Ottawa 67s 2024-25 Season Thread, Part I
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OMG67
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- Sep 1, 2013
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Gonna be a long season. They managed to get a lot of opportunities but they made Flores look really good. Far too many poor quality shots. Virtually nothing finding the corners. Too many to the middle of the net. That shows the lack of quality scorers on this team.
DC sat Hilton and Yanni in the 3rd period and rolled Whitehead through the lineup. Hilton took a really costly stupid penalty. Dever, Barlas, and Hilton all taking needless penalties either away from the play or after the whistle. As Cherry would say, “Dumb-Dumb penalties.”
Mack was fine. He did have full view of the 2nd goal but it was a nice shot by Levin to the far top corner, something Ottawa didn’t do at all tonight.
Eshkawkogan looked pretty solid. Barlas was fine from the wing. I like that kid from the wing. Horner needs to get back up front where he is far more effective.
Foster wasn’t’ bad as a centre tonight but he is personally more effective off the wing. But, it looks like there is not much of a choice.
DC sat Hilton and Yanni in the 3rd period and rolled Whitehead through the lineup. Hilton took a really costly stupid penalty. Dever, Barlas, and Hilton all taking needless penalties either away from the play or after the whistle. As Cherry would say, “Dumb-Dumb penalties.”
Mack was fine. He did have full view of the 2nd goal but it was a nice shot by Levin to the far top corner, something Ottawa didn’t do at all tonight.
Eshkawkogan looked pretty solid. Barlas was fine from the wing. I like that kid from the wing. Horner needs to get back up front where he is far more effective.
Foster wasn’t’ bad as a centre tonight but he is personally more effective off the wing. But, it looks like there is not much of a choice.
gadder
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- Oct 15, 2023
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Well a spirited 3-2 loss to Niagara. Notes:
- Boy, can Pinelli snipe that puck! I think he's gotten better.
- Mews skated well but he's way too soft in the defensive zone. And the head-punching penalty he took was selfish and dumb
- Ekberg did look a bit lost. Today he was the 4th line centre behind Foster, Dever, Whitehead.
- Middle of the 2nd we were 20-42 faceoffs win/loss. It's going to be a long year if we don't get that competent cheap centre.
- Boy, can Pinelli snipe that puck! I think he's gotten better.
- Mews skated well but he's way too soft in the defensive zone. And the head-punching penalty he took was selfish and dumb
- Ekberg did look a bit lost. Today he was the 4th line centre behind Foster, Dever, Whitehead.
- Middle of the 2nd we were 20-42 faceoffs win/loss. It's going to be a long year if we don't get that competent cheap centre.
beastintheeast
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- Mar 27, 2013
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OK so my prediction that Niagara was not going to be the team to walk over is at least correct so far YEAH ME!!!!!!
OMG67 mentioned we have lots of draft picks next year. If that is the case we need to find a coach that likes young players.
We have many moving pieces. The big thing is to give the players a chance to play and get to know each other as linemates.
I am happy that Whitehead got minutes and seems to be one of the better faceoff men on the team.
To my simple mind, the centers on this team should be
Ekberg (if he is a center)
Dever
Whitehead
Barlas ( I want to keep Foster as a winger)
Hilton and Houben should do skating drills before and/or after practice, either with a skating coach or doing side-to-side and goal-to-goal skating.
Horner I agree it is hard to take a player that you molded into a winger then move him to the defence
ESH The season is early and it will be interesting to see how he handles himself when the big guys start punding him in the corner
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Was very impressed with Eshkawkogan. He is smooth, poised and smart.
- Dec 6, 2013
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That was my comment to my wife. To be anywhere near a playoff spot, this team needs to find another 230 goals this year. That is going to be a tall order.
Eshkawkogan looked very confident for a 15 yo and very comfortable gathering in passes that ended up in his skates. He will need that skill.
