Hum did not deserve that one. Outplayed by the Gens in last two periods. However we are just hard to score against. First place in conference. Just doesn't feel like they belong there but then again who truly does in the east?
Ottawa 67's 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)
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OMG67
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That game was horrible. 67’s played with no urgency. Lazy hockey. Pillow passes all over the ice. Poor decisions. Ewles was awful.
I remember near the end saying to my wife that if anyone were to score, it would be Foster. He seemed to be the only one with any jump.
They literally played like it was the fifth game in five days. They didn’t care at all.
Donoso gets the start. It is clear he will be the primary starter until he is traded or regresses. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
I remember near the end saying to my wife that if anyone were to score, it would be Foster. He seemed to be the only one with any jump.
They literally played like it was the fifth game in five days. They didn’t care at all.
Donoso gets the start. It is clear he will be the primary starter until he is traded or regresses. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
beastintheeast
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Petes I agree let's see which one of us has the better crystal ball LOL Only time is going to tell. Mine says they trade Beck and maybe Mayer but are still a top contender.
I understand that we got a lot of picks. and that we could and probably should trade some of them the thing is I do not think they should be wasted on a rental player. If we are going to trade then package a player and picks and get a player that is going to be here for a couple of seasons.
The other catch is that right now we do not have a lot of offence and or size and a couple of pl; players is not gong to help them.
I agree this team can go in either direction. They can make a couple (2 only) trades to pick up players but that means that they can not trade Stonehouse.
With respect to goaltending, I agree it is only fair to trade Donoso somewhere he can get serious ice time. I am not sure where that is but again, I would suggest that wherever it is, the 67's get a goalie in return. It is a lot better down the stretch to rest a starting goalie for the playoffs so that he is fresh than to run him every game and risk injury.
Loking at the stqandings I think Kingston and flint would be the choices but then again can they platoon Vaccari and Donoso Donoso for Kyle Downey, and a pick or player might be worth looking at?
Flint is strange in that their goalie was drafted by the NHL but really does not have the numbers. maybe we can do a swap.
Either way, this team has the parts to be near or at the top this year. Even if we trade Donso and Sronehouse we are ging to be a contender. The trick is to find players that can replace them not just this year but at least for 2-3 more years.
We need 3 things in order to be a top contender, A center that can score and play 2 way, size, and players that can score goals.
Part of me wonders if Cameron this year has decided to change from a heavy offence to a Defensive team that takes advantage.
The second choice is playoff-ready. We have seen the first choice lose in the first round too many times.
I agree it is hard not to apprecciate what these guys hae done. Th east is a mish of teams some are almost ready some are rebuilding. some are not sure what they are doing.
OMG67
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We don’t have the assets to get an 18 year old that moves the needle this year. Anyone that is near the top of the class that is 18 years old would require an ‘07 1st. We traded HB after he defected so we dont’ have that piece.
It is possible to maybe find an 18 year old Centre that can contribute but the cost of that is prohibitive because it usually requires us to sell the following year. If we aren’t getting the top of the class (like Beck last year), we won’t get the impact we need to match the assets used to acquire. The value would theoretically be spread over two seasons. Any value that player has next year doesn’t help this year.
Normally I would agree but unless we can snag a player that is priced at a decent value, I can’t see that one making sense. We can’t be paying 6-8 top picks for that one player. We wouldn’t have the assets to acquire other players. Then next year we’d have to reacquire the picks with seller trades. That makes it meaningless that the player returns next year.
It is possible to maybe find an 18 year old Centre that can contribute but the cost of that is prohibitive because it usually requires us to sell the following year. If we aren’t getting the top of the class (like Beck last year), we won’t get the impact we need to match the assets used to acquire. The value would theoretically be spread over two seasons. Any value that player has next year doesn’t help this year.
Normally I would agree but unless we can snag a player that is priced at a decent value, I can’t see that one making sense. We can’t be paying 6-8 top picks for that one player. We wouldn’t have the assets to acquire other players. Then next year we’d have to reacquire the picks with seller trades. That makes it meaningless that the player returns next year.
ecraigs
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- Dec 6, 2013
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I couldn't agree more. Mercifully, we didn't have to suffer through 20 rounds of a shootout, after which the game is decided by the trainers playing rock-paper-scissors-Spock.
