlier struggles.

Some interesting observations.

My issue with Korbler is he is not a gifted scorer. He is reliable defensively and he is a good puck retriever. Solid skater. Good complementary player. But, the issue I have with him on that line is he will waste a lot of good scoring opportunities that Pinelli and Kressler will set up. All things being equal, I think Gerrior would be a better fit if we are simply looking at that line only. But, there is something to be said about balance on the lines, especially with a lack of overall depth.

If we compile what would be considered a prototypical 3rd line, then IMO, Horner should be on it. I’m not sure Maillet would be that centre, probably Gardiner. The issue is Maillet hasn’t found a way to contribute yet and if we set up a grinder 3rd line with Gardiner as the centre and Maillet isn’t scoring, that presents a really big problem. Maillet needs to get it going and start contributing very soon.

Smyth seems to be more engaged Physically lately. Hopefully that will continue.

Mews is such a frustrating player to watch. I have compared him to Brendan Bell with the same level of frustration with poor puck decisions. I’m not sure if he is simply too overly aggressive or he doesn’t see the ice well enough. He really looks like a converted forward on defence. I think we are going to see him tumble down the draft rankings a lot more than we think. The kid has way too much skill and should start getting to the point of understanding where his limitations are.

 

[PuckStop75]

I'm starting to like Korbler on that top line with Kressler and Pinelli. He's a great skater, and aggressive on the forecheck and in puck pursuit. Good motor. Now, I think he lacks the offensive creativity to truly complement Kressler and Pinelli from an offensive perspective, but he does provide a necessary element to that line. It allows allows Cameron to lengthen out the forward lineup somewhat instead of stacking the top lines.

Horner has also been having a nice run recently. Some goals (GWGs at that), a good fight the other night, and some big hits on the forecheck. I think he's a bottom-6 player for us when everyone is healthy, but he'll be a nice weapon for us in the playoffs provided he can stay disciplined and play within his limitations.

Kudos to Cameron for sticking with those two players through some earlier struggles.

The thing with Korbler and Horner is they are adding something different to their respective lines which is a good thing. If the lines they are on continue to play well then the guys returning can be blended in on other lines to create more depth.

Real test will come in NBx2, Oshawa and London in the next couple weeks, those games will give the team a sense of where they still need to improve. Kingston is a team they can't look past but one they should beat easily if they are going to make a serious run at the Division.

 

[OMG67]

The thing with Korbler and Horner is they are adding something different to their respective lines which is a good thing. If the lines they are on continue to play well then the guys returning can be blended in on other lines to create more depth.

Real test will come in NBx2, Oshawa and London in the next couple weeks, those games will give the team a sense of where they still need to improve. Kingston is a team they can't look past but one they should beat easily if they are going to make a serious run at the Division.

Sometimes there is jsut that “one team” that has another teams number. That may be Kingston vs Ottawa this year. I think Wednesday’s game will be super important. They need to toss that Fronts monkey off their backs and it needs to be a decisive win, not one where they only squeak by.

I am looking forward to the two North Bay games. I really like that team and the way they are constructed. They are a good test for this type of 67’s team. If they can handle NB, and they have so far this season, they prove they can play against the tougher teams that can also skate and move the puck.

London seems to be a juggernaut right now. A freak of nature. I don’t understand how that team as constructed has done what it has done. Their last regulation loss was on Dec10 @SSM. Crazy.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Some interesting observations.

My issue with Korbler is he is not a gifted scorer. He is reliable defensively and he is a good puck retriever. Solid skater. Good complementary player. But, the issue I have with him on that line is he will waste a lot of good scoring opportunities that Pinelli and Kressler will set up. All things being equal, I think Gerrior would be a better fit if we are simply looking at that line only. But, there is something to be said about balance on the lines, especially with a lack of overall depth.

If we compile what would be considered a prototypical 3rd line, then IMO, Horner should be on it. I’m not sure Maillet would be that centre, probably Gardiner. The issue is Maillet hasn’t found a way to contribute yet and if we set up a grinder 3rd line with Gardiner as the centre and Maillet isn’t scoring, that presents a really big problem. Maillet needs to get it going and start contributing very soon.