Niagara went 3 for 4 on the PP, Ottawa was 0 for 5 and that was the game. Just too predictable and lots of missed shots. It looked the same as last year, with different names on the jerseys.
Was Amidovski hurt or a healthy scratch? Sitting out your first draft pick in the home opener would be a terrible idea.
This was a surprise for me tonight. I thought Ekberg looked far better in the preseason than he did tonight.
Agree with others that the dumb penalties killed us. We didn’t have any finish tonight on our opportunities (despite a pretty solid effort otherwise) and giving the opposition free powerplays on nothing plays was deadly.
OMG67
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- Sep 1, 2013
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It starts downt he middle where we seem most weak.
LOL. Very clever!
Again, we made Flores look good. Too many shots dead centre of the net.
I have a feeling that the early going will see Houben Hilton, and Amidovski all rotate into two LW positions. We play Oshawa on Sunday and that is Hilton’s home town. I assume he will play that game so I predict Houben will be the odd man out and Amidovski will play.
The ‘06 forwards are pretty weak. All of Kelly, Hilton, and Korbler will struggle to combine for 30 goals. The ‘07s will likely outscore the ‘06’s but likely not by much. That doesn’t bode well for next year when your 19 year old forwards are so non-descript.
I know it is only one game in but a lot of what was highlighted in the offseason came to fruition tonight in a home game against a team that you are literally battling against for a playoff spot this season.
beastintheeast
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Down the center is going to be an issue, but I also think the rest of the team is an issue, and as I have said, it is the coaches' fault.
Playing Ekberg on the 4th line is an insult to him. It either says he is not ready for the OHL and not as good as the draft people say he is, or as we know with DC, he has no idea what to do with rookies.
My prediction is that Amidovski is lucky to see 5 minutes a game.
We knew last year that this team was going to be offensively challenged. Just look at the senior players we have coming back. There is only 1 goal scorer, and they keep messing with Foster, trying to make him a center one week and a winger the next.
I predicted during the break that Niagara would not be the pushover they were last year.
Ottawa has to look at things realistically in that this is a 7-9 team. It has no scoring and has no heart. They need to take the young guns Ekberg, Hilton, Houben, Whitehead Yanni and Amidovski and play them and create 2 lines with them.
If DC stays in DC mode then you can forget about competitive hockey in Ottawa for a long time. You will not develop your 2006 and 2007 players by 4th line and sitting in the stands.
That is one reason I think Gerrior should be traded or released: to open a spot for these guys to play and develop.
My line up and I know it is not going to be popular.
Pinellli Ekberg Korbler
Yanni Dever Foster
Hilton Whitehead Horner
Amidovski Barlas Kelly
HOUBEN
Wave Gerrior, you could also let Barlas play enough games to guarantee this year of scholastic and waive/trade him.
At the deadline or whenever you get a good offer trade Pinelli and move everyone up one space.
Boyd neglected to make the trades that were needed and see where this team was going last year and pushed a square peg at the round hole by making trades to add OA and keep players that have value to start the build last year. Now we pay.
OMG67
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The coaches don’t draft/trade players.
Technically, Whitehead would be considered the 4th line centre, especially when it was Whitehead that was pulled from his line with the two wingers sitting in the 3rd period.
We’ll see.
More an unfortunate circumstance. Gardiner requesting out is an issue but the question becomes whether they flip those picks from the Gardiner deal for a replacement 19 year old. Clearly that is not what you’d prefer so they need to make adjustments in the early stages of the season to find the right combination.
They gave up 50 shots to a team that will struggle to make the playoffs. I wouldn’t call this game a trophy measuring stick.
They did use 5 of those players on two lines. So, they are already pretty close!
The first two ‘06s were D-Men so that is a drafting issue. The ‘07s may have some difficulties but their 1st rounder defected. They may not end up with an elite player from that draft but they do have five players playing right now. That’s not bad considering they didn’t have a 1st.