Both Generals goals were off of brutal own zone giveaways. Not turnovers, but outright giveaways. The decision-making of this group is poor and ponderous. One example: the team hits the blue line flying, four wide, the puck carrier stops short, and backs off 50 feet because why? A defenceman throws a half-hearted clearing pass up the middle right to a forechecker.
Nobody expects perfection, but some consistency would help.
I'm no expert on trades and drafting, so I usually stay out of that area. All I can say is that the GM has to look to the future while still selling tickets and generating fan interest today.
I’m sure Flint would welcome a swap with the ‘67s if it’s Mews going their way. The ‘67s would need to send Donoso plus in return for Dann. That does not make a lot of sense for either team. Especially the part of accepting an OA G as a back up or 50/50 share at best.
Last nights game showed a couple of things that have been discussed ad nauseum on this board.
1. We wont go anywhere if Ewles and Smyth are our second D pairing.
2. We desperately need a top 2 centre. Barlas/Lawrence is not happening.
I really don't know about Mews. He has all the confidence in the world. Maybe too much. He seemed lost in his own zone last night. Maybe reading press clippings too much. And I wonder if his teammates are getting tired of him calling for a pass all the time.
Pretty poor overall effort last night. Donoso kept us in it.
The crowd vibe harkened back to a Tuesday night game when we played at the Canadian Tire Centre for two years. Pretty dead atmosphere.
1. We wont go anywhere if Ewles and Smyth are our second D pairing.
2. We desperately need a top 2 centre. Barlas/Lawrence is not happening.
I really don't know about Mews. He has all the confidence in the world. Maybe too much. He seemed lost in his own zone last night. Maybe reading press clippings too much. And I wonder if his teammates are getting tired of him calling for a pass all the time.
Pretty poor overall effort last night. Donoso kept us in it.
The crowd vibe harkened back to a Tuesday night game when we played at the Canadian Tire Centre for two years. Pretty dead atmosphere.
NordiquesForeva
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First place in the conference but the team doesn't pass the eye test most nights. The goaltending has been straight up elite so far this season and is easily the single most important reason why this team is in first place.
They are playing like a young team that hasn't been able to absorb or implement Cameron's coaching system yet. This team looks different (and inferior) to last year's pre-deadline team, but the goaltending is likely stronger. The effort has been inconsistent, as has the attention to detail and focus. You see it with the defensive zone turnovers like last night. The 67s are not a physical team and get pushed around by most opponents. They have difficulty playing when behind in the score and have a tendency to "play not to lose" when ahead. This is a significant concern for the playoffs.
Foster has been having a low-key very strong season. The team has been really missing Marrelli and his absence has been notable.
My sense is that, barring any noteworthy buyers' moves by Boyd, this team will finish 3rd or 4th in the conference and probably make it to the 2nd round where they will get beaten down by a more playoff-ready team much like last year's Petes series. By beaten-down I mean we'll lose four games in 3-1 or 3-2 but the games will never ben in doubt after our opponents score the first goal. Our goaltending should keep us in every game but I don't think the current roster has the offensive creativity or overall physicality that it needs to get past the 2nd round and make a very strong run.
Is that a successful season? Maybe, but I'd hope that with our goaltending we could push a little further. I've been beating the drum the last few weeks about some additions that I think Boyd could make to make the team more competitive in this season's playoffs, but I'm not sure if this team deserves it nor am I sure if 2 or 3 additions will be anywhere near sufficient. It might take a Morrison-level addition, with the offensive skill and more importantly leadership component to move the needle. Not sure if that level of player is available this year, Beck notwithstanding.
On a positive note one thing I have noticed is they do tend to play very well against the top teams ( except the Petes who have our number), But they do play down to the level of the weaker teams. Agree with Nordiques forever...we really miss Marelli on that second pairing. As for Mews I actually thing he's been playing better the last five games or so at least offensively. He's finally carrying the puck up the ice more. I still want him to push the pace a bit more on the pp. Instead of sitting behind his net and surveying for 20 sec go get it and skate it up! Don't let the defense get set.
Larionov
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It would be a testament to the weirdness of junior hockey to see this team go one more round than the one last year that set a team record for regular season points.