Smyth seems to be more engaged Physically lately. Hopefully that will continue.

Mews is such a frustrating player to watch. I have compared him to Brendan Bell with the same level of frustration with poor puck decisions. I’m not sure if he is simply too overly aggressive or he doesn’t see the ice well enough. He really looks like a converted forward on defence. I think we are going to see him tumble down the draft rankings a lot more than we think. The kid has way too much skill and should start getting to the point of understanding where his limitations are.

I agree on Korbler, which is why I questioned his offensive creativity (read: offensive ability) to complement that of Kressler and Pinelli. Korbler's presence will end up squandering some quality chances created by the other two. He seems to have a knack for picking up garbage goals though, and his speed should create chances off the rush...which may partially offset his lack of shooting ability and scoring touch on some nicer setups. My overall point, which I think you agree with based on what you said, is that it creates an opportunity to balance the forward lines and strengthen our middle 6 with, say, Gerrior or Dever who would otherwise end up on that first line. That's a significant win, imo.

The middle-6 is a bit of a mystery to me. Maillet seems to want to cycle the puck down low and look for easy tap-ins or scrums in front. I don't think Cameron has found anyone yet that can complement that style. My suspicion is that him and Gardiner would work well together. That would obviously force Foster into the #3C position. Would Horner work with Maillet? Or Foster? Where does Stonehouse slot in. I don't know. Cameron does have some time to solve it, but it is a concern.

Shuffling the defense pairings has benefited Smyth imo. Sirman is a quality defender and a good #5 d-man for us. I think his presence on the 3rd pairing has helped to settle down Smyth and solidify his more limited role on the team. Smyth just wasn't working out with Mayich and I think that's because Smyth doesn't have the juice to play against the opponent's top lines and Mayich was thrust into a role (PMD) he isn't really suited for. I don't think its a coincidence that Mayich has been tremendous since being paired up with Marrelli (as has Marrelli himself).

Nothing to say on Mews in addition to what's already been said. Good middle pairing puck-mover and high quality PP d-man. Needs to get more pucks through on net instead of into opponent's shin pads. Turnover prone. I like Marrelli a lot more on this particular team. I'd I don't know how I feel about him and Mayer together, but I feel like we'll learn more when the schedule toughens up here in a bit.

Michelone has been a more than capable backup for us so far. I was concerned about MacKenzie's absence but Michelone has been very solid. Good for him.

The team has looked really good since the deadline. It's a different team out there. Kingston on Wednesday evening will be interesting.

 

[OMG67]

I agree on Korbler, which is why I questioned his offensive creativity (read: offensive ability) to complement that of Kressler and Pinelli. Korbler's presence will end up squandering some quality chances created by the other two. He seems to have a knack for picking up garbage goals though, and his speed should create chances off the rush...which may partially offset his lack of shooting ability and scoring touch on some nicer setups. My overall point, which I think you agree with based on what you said, is that it creates an opportunity to balance the forward lines and strengthen our middle 6 with, say, Gerrior or Dever who would otherwise end up on that first line. That's a significant win, imo.

The middle-6 is a bit of a mystery to me. Maillet seems to want to cycle the puck down low and look for easy tap-ins or scrums in front. I don't think Cameron has found anyone yet that can complement that style. My suspicion is that him and Gardiner would work well together. That would obviously force Foster into the #3C position. Would Horner work with Maillet? Or Foster? Where does Stonehouse slot in. I don't know. Cameron does have some time to solve it, but it is a concern.

Shuffling the defense pairings has benefited Smyth imo. Sirman is a quality defender and a good #5 d-man for us. I think his presence on the 3rd pairing has helped to settle down Smyth and solidify his more limited role on the team. Smyth just wasn't working out with Mayich and I think that's because Smyth doesn't have the juice to play against the opponent's top lines and Mayich was thrust into a role (PMD) he isn't really suited for. I don't think its a coincidence that Mayich has been tremendous since being paired up with Marrelli (as has Marrelli himself).

