Section5Petes
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Peterborough Petes 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)
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Some general thoughts...
- Heck of a performance by Mayer/McCoy/Cameron. They may have played 100 of the 120 D minutes between them. It's a bit curious to me that after an offseason of planning they have to dress 16 skaters and only 5 D (and one of those probably shouldn't be in the OHL), I know it's injuries, player cards etc but I don't like it.
- Dubois was really good, I don't know if either he or Gauvreau is bringing back a huge return in a trade and all things equal, Dubois brings so many small things that can help this young team (faceoffs, PK, size) that he might be the perfect OA for where this team is at.
- I already talked about the D but Mayer played like 40 minutes and was so good at both ends.
- Offense came almost entirely from returning players who were put into bigger roles - McCue, Purdeller, Melee, Dubois (and Mayer because of course) - that's a good sign. Maybe the competing in practise every day, OHL Championship experience, yada yada yada, from last year will have an impact.
- Sztuska let in one bad one (Kingston's 4th) but was mostly very good facing heavy heavy traffic.
- Petes 3rd goal (Melee) was weird as hell. A couple Frontenacs stopped playing but there was obviously no whistle.
- OHL officiating just makes me laugh. Very few penalties at all but then... "you have a 5 on 3", "now you have a 5 on 3", "now back to you for a 5 on 3!"
Encouraging signs from the offense, need some reinforcements on the defence (but they're coming, at least in the form of 25+ minutes a night from Konnor Smith!)
- Heck of a performance by Mayer/McCoy/Cameron. They may have played 100 of the 120 D minutes between them. It's a bit curious to me that after an offseason of planning they have to dress 16 skaters and only 5 D (and one of those probably shouldn't be in the OHL), I know it's injuries, player cards etc but I don't like it.
- Dubois was really good, I don't know if either he or Gauvreau is bringing back a huge return in a trade and all things equal, Dubois brings so many small things that can help this young team (faceoffs, PK, size) that he might be the perfect OA for where this team is at.
- I already talked about the D but Mayer played like 40 minutes and was so good at both ends.
- Offense came almost entirely from returning players who were put into bigger roles - McCue, Purdeller, Melee, Dubois (and Mayer because of course) - that's a good sign. Maybe the competing in practise every day, OHL Championship experience, yada yada yada, from last year will have an impact.
- Sztuska let in one bad one (Kingston's 4th) but was mostly very good facing heavy heavy traffic.
- Petes 3rd goal (Melee) was weird as hell. A couple Frontenacs stopped playing but there was obviously no whistle.
- OHL officiating just makes me laugh. Very few penalties at all but then... "you have a 5 on 3", "now you have a 5 on 3", "now back to you for a 5 on 3!"
Encouraging signs from the offense, need some reinforcements on the defence (but they're coming, at least in the form of 25+ minutes a night from Konnor Smith!)
Zebra
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Section5Petes
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Really happy with tonight’s game. Lots of fight in this team no doubt and Sztuska looked very good back there. Important to remember this was only his 23rd career OHL game so even he is still learning but I think he is ready for the starter role. Cameron is amazing and is going to be an elite dman in this leage. Interested to see who starts in net tomorrow. I assume Bowen but maybe Sztuska goes back to back especially against another division rival in Ottawa.
The Petes are carrying 3 goalies at this point so if Sztuska wanted a re-match tilt vs Mackenzie in Ottawa, now would be the time to do it!
ptbopete
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We may have been a tad lucky to get the W after being outshot and outplayed at times but our offensive press was good when we had opportunities.
I was impressed with Mayer, he looked strong out there rushing the puck and shooting, love that for him. McCue showed lots of hustle and was in on the first two goals. Melee and Dubois a force as well. Guys like this and Purdeller will be adjusting to key ice minutes. I think Page will be adjusting to more ice too once he's back
I like what I see in Partridge and Cameron so far and Cameron being , what 16 years old, that is very impressive. Lockhart played all out and will be a spiritual leader this year. And of course McCoy steady as always.
I was impressed with Mayer, he looked strong out there rushing the puck and shooting, love that for him. McCue showed lots of hustle and was in on the first two goals. Melee and Dubois a force as well. Guys like this and Purdeller will be adjusting to key ice minutes. I think Page will be adjusting to more ice too once he's back
I like what I see in Partridge and Cameron so far and Cameron being , what 16 years old, that is very impressive. Lockhart played all out and will be a spiritual leader this year. And of course McCoy steady as always.
Petes did show a lot of fight/battle and their PP was looking good. 3rd goal the linesmen hesitated on the puck drop, and the Pete centre reacted - normally that would have been a dead play/waived out of face off circle, but the linesmen then dropped the puck after Poole and the other Fronts relaxed allowing the clean win back to melee - It was a nice shot that beat Vaccari, who probably would have liked that one back. OHL refs seem to still be in pre-season mode - at least they sucked for both teams.