You continually fail to understand that when you put players out there to chase a puck all game, you end up with the first four seasons of the Mississauga Ice Dogs with Don Cherry bragging about having 23 returning players for year two of the franchise. They went from 16 points in year one to 21 points in year two. Playing young players just because they are young and expecting them to develop without the proper situations and/or players to play with is asinine.
It is far better to carry the extra players in the first half so you have more options. See what you have. At the deadline, you trade Pinelli and a spot opens. Maybe you trade Foster as well provided the return is adequate. You organically open those spots at the deadline as opposed to opening the spots now and handcuff yourself at the deadline not having enough bodies to finish the season.
I have no idea why you are in such a rush to purge the lineup and put players in awkward situations.
In that, we agree. I would stretch back to the 2022-23 season though. He created a log jam trying to hoard players for no reason. Refusing to move bodies at the deadline and burning picks in an effort to roll over too many skaters into the following season handcuffing the coaches ability to properly run out the younger guys in 4th line roles was stupid. Entering the season with 10 D-Men is just dumb.
beastintheeast
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He still seems to be as effectiveon face off as the other centers he is going to need time considering that the coach did not give him much time last year.But I agree Time will tell if he was a good draft pick or not
Again, I think this is a Boyd issue, possibly development, but definitely, Boyd is not trading or drafting the players needed.
No, but last year, as bad as we are, we could beat them. I think that we will be fighting Niagara for a playoff spot in March
Granted hope they continue to do so and not sit and bench them
The problem I see here again is a GM issue that there is not the ability to play them and a coaching issue with DC not developing them.
I don't think you put them out there to chase a puck. Hopefully, the coach has developed into them the systems that he wants and what he wants them to do on a shift. Consider that Amidovski is the only rookie player not having experience with the team last year.
I agree with you that trading Pinelli and Foster now would not be smart. At the deadline, they should be avail if the offer is right, as we will not see Pinelli next year. Foster is an unknown as I am not sure Dumb Ass will want him as he is not an SSM graduating player.
If we can get rid of Barlas or Gerrior it would be a benefit. Sooner the better
- Dec 6, 2013
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Hopefully, we are nearing the end of the double cohort mess from COVID, where two draft years arrived in the OHL en masse. That might explain the glut of OA candidates drafted in 2020.
[Rant Mode On]
I am not one to sit in the stands and complain about "the good old days" under this coach or that. What's gone is gone. This year (and last), the dismissive approach to rookies concerns me a great deal, as first round picks sit instead of play or, worse, defect to other teams. Players and player agents know who does or does not play rookies.
I'm amazed that we haven't had more demands to be traded.
What I watched last night was precisely the same as last year's mediocre performance, except for the "stand behind the net and wait for a change" tactic which was negated by an aggressive Niagara forecheck.
It is early yet, but I was hoping for signs of improvement.
[Rant Mode Off]
[Rant Mode On]
I am not one to sit in the stands and complain about "the good old days" under this coach or that. What's gone is gone. This year (and last), the dismissive approach to rookies concerns me a great deal, as first round picks sit instead of play or, worse, defect to other teams. Players and player agents know who does or does not play rookies.
I'm amazed that we haven't had more demands to be traded.
What I watched last night was precisely the same as last year's mediocre performance, except for the "stand behind the net and wait for a change" tactic which was negated by an aggressive Niagara forecheck.
It is early yet, but I was hoping for signs of improvement.
[Rant Mode Off]
OMG67
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- Sep 1, 2013
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Beast, you still fail to understand two critical issues:
1> If you thin out the roster now by removing two players like Barlas and Gerrior, you bring your forwards down to 12 skaters. This significantly restricts your ability to trade Pinelli and/or Foster at the deadline because instead of accepting draft picks deals, you will require players in return so you can ice a team. If you don’t get players in return, you will then have to trade picks to replace Barlas and Gerrior so you can ice 12 forwards.