Nothing to say on Mews in addition to what's already been said. Good middle pairing puck-mover and high quality PP d-man. Needs to get more pucks through on net instead of into opponent's shin pads. Turnover prone. I like Marrelli a lot more on this particular team. I'd I don't know how I feel about him and Mayer together, but I feel like we'll learn more when the schedule toughens up here in a bit.

Michelone has been a more than capable backup for us so far. I was concerned about MacKenzie's absence but Michelone has been very solid. Good for him.

The team has looked really good since the deadline. It's a different team out there. Kingston on Wednesday evening will be interesting.

Stonehouse is typically solid off the cycle because he is comfortable along the boards and behind the net. He has decent foot speed. They originally had those two together but it wasn’t working. I think maybe it was just Stonehouse during a tough stretch? Or maybe it needs the 3rd piece for it to work. Korbler may actually be that piece. I don’t think it is Foster if they are going to dump and chase. Dever would be ok but I am not sure he has enough offence in him. I view him more as that 4th line guy beside Whitehead where they can take advantage of the opposition.

Another option could be Whitehead in that 3C role. Second half of the season now. he seems to be getting control of the speed. He’d have two good wingers as support. Maybe Stonehouse and Gerrior with him.

Options for sure.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Stonehouse is typically solid off the cycle because he is comfortable along the boards and behind the net. He has decent foot speed. They originally had those two together but it wasn’t working. I think maybe it was just Stonehouse during a tough stretch? Or maybe it needs the 3rd piece for it to work. Korbler may actually be that piece. I don’t think it is Foster if they are going to dump and chase. Dever would be ok but I am not sure he has enough offence in him. I view him more as that 4th line guy beside Whitehead where they can take advantage of the opposition.

Another option could be Whitehead in that 3C role. Second half of the season now. he seems to be getting control of the speed. He’d have two good wingers as support. Maybe Stonehouse and Gerrior with him.

Options for sure.

Maybe Maillet with Stonehouse and Horner. Some good physicality there. Stonehouse has the shooting/finishing ability and can play off the cycle. Horner provides the corner work and net-front presence.

Then, Gardiner between Gerrior and Foster. Whitehead between Barlas and Dever.

 

[OMG67]

Maybe Maillet with Stonehouse and Horner. Some good physicality there. Stonehouse has the shooting/finishing ability and can play off the cycle. Horner provides the corner work and net-front presence.

Then, Gardiner between Gerrior and Foster. Whitehead between Barlas and Dever.

I definitely like the Ga Reiner with Gerrior and Foster line. That 4th line would be very good too. That setup would allow them to roll four lines the remainder of the season. How it would need to be condensed as we get deeper into the playoffs would be a question.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

I definitely like the Ga Reiner with Gerrior and Foster line. That 4th line would be very good too. That setup would allow them to roll four lines the remainder of the season. How it would need to be condensed as we get deeper into the playoffs would be a question.

I also think it would be a good setup. Whitehead hasn't been getting more than 2, sometimes 3 shifts per period so practically speaking we could also rotate our three centres through the 4th pair of wingers (Barlas/Dever) on the road to limit Whitehead's exposure to opponent's top lines while staying committed to a four-line rotation. I like Whitehead as a player but there are times he could take better care of the puck in the d-zone.

 

[beastintheeast]

I'm starting to like Korbler on that top line with Kressler and Pinelli. He's a great skater, and aggressive on the forecheck and in puck pursuit. Good motor. Now, I think he lacks the offensive creativity to truly complement Kressler and Pinelli from an offensive perspective, but he does provide a necessary element to that line. It allows allows Cameron to lengthen out the forward lineup somewhat instead of stacking the top lines.

Horner has also been having a nice run recently. Some goals (GWGs at that), a good fight the other night, and some big hits on the forecheck. I think he's a bottom-6 player for us when everyone is healthy, but he'll be a nice weapon for us in the playoffs provided he can stay disciplined and play within his limitations.