The Petes will be in tough tonight in Ottawa. Playing the 2nd game of a back-to-back versus a rested 67s team who will be fired up for their home opener with memories of last year's playoffs still stinging will be a tall task.
IMO......they probably need to dress Gauvreau to give them 6D, 3 with OHL experience rather than the 5D, 2 with OHL experience they dressed last night.
Mayer and McCoy will be gassed if they play the same number of minutes tonight.
I'm not sure they will go that route though - Dubois had a good night last night and as an Ottawa boy, he'll have family and friends at the game.
Whatever decision Wilson makes, if the Petes can maintain the fight they showed last night and be hard to play against tonight I'll be happy with the result.
2 major things that will need to be sorted sooner rather than later.....
#1 - Which 3 OAs will be kept to start the season?
looking like Mayer, Lockhart and Dubois have the inside track
#2 - Which 2 goalies get the majority of the play and where does the 3rd goalie go to play?
Sztuska was solid last night.......does Bowen get the start tonight? When will Rye get a start?
IMO......they probably need to dress Gauvreau to give them 6D, 3 with OHL experience rather than the 5D, 2 with OHL experience they dressed last night.
Mayer and McCoy will be gassed if they play the same number of minutes tonight.
I'm not sure they will go that route though - Dubois had a good night last night and as an Ottawa boy, he'll have family and friends at the game.
Whatever decision Wilson makes, if the Petes can maintain the fight they showed last night and be hard to play against tonight I'll be happy with the result.
2 major things that will need to be sorted sooner rather than later.....
#1 - Which 3 OAs will be kept to start the season?
looking like Mayer, Lockhart and Dubois have the inside track
#2 - Which 2 goalies get the majority of the play and where does the 3rd goalie go to play?
Sztuska was solid last night.......does Bowen get the start tonight? When will Rye get a start?
I think the lineup will remain the same. I am wondering if we might see Connor Lockhart on defence tonight. It worked well last year in Ottawa in a game when we were short on defence. The Petes appear to have found their offensive game. The defence will improve when we get Konnor Smith back. In regards to the overages. I am thinking now it will be Connor Lockhart, Sam Mayer and likely Jax Dubois as he appears ready to contribute offensively. In goal we will go with all three to start but I now think they will go with Liam Sztuska and Zach Bowen in a tandem system. Initially thought they would go with Bowen as the starter and Easton Rye as the backup and Sztuska but I don’t think it is going to happen.
Section5Petes
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Section5Petes
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That was an amazing game! Dubois (1G, 3A) and Melee (1G, 1A) are on fire! McCallum (2G, 1A) great game from him. Already running out of things to say about Carson Cameron, this kid is the real deal what a stud. Zach Bowen played very well, and looked so confident, great start in maroon and white!
Michael Simpson picks up his 1st win with the London Knights stopping 34 of 35 SOG
Zack Bowen picks up his 1st win as a Peterborough Petes stopping 26 of 28 SOG
Maybe these two goalies meet up in the league final again this year but Bowen gets the better of Simpson this time around.........too soon?!
Happy for both guys getting off to good starts.
Zack Bowen picks up his 1st win as a Peterborough Petes stopping 26 of 28 SOG
Maybe these two goalies meet up in the league final again this year but Bowen gets the better of Simpson this time around.........too soon?!
Happy for both guys getting off to good starts.
It was a great game. Jax Dubois and Jonathan Melee have taken their game to another level appear ready to lead the offence. Carson Cameron is playing like a veteran. I really impressed with Zach Bowen with his debut in maroon and white and a touch of green!
Zebra
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I hear ya about the league final
But what about October 12th?
It could be a “Simpson vs Bowen” rematch at Lock and Lansdowne
Surely some team in the league will be able to use Gauvreau as an OA this season.
He was solid tonight after sitting out last night.
He is not flashy but he is hard to play against and he keeps it simple, avoiding mistakes.
A good veteran to pair with a younger Dman. Flint gave up 11 goals tonight and only have 2 OAs........just saying.
I would be OK if the Petes hang on to Gauvreau at least until Smith returns from his injury.
There may be more interest in Dubois after his hot start - 7 points in 2g and over 60% on faceoffs including about 70% tonight in Ottawa.
He was solid tonight after sitting out last night.
He is not flashy but he is hard to play against and he keeps it simple, avoiding mistakes.
A good veteran to pair with a younger Dman. Flint gave up 11 goals tonight and only have 2 OAs........just saying.
I would be OK if the Petes hang on to Gauvreau at least until Smith returns from his injury.
There may be more interest in Dubois after his hot start - 7 points in 2g and over 60% on faceoffs including about 70% tonight in Ottawa.