2> You CANNOT develop players by throwing them out into situations they are ill prepared and equipped for. You constantly harp on developing the young players. Fine. But, the younger players develop with limited ice time agaisnt teams other younger players. They develop through months/years of practise time at a higher pace until they gain the required speed, strength, and endurance to compete at this level. If you throw players on the ice in situations they are ill equipped to handle, they end up chasing a puck the whole game. They don’t gain control of it. They may as well be out there doing bag skates.
If you were to remove Barlas and Gerrior as you plainly seem to want and then move Pinelli and Foster at the deadline, this is what the roster would look like:
Amidovski - Dever - Korbler
Hilton - Ekberg - Kelly
Houben - Whitehead - Horner
Yanni - Perrier
That lineup would score at a 1.25 goal per game pace. Ekberg would be gone after this season and would not return. Why would he return?
Their puck possession stats would be epically poor. But, I guess, the young guys would get lots of ice time…..
You need to understand THIS is effectively what you are arguing for. I am not sure you completely understand. I think you are just being stubborn and your dislike of DC is clouding your judgement. I know you know you cannot roll out a lineup like this and expect the team to develop into anything worth a damn.
This is going to be a gradual 2-3 year retool. The lineup posted here is likely going to be the lineup next year barring the addition of players. The best way to prepare these guys is to protect their minutes. Gradually put them in situations they can handle.
We are seeing Whitehead trying to assert himself. Is he effective yet? No. But, you see a lot of the things you see from young players with a lot of skill that are trying to find their way. Keep his minutes protected and put him out there on the 2nd PP unit. Ekberg should start to fit in better around the 10-12 game mark. You then have two centres you can rely on next year. Dever can return as an OA if necessary.
I like the idea of having a couple big wingers but Hilton is 18 years old so you really have to evaluate him by the half way mark this year. If he doesn’t start to turn it around by then, you need to look at whether holding a spot open for him is ideal. Houben is only 17 so you can be patient with him on the 3rd/4th line. Same with Amidovski. To me, those two should be your #3/#4 LW this season. Let the big boys find their stride. With some deadline deals, maybe Amidovski moves to #2LW for the 2nd half.
You need to keep Barlas and Gerrior, especially if you are entertaining the possibility of moving Foster at the deadline.
1> If you thin out the roster now by removing two players like Barlas and Gerrior, you bring your forwards down to 12 skaters. This significantly restricts your ability to trade Pinelli and/or Foster at the deadline because instead of accepting draft picks deals, you will require players in return so you can ice a team. If you don’t get players in return, you will then have to trade picks to replace Barlas and Gerrior so you can ice 12 forwards.
2> You CANNOT develop players by throwing them out into situations they are ill prepared and equipped for. You constantly harp on developing the young players. Fine. But, the younger players develop with limited ice time agaisnt teams other younger players. They develop through months/years of practise time at a higher pace until they gain the required speed, strength, and endurance to compete at this level. If you throw players on the ice in situations they are ill equipped to handle, they end up chasing a puck the whole game. They don’t gain control of it. They may as well be out there doing bag skates.
If you were to remove Barlas and Gerrior as you plainly seem to want and then move Pinelli and Foster at the deadline, this is what the roster would look like:
Amidovski - Dever - Korbler
Hilton - Ekberg - Kelly
Houben - Whitehead - Horner
Yanni - Perrier
That lineup would score at a 1.25 goal per game pace. Ekberg would be gone after this season and would not return. Why would he return?
Their puck possession stats would be epically poor. But, I guess, the young guys would get lots of ice time…..
You need to understand THIS is effectively what you are arguing for. I am not sure you completely understand. I think you are just being stubborn and your dislike of DC is clouding your judgement. I know you know you cannot roll out a lineup like this and expect the team to develop into anything worth a damn.
This is going to be a gradual 2-3 year retool. The lineup posted here is likely going to be the lineup next year barring the addition of players. The best way to prepare these guys is to protect their minutes. Gradually put them in situations they can handle.