Kudos to Cameron for sticking with those two players through some earlier struggles.

Hey, do you remember a kid named Gerrior? Think back to last year and what happened when he was put with Morrison.

People seem to forget that Korbler is a rookie just like Whitehead or Yanni. Then add in that he is learning NA hockey far away from home and playing limited ice time.

I said it earlier when people were saying get rid of him, that all he needed was to play on a line and get reasonable ice time, and he would develop.

 

[OMG67]

Hey, do you remember a kid named Gerrior? Think back to last year and what happened when he was put with Morrison.

People seem to forget that Korbler is a rookie just like Whitehead or Yanni. Then add in that he is learning NA hockey far away from home and playing limited ice time.

I said it earlier when people were saying get rid of him, that all he needed was to play on a line and get reasonable ice time, and he would develop.

We are short a winger (needed to add one more at the deadline like we all said) which is why someone has to play out of position to a certain degree. We’ve rotated a bunch of guys in and no one has really managed to grab the bull by the horns. We are still rotating. That is all he is saying, continue to rotate some guys around and see if we can get the full three lines going.

Korbler isn’t “hurting” the line. I agree about Gerrior on that line but if he can kick another line into service then it may be a solid trade off.

I highly doubt the lines as we are seeing them will be maintained through the remainder fo the season, probably not close. I am sure there will be a few more iterations before We find the right combo’s. The good thing is they are still winning most games.

We are just tossing out some options to consider.

 

[frontsfan67]

London seems to be a juggernaut right now. A freak of nature. I don’t understand how that team as constructed has done what it has done. Their last regulation loss was on Dec10 @SSM. Crazy.

Saw that coming a mile away. My pre season pick was them winning the league and the west finals being London/Saginaw and those are both looking good. We won’t talk about my east picks though holy crap.

London went to the finals last year, got mostly everyone back this year and a year older- key pieces will be back next year too Cowan/Dickinson likely will be back for another year, barkey will be back too, haltunnen has the chance to be back but I think he moves on the ahl and they probably get another hotshot import or two in the import draft after this year.

Might get hagens who’s the #1 player in the draft commit next year as well as William Moore, and that’s not even counting some guys like bonk, and Edward who could be back, and then they got young guys O’Rielly, Nicholl and Brzustewicz that’ll all be a year older and better.

Need goaltending though next year but they’ll find it. London is good every year.

 

[beastintheeast]

Saw that coming a mile away. My pre season pick was them winning the league and the west finals being London/Saginaw and those are both looking good. We won’t talk about my east picks though holy crap.

London went to the finals last year, got mostly everyone back this year and a year older- key pieces will be back next year too Cowan/Dickinson likely will be back for another year, barkey will be back too, haltunnen has the chance to be back but I think he moves on the ahl and they probably get another hotshot import or two in the import draft after this year.

Might get hagens who’s the #1 player in the draft commit next year as well as William Moore, and that’s not even counting some guys like bonk, and Edward who could be back, and then they got young guys O’Rielly, Nicholl and Brzustewicz that’ll all be a year older and better.

Need goaltending though next year but they’ll find it. London is good every year.

one word tells you why they are doing so good.

HUNTER

If you take a look at teams that had multiple winning seasons, there is usually a name that comes to mind.

In London, the brothers can trade or acquire the parts they need. To develop the role players and get everyone into their system.

Beert Templeton and Killer had the same thing. They were always able to find the role players and develop the ones they had.

 

[beastintheeast]

London and Sag should be locked in to make the PO after this weekend

 

[OMG67]

London and Sag should be locked in to make the PO after this weekend

LOL.

London is dead on the bubble now. Just one point needed. Saginaw still needs 5 points…. Or Sarnia losses.

 

[NoQuit67s]

Hey, do you remember a kid named Gerrior? Think back to last year and what happened when he was put with Morrison.

People seem to forget that Korbler is a rookie just like Whitehead or Yanni. Then add in that he is learning NA hockey far away from home and playing limited ice time.

I said it earlier when people were saying get rid of him, that all he needed was to play on a line and get reasonable ice time, and he would develop.

Korbler is a great skater and has decent skill.
His challenge right now is that he is small, really light and not physically strong in the upper body.
Because of that, you can see he is very hesitant to cut through the middle, or go hard to the net. He gets pushed around a lot too down low in the opponent zone.

He has gained some confidence since January, and playing with Pinnelli and Kressler has helped.
Come playoff time though, He will be a bottom 6 forward contributor, with probably some PK time, and maybe in 4 on 4 situations

 

[OMG67]

Korbler is a great skater and has decent skill.
His challenge right now is that he is small, really light and not physically strong in the upper body.
Because of that, you can see he is very hesitant to cut through the middle, or go hard to the net. He gets pushed around a lot too down low in the opponent zone.

He has gained some confidence since January, and playing with Pinnelli and Kressler has helped.
Come playoff time though, He will be a bottom 6 forward contributor, with probably some PK time, and maybe in 4 on 4 situations

I think where he has made his biggest impact since Christmas is his defensive side. He is relied on for the PK and is on the ice a lot in the last minute of games. I think Cameron is starting to trust him to be that type of player. Maybe someone in the same vein as Barlas. We do need players like that.

He is proving he can also drill up the lineup during times of injury and not be a detriment to the line he is on. He may not be a heavy contributor but sometimes you need guys that can skate and compliment the top line in a meaningful way. Korbler has managed to be that kind of player. I don’t think his shooting is string enough to contribute where he is right now but he helps keep plays going. He isn’t turning over the puck. He isn’t making dumb dumb passes. he doesn’t force the play. If it is not there in front of him, he doesn’t force it. He keeps it moving In the right direction. He takes care of the little things and leave the big things to Kressler and Pinelli. They don’t need to worry about covering his back.

From that perspective, I think Korbler has started to make a positive contribution. Don’t get it twisted. I still think we should have added a significant winger That could have made more of an impact.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Hey, do you remember a kid named Gerrior? Think back to last year and what happened when he was put with Morrison.

People seem to forget that Korbler is a rookie just like Whitehead or Yanni. Then add in that he is learning NA hockey far away from home and playing limited ice time.

I said it earlier when people were saying get rid of him, that all he needed was to play on a line and get reasonable ice time, and he would develop.

The difference imo is that Gerrior was already a really solid contributor (and an 18-year old) in a 3rd line role with Gardiner, before being moved up upon Morrison's arrival. Lining up with Morrison provided Morrison and (iirc) Pinelli on the other side with a forechecking presence to help with puck retrieval. Playing with Morrison helped accelerate his development the remainder of last season and we've seen him take another step this year and has been one of Ottawa's most consistent and productive forwards.

Korbler wasn't contributing much until being moved up to the Kressler/Pinelli line, aside from being a consistent (and good) part of the PK unit. Cameron took a chance on him, and its been working out fairly well so far. The biggest benefit has been deepening the 67s forward lines such that when everyone is healthy we can roll 4 fairly balanced and proper lines.

I don't think having Korbler on our first line is ideal from the perspective of a deep playoff run (I would have liked to have seen Boyd upgrade in that area), but I don't expect him to be on the first line come April, and Cameron also has time to try some different configurations before the playoffs anyway.

 

[PuckStop75]

The difference imo is that Gerrior was already a really solid contributor (and an 18-year old) in a 3rd line role with Gardiner, before being moved up upon Morrison's arrival. Lining up with Morrison provided Morrison and (iirc) Pinelli on the other side with a forechecking presence to help with puck retrieval. Playing with Morrison helped accelerate his development the remainder of last season and we've seen him take another step this year and has been one of Ottawa's most consistent and productive forwards.

Korbler wasn't contributing much until being moved up to the Kressler/Pinelli line, aside from being a consistent (and good) part of the PK unit. Cameron took a chance on him, and its been working out fairly well so far. The biggest benefit has been deepening the 67s forward lines such that when everyone is healthy we can roll 4 fairly balanced and proper lines.

I don't think having Korbler on our first line is ideal from the perspective of a deep playoff run (I would have liked to have seen Boyd upgrade in that area), but I don't expect him to be on the first line come April, and Cameron also has time to try some different configurations before the playoffs anyway.

No disputing a winger should have been added to bolster the top line, but in the absence of that happening Korbler has demonstrated to be a very competent line mate for Pinelli and Kressler. I don't support the claims that both Kressler and Pinelli are bad defensively, they hold the puck a little longer which makes them vulnerable to turnovers but in order to score puck possession is required. Once in their own end they pursue the puck and cover their man as good as any. Korbler is as good as it gets for Ottawa right now on that line. that isn't a knock on Gerrior or any of the other forwards, Gerrior is a much better shooter, but those skills can be utilized on another line to create the depth that is missing with him out of the lineup.

 

[frontsfan67]

one word tells you why they are doing so good.

HUNTER

If you take a look at teams that had multiple winning seasons, there is usually a name that comes to mind.

In London, the brothers can trade or acquire the parts they need. To develop the role players and get everyone into their system.

Beert Templeton and Killer had the same thing. They were always able to find the role players and develop the ones they had.

Yes absolutely. They’re always good enough to be a top 4/5 team in the west obviously but especially this year I saw them and Saginaw from the start because they’re returning all their good players after already making the finals(would’ve likely won if brochu didn’t get hurt)

Next year they’ll be right up there again. Only question is goaltending after Simpson is leaving (I don’t think willmore as an oa will happen) so I wonder if they go for an import draft goalie or another early season trade like they did for Simpson next year.

 

[OMG67]

No disputing a winger should have been added to bolster the top line, but in the absence of that happening Korbler has demonstrated to be a very competent line mate for Pinelli and Kressler. I don't support the claims that both Kressler and Pinelli are bad defensively, they hold the puck a little longer which makes them vulnerable to turnovers but in order to score puck possession is required. Once in their own end they pursue the puck and cover their man as good as any. Korbler is as good as it gets for Ottawa right now on that line. that isn't a knock on Gerrior or any of the other forwards, Gerrior is a much better shooter, but those skills can be utilized on another line to create the depth that is missing with him out of the lineup.

The team in general has been better since the start of the Western Road trip. They’ve been better at goal suppression, reduced chances against and have had solid overall puck possession time. They need the Maillet line to start scoring and take advantage of the extra possession time. Even against Saginaw on the road, the 67s carried the majority of the play. If not for those ill timed late game penalties leading to the quick goals at the end, that would have been a well earned win. They outplayed Kitchener decisively on the road but couldn’t score. The only game since the deadline where they were outmatched was the home game vs Saginaw. So, over a 13 game stretch, they’ve been the better team 12 times.

Their #1 priority right now has to be figuring out how to get Maillet going offensively. They need to find the right combination of players. Secondary issue is goaltending. Mack needs to get healthy. As well as Michelone has played, essentially going into most games with one goalie plus a BUG isn’t ideal. They do have Nelson as a safety net but we can’t end up in a position where we are relying on the 16 year old.

 

[beastintheeast]

Korbler is a great skater and has decent skill.
His challenge right now is that he is small, really light and not physically strong in the upper body.
Because of that, you can see he is very hesitant to cut through the middle, or go hard to the net. He gets pushed around a lot too down low in the opponent zone.

He has gained some confidence since January, and playing with Pinnelli and Kressler has helped.
Come playoff time though, He will be a bottom 6 forward contributor, with probably some PK time, and maybe in 4 on 4 situations

The difference imo is that Gerrior was already a really solid contributor (and an 18-year old) in a 3rd line role with Gardiner, before being moved up upon Morrison's arrival. Lining up with Morrison provided Morrison and (iirc) Pinelli on the other side with a forechecking presence to help with puck retrieval. Playing with Morrison helped accelerate his development the remainder of last season and we've seen him take another step this year and has been one of Ottawa's most consistent and productive forwards.

Korbler wasn't contributing much until being moved up to the Kressler/Pinelli line, aside from being a consistent (and good) part of the PK unit. Cameron took a chance on him, and its been working out fairly well so far. The biggest benefit has been deepening the 67s forward lines such that when everyone is healthy we can roll 4 fairly balanced and proper lines.

I don't think having Korbler on our first line is ideal from the perspective of a deep playoff run (I would have liked to have seen Boyd upgrade in that area), but I don't expect him to be on the first line come April, and Cameron also has time to try some different configurations before the playoffs anyway.

We keep forgetting that Korbler is a rookie 6 months older than Whitehead but the same size. Add to that the fact that he played in a different style league in a diferent country.

Who here thinks Whitehead is ready for first-line play? Who thinks that Yanni is ready for full time 1st line minutes

Take a look at most players that the 67s draft is about where he should be in his development.
Personally, next year, I would like to see Yanni Whitehead and Krobler as the 3rd line and leave them play together for the next 2-3 years.

As to drafting a winger, how many draft picks do you want to give away? This is not, nor should have ever been thought of as a contending team.

As OMG67 has DRILLED INTO ME, this is a different year where the WEST is definitely going to dominate, and the other division is definitely stronger. Boyd made the trades we needed to get stronger to be competitive. That was all we needed. We have Kressler, Maillet and Mayer as OA. Who would you give up, and who should they not have acquired?

SORRY FOR THE RANT BUT SHOULDA WOULDA COULDA DRIVES ME CRAZIER THAN i AM

 

[beastintheeast]

The team in general has been better since the start of the Western Road trip. They’ve been better at goal suppression, reduced chances against and have had solid overall puck possession time. They need the Maillet line to start scoring and take advantage of the extra possession time. Even against Saginaw on the road, the 67s carried the majority of the play. If not for those ill timed late game penalties leading to the quick goals at the end, that would have been a well earned win. They outplayed Kitchener decisively on the road but couldn’t score. The only game since the deadline where they were outmatched was the home game vs Saginaw. So, over a 13 game stretch, they’ve been the better team 12 times.

Their #1 priority right now has to be figuring out how to get Maillet going offensively. They need to find the right combination of players. Secondary issue is goaltending. Mack needs to get healthy. As well as Michelone has played, essentially going into most games with one goalie plus a BUG isn’t ideal. They do have Nelson as a safety net but we can’t end up in a position where we are relying on the 16 year old.

The team is better but I think Cameron is still trying to get the first line solidified.
If we have all our players back from injuries and suspension, then he should be now able to play with the other lines.

The question becomes who is the 2nd line center, who do you put with them, and Stonehouse? I would suggest that that could be Foster.


The player that confuses me is HILTON. I am guessing that it is this size that the NHL scouts like because he is not getting a lot of ice time. If he has any speed in the playoffs, he might be the guy to put with the first line to give them some size. If not, consider that Korbbler size-wise fits right in.

Just out of curiousity what is the status of Uronen What was the injury and is there any chance he could be back for the play offs

 

[beastintheeast]

Yes absolutely. They’re always good enough to be a top 4/5 team in the west obviously but especially this year I saw them and Saginaw from the start because they’re returning all their good players after already making the finals(would’ve likely won if brochu didn’t get hurt)

Next year they’ll be right up there again. Only question is goaltending after Simpson is leaving (I don’t think willmore as an oa will happen) so I wonder if they go for an import draft goalie or another early season trade like they did for Simpson next year.

Alexei Medvedev (G) Hunter drafted him 2nd the round 905 save percentage in St Thomas a low ranking team in the GOJHL

 

[OMG67]

The team is better but I think Cameron is still trying to get the first line solidified.
If we have all our players back from injuries and suspension, then he should be now able to play with the other lines.

The question becomes who is the 2nd line center, who do you put with them, and Stonehouse? I would suggest that that could be Foster.