The Petes can use Gauvreau more than any team I think. I cannot believe Mayer will be with the Petes all season.
The Petes are going to keep their top three overages to start the season and Sam Mayer is one of them. His presence will be needed to help mentor Peterborough’s rookie defencemen. Many people are underestimating the Petes this year. They were impressive in there win in Ottawa. Jax Dubois, Jonathan Melee and Sam McCue are leading the way offensively. On defence 1st round draft pick Carson Cameron is playing like a veteran and the team has potentially the best top three defenceman in the division and the tandem of Liam Sztuska and Zach Bowen give them strong goaltending. The Petes management have not committed to this year being a rebuilding year. I still think they will trade Owen Beck at the deadline.
I doubt the Petes will trade Jax Dubois with the start he has had. The final overage spot had come down to him and Cam Gauvreau and with his offensive contribution he is needed on the team.
ptbopete
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Can't help but be impressed with the Petes' first 2 games and especially the road win against the 67s. The Petes played like an all around well-structured team with lots of hustle built-in. Kudos to the coaches for working with with this young group and popping off two wins to start. Bowen looks solid so far. Mayer is a beast out there and we may see him get 20 goals this year.
I was surprised too to see Ottawa play without much jump with the exception of maybe Pinelli and Stonehouse. Stonehouse is an expert at making us take penalties but these two guys need to mature a bit if Ottawa is going to have a good year. Same with Mayich.
I was surprised too to see Ottawa play without much jump with the exception of maybe Pinelli and Stonehouse. Stonehouse is an expert at making us take penalties but these two guys need to mature a bit if Ottawa is going to have a good year. Same with Mayich.
The Petes are really underrated this season. They are getting production from new sources. I have only seen the games on TV but Jax Dubois is looking a lot like Tucker Robertson was the last two seasons. Jonathan Melee, Sam McCue and Braydon McCallum have also elevated their games. Chase Lefebvre and Tommy Purdeller will also both contribute this year. I expect Connor Lockhart to dominated this year and Owen Beck will be a powerhouse if he returns (I still think he will be traded at the deadline). They have possibly the best top three defenceman in the division and 1st round draft pick Carson Cameron is playing like a veteran. They have great depth in goal with two starting goaltenders. On the other hand I think Ottawa is overrated this year (same with North Bay). They have several good returning wingers but only one returning centre who only had 39 points last season. Their defence is young with two 17 year olds being their best defencemen and outside Matthew Mayich their veteran defenceman are only depth players. They are strong in goal. I also think the 67s cannot handle the Petes physically. Like last year the Ottawa players do not like to be hit. I honestly believe that Rob Wilson is a better coach than Dave Cameron.
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This Petes ‘young group’ consists of a 2007 born 1st. There is not a 1, 2, 3, import pick born 2005-06 on the roster. This Petes team is not young.
I’m not sure if people under estimate the Petes, or just don’t think the Petes can afford not to be significant sellers. The most important thing is acquire 2024 (2, 3) picks. Maybe Mayer alone gets that.
I think the Petes can easily lead the east division if not selling, and maybe the conference if neither of Kingston and Ottawa add.
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Very impressed by the great start for the Petes - if there is going to be a sell-off at the TDL all of the points they can bank early will go a long way towards some playoff experience for the younger Petes this season.
To be fair to the 67s.......I'm sure they read the pre-season comments saying that they would be a top team in the East and the Petes would be struggling to make the playoffs. Guys like Stonehouse and Mayich especially were trying to be physical and difference makers but IMO they were trying too hard and lost focus. That 2nd period where the Petes outshot the 67s 19 to 6 was unbelievable. It is important to note that the 67s had NO OAs in their lineup.......and in fact Donoso is the only OA they have. As the Petes well know, it's not how you start the season.....it's how you finish! This Ottawa team will be much different and improved with the addition of an OA center and an OA Dman.
I believe a big part of the reason we are seeing impressive play from the younger Petes is the example being set by the veterans, including four OAs. There will be ups and downs, just don't get too high or too low. Only one game this week - Thursday when they host Sudbury. Practice hard and get ready for that test.
To be fair to the 67s.......I'm sure they read the pre-season comments saying that they would be a top team in the East and the Petes would be struggling to make the playoffs. Guys like Stonehouse and Mayich especially were trying to be physical and difference makers but IMO they were trying too hard and lost focus. That 2nd period where the Petes outshot the 67s 19 to 6 was unbelievable. It is important to note that the 67s had NO OAs in their lineup.......and in fact Donoso is the only OA they have. As the Petes well know, it's not how you start the season.....it's how you finish! This Ottawa team will be much different and improved with the addition of an OA center and an OA Dman.
I believe a big part of the reason we are seeing impressive play from the younger Petes is the example being set by the veterans, including four OAs. There will be ups and