We are seeing Whitehead trying to assert himself. Is he effective yet? No. But, you see a lot of the things you see from young players with a lot of skill that are trying to find their way. Keep his minutes protected and put him out there on the 2nd PP unit. Ekberg should start to fit in better around the 10-12 game mark. You then have two centres you can rely on next year. Dever can return as an OA if necessary.
I like the idea of having a couple big wingers but Hilton is 18 years old so you really have to evaluate him by the half way mark this year. If he doesn’t start to turn it around by then, you need to look at whether holding a spot open for him is ideal. Houben is only 17 so you can be patient with him on the 3rd/4th line. Same with Amidovski. To me, those two should be your #3/#4 LW this season. Let the big boys find their stride. With some deadline deals, maybe Amidovski moves to #2LW for the 2nd half.
You need to keep Barlas and Gerrior, especially if you are entertaining the possibility of moving Foster at the deadline.
That is frightening. No one at all who would put the puck in the net with any consistency. Taking a team that is already going to struggle to produce offence and removing 4 of its top players would be a disaster both in terms of results and development. We somehow have like 2 top-6 forwards in that group if I’m being generous.
Late to the party but a few thoughts on last night
1-agree with a lot of posters that Amidovsky should have been in the lineup ( unless injury related). First rounder, tenth overall! Just play him
2- Shocked that Ekberg was centering the fourth line with Hueben/Barlas ( in fairness Barlas impressed me last night). You bring in a prized prospect, potential first rounder and you do that....are you kidding me! It's not like we've got studs in front of him at center. For God's sake play him with Pinelli/Foster/Gerrior.
3- very poor line combos by Cameron imo
4- hate to say it but my guy Gerrior had a game to forget. Losing control of the puck all night, seemed like trying to do too much.
5-Mews needs to get some urgency to his game. Great skater! Use it and push the pace jnstead of sitting back there analyzing the situation forever.
6-discipline was poor and it killed us
Now some positives
1-first game of the year so let's not overreact ( like I did above)
2- to echo others was imoressed by Esh a lot
3- Barlas had a good game
3- Marelli was solid
4- Mac was moving well in goal. Hopefully he stays healthy
1-agree with a lot of posters that Amidovsky should have been in the lineup ( unless injury related). First rounder, tenth overall! Just play him
2- Shocked that Ekberg was centering the fourth line with Hueben/Barlas ( in fairness Barlas impressed me last night). You bring in a prized prospect, potential first rounder and you do that....are you kidding me! It's not like we've got studs in front of him at center. For God's sake play him with Pinelli/Foster/Gerrior.
3- very poor line combos by Cameron imo
4- hate to say it but my guy Gerrior had a game to forget. Losing control of the puck all night, seemed like trying to do too much.
5-Mews needs to get some urgency to his game. Great skater! Use it and push the pace jnstead of sitting back there analyzing the situation forever.
6-discipline was poor and it killed us
Now some positives
1-first game of the year so let's not overreact ( like I did above)
2- to echo others was imoressed by Esh a lot
3- Barlas had a good game
3- Marelli was solid
4- Mac was moving well in goal. Hopefully he stays healthy
OMG67
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As I mentioned in an earlier post, I think Amidovski, Hilton, and Houben will rotate in at LW in the early stages of the season. If that is accurate, I would have sat out Amidovski last night as well. Play the returning players in the season opener over the rookie.
I would have played him regardless but I can see the logic behind not playing him.
In fairness, he centred the 3rd line. I don’t think you can look at Whitehead with Yanni and Hilton as the 3rd line over Ekberg with Houben and Barlas.
I can’t say enough how much I dislike Foster at centre. Starting that way simply messes up the entire flow of the lineup.
Except of course when we are on a 5 on 4 powerplay and Mews decides (TWICE) to go 1 on 4….
Needs to stop. This is not a team that can play undisciplined.
YUP!