I don't think we can overemphasize just what a mishmash the Eastern Conference is - literally any one of about five teams could come out of it. Now, I think whoever does gets squashed by Kitchener or London in an OHL Final but still, I certainly never expected to see the standings on December 7 and have the 67's in first place. Had we retained Rohrer and Beck, maybe, but with this lineup? No chance.
This is a chance to reflect on what we have in terms of a coach and GM and be very grateful. Dave Cameron is just a phenomenal teacher and coach, and his record speaks for itself. Boyd is a strong GM who knows the league inside and out, and takes a very measured, clear eyed approach to the job. Best of all, they work well together and respect each other's turf - needless to say, that doesn't always happen. There were some bumpy times in the post Killer era, but the strength and stability that is in place now is serving us very well.
I don't think we can overemphasize just what a mishmash the Eastern Conference is - literally any one of about five teams could come out of it. Now, I think whoever does gets squashed by Kitchener or London in an OHL Final but still, I certainly never expected to see the standings on December 7 and have the 67's in first place. Had we retained Rohrer and Beck, maybe, but with this lineup? No chance.
This is a chance to reflect on what we have in terms of a coach and GM and be very grateful. Dave Cameron is just a phenomenal teacher and coach, and his record speaks for itself. Boyd is a strong GM who knows the league inside and out, and takes a very measured, clear eyed approach to the job. Best of all, they work well together and respect each other's turf - needless to say, that doesn't always happen. There were some bumpy times in the post Killer era, but the strength and stability that is in place now is serving us very well.
OMG67
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JESUS! I laughed at the rock-paper-scissors-Spock. I haven’t even read the rest of your post and am replying! LOL. Classic. We played las tonight like we dressed a full team of Sheldon’s!
Donoso needs to go somewhere to start. This isn’t about Ottawa getting assets in return for him. It is about giving the kid a place to play. If he is not traded then he should be the starter with MacK as the backup. Simple as that. That is the only viable reasons or him to remain in a 67’s uniform. Anything less than either of those two options is unacceptable and dishonourable.
OMG67
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Eye test. This is EXACTLY what I was talking about the other night with a buddy. First place but the team simply doesn’t pass the eye test. I think a lot of their success is due to the solid defensive system and carry over confidence from last year. BUT! Other teams will start to gain their confidence in the 2nd half and that wont be as much of an advantage for us. You see the confidence level carry over for the Petes to start the season as well. That will wane for them too and maybe it already has.
I posted a note a couple days ago about what their needs are and not looking at our current roster and trying to use our parts first. We need to identify our gaps and fill them regardless sof the bodies we have. That is to say, you are 100% correct when you suggest we need multiple pieces on top of the centre and D-Man.
The question is what level of players do we require? As of right now, I think we need a top pairing Right Side D-Man and a bonafide 2nd line centre. BUT! That is right now. That doesn’t mean that is what we need after the dust settles on the deadline. I anticipate needing a big bottom pairing D-Man that plays big. A veteran presence that bullies guys in front of our net. I think we need a scoring winger with size. And that bonafide #2 centre may need to be a bonafide #1 centre.
The one thing that is lacking in Gardiner is his overall creativity. he is a great two-way centre that is a pass first kinda guy. That is more typically associated to the #2 centre. I liken that to how we viewed Tolnai last year. Good centre but not a #1 type guy.
So, that equals two big pieces and two medium pieces. I think we have enough assets to make it happen but if we were to do that, we’d need to commit to a full sell next year. We’d also need to commit to a Donoso trade to open another OA spot. That would allow us to add those two bigger ticket players with just picks and maybe marginal younger guys. We’d then have enough to fill those other two holes.
If we were to do that, we’d have to commit to a full sell next year. Gardiner and Pinelli would need to move for sure. The OA’s would likely need to move. We’d need to recoup assets. We also may need to look at following that up with another sell year moving a kid like Mews. Build around this coming draft of ‘08s and the ‘09s we’d get through trades next year.
The question then becomes, is this a year we can make it work? Is it smart to do that knowing the next couple years would be lean? That is the question I have been struggling with all season. If we do a minor sell off, we can then build around the ‘06-‘07-‘08 draft class and maybe be really good in the 25-26 season if Boyd were to craft a few strategic trades for other players in the ‘06 age group. Build around Mews and Marrelli. Add some forward depth around them.