The player that confuses me is HILTON. I am guessing that it is this size that the NHL scouts like because he is not getting a lot of ice time. If he has any speed in the playoffs, he might be the guy to put with the first line to give them some size. If not, consider that Korbbler size-wise fits right in.

Just out of curiousity what is the status of Uronen What was the injury and is there any chance he could be back for the play offs

Hilton hasn't played since Jan 12. My understanding is he is not on the active roster. I’m not sure if he is playing with an affiliate. Hilton is 6’5” 196. he is going to get an opportunity to show he cannot play. All the big kids get the same opportunity. he won’t be drafted.

Uronen had a 6 month injury that stretches back to October 29. If that holds true, it means he wouldn’t return until the Finals. I think we need to consider him out for the season. If he somehow makes it back and the 67’s go deep int he playoffs, maybe he returns but that is a lot of hope and prayer I think.

Maillet has 4 points and is a -8 with Ottawa. The team is 8-2-3 over that stretch. Being a -8 in only 13 games when the team has gotten 19 of 26 points is horrible. The priority of finding a way to get the Overage player they paid a 2nd, two 3rds, and a 5th for has to be near the front of the line. Kressler and Pinelli have 17 and 18 points respectively during that stretch. We should not consider the first line at 1.3 ppg pace as a priority now.

Korbler has played the last five games with the first line. Over that stretch, the team is 4-0-1. Pinelli has 7 points and is a +7. Kressler has 8 points and is a +7 as well. I am fine with keeping Korbler there for the time being while they shuffle the rest of the deck. See who fits with whom. The team has run the course of the flu. They’ve had two tough road trips. They haven’t had a solid enough opportunity to really see what they have and how the pieces fit together. I think we will get a better viewing over the course of this week. The team should mostly be back in the lineup this week. Let’s hope Maillet can find his way.

 

[OMG67]

We keep forgetting that Korbler is a rookie 6 months older than Whitehead but the same size. Add to that the fact that he played in a different style league in a diferent country.

Who here thinks Whitehead is ready for first-line play? Who thinks that Yanni is ready for full time 1st line minutes

Take a look at most players that the 67s draft is about where he should be in his development.
Personally, next year, I would like to see Yanni Whitehead and Krobler as the 3rd line and leave them play together for the next 2-3 years.

As to drafting a winger, how many draft picks do you want to give away? This is not, nor should have ever been thought of as a contending team.

As OMG67 has DRILLED INTO ME, this is a different year where the WEST is definitely going to dominate, and the other division is definitely stronger. Boyd made the trades we needed to get stronger to be competitive. That was all we needed. We have Kressler, Maillet and Mayer as OA. Who would you give up, and who should they not have acquired?

SORRY FOR THE RANT BUT SHOULDA WOULDA COULDA DRIVES ME CRAZIER THAN i AM

Yeah. I see where you are coming from but, at the same time, we need to circle back to the “Conference.” Even though the top two teams int he Central are likely ahead of the top two teams in the East, I wouldn’t say the Central is a better division. They will likely end up near equal in points accumulation.

Pre-deadline, we had Pinelli, Foster, Gerrior, Stonehouse, and Barlas as wingers you can count on for top 9 roles. That leaves one empty spot for a player that likely doesn’t fit in that role for a team that is supposedly contending. Most had dever as the guy to nail down the 9th spot. I wasn’t so sure about that. This is why I preached about needing that extra winger at the deadline. We didn’t get that extra winger so now we have what we have. We need to make the best of it. Through injury, suspension and illness, dire measures were taken to ice a Team. Korbler ended up ont he first line for that situation. He performed well enough to stay there this past weekend. Will he stay there the remainder of the season? Unlikely. BUT, while the other lines try to find the right fit, I am good with Korbler there for the time being. Let the other guys battle it out and prove they deserve their ice Based on results. Once the other lines are worked out, we will see who is left without a chair and Cameron will decide if that player is shuffled to the 4th line or takes over for Korbler. Not a big deal in the short term. I think everyone agrees that Korbler on line #1 for an extended period including the playoffs is not likely to be a solid strategy.