Yeah, just think it was way off base to suggest Flint is better off with Donoso when considering Flint would have to part with one of two first line OAs or their 2nd line OA.
I’m not sure why one would start Donoso over an 18 yr old NHL drafted goalie to start with. Domoso’ stats can most certainly not be transferred from the leagues most defensive team to one lacking defensemen.
That might be a fireable offence for the GM making that move.
OMG67
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I’m not suggesting a team he should go to. So, I don’t want that angle to be connected to what I am about to say about Donoso.
Donoso is the type of goalie that is better when he faces a lot of shots. Even better when he faces a lot of tough shots. He isn’t an acrobat but some of his best performances were in games with 40+ shots. He is less effective when teams leave him alone to fall asleep. He is weakest in games where he faces less than 20 shots. It is one of the reasons why his save% was so poor last year. Too many soft games from a shots against perspective. Even though many of the games last year had low shots against, he still faced the tougher PP shots so he wasn’t’ able to balance it out.
MacK is a better goalie across the board but if I had to pick one of the two to face 40 tough shots game in and game out, I am not sure I would choose MacK. This is why I think Donoso would be best suited to be on an average team that could benefit from a solid goalie. It may be the difference between a first round exit and a first round win For that type of team.
But, I agree that team cannot be in a situation where they sacrifice a top 6 forward or top pairing D-Man OA to make room for Donoso. He needs to go to a team that has an available spot or have a 3rd OA that is more of a depth player than a primary contributor.
After seeing Donoso so much over the last couple years, I have a strong sense of what his capabilities are. I think I have been pretty much bang on regarding him and MacK going back to the beginning of last season. I predicted everything for those two so far this year. I think I am pretty accurate on this one as well. The only question is whether there is a team that is the right fit. If there is, maybe Ottawa can get something solid in return for him. IF there isn’t a solid fit, it may be a situation where they get little in return, which would ironic considering they got a 3rd and 5th for Cranley and stand to potentially get nothing for Donoso who is twice the goalie Cranley is.
OMG67
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beastintheeast
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Mews is not going anywhere that would be a dumb trade at this stage. Maybe next year but definitely not in his draft year.
beastintheeast
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Consider that we have played the past few games with a very short bench. I have to wonder if the issue is not so much the player's ability as it is fatigue. As I have been saying, you can not go a full season with just a full bench. You need players in the stands who can fill in and spell players who are either injured or tired.
If this is the way we are going then I would suggest being a seller because there is no way this team will be healthy enough to be anything but first-round fodder in the playoffs.
beastintheeast
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OMG67
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Why would we take back an OA goalie for Donoso? We’d be trying to open an OA spot for someone that is not a goalie.
We’d be better off taking a 15th round pick.
And Cameron saidin an interview that Dever was injured wednesday. Didn't say how serious or for how long. Wonder if we'll see callups this weekend...Yanni/Hueben? Hopefully they acquire a forward soon.
beastintheeast
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It would give us a backup to Mack and keep Nelson in Navan at least until the season is over in that league.
We are gong to need a replacement for Donoso no matter what as we have talked about I would rather see Nelson get ice and game time in Navan than sit on the bench here.
I asked about Drobec because i was looking at a place that Donoso could go to and get good icetime.
Really not worried about the OA situation again I am looking at having a back up that can play in case of injury and that also can spell Mack off once in awhile,
Cameron has been going short bench for most of the past month so I am not sure we will see anyone brought up. might see Sirman back early but that i think is it
NordiquesForeva
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Interesting that Sudbury traded for one of Niagara's goaltenders this morning...I guess we'll have to wait and see on Donoso and Boyd's overall approach but sometimes I'm left scratching my head.
I think Dever & another player both potentially out long term with LB injuries my guess is Smyth after the way he went into the boards but don’t quote me but I’ve also heard whispering were down 2 more for an extended amount of time I guess we will see when they take the ice tonight
OMG67
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Makes zero sense to take an OA goalie back. Better to take the draft picks and use the draft picks to snag a younger guy that is capable.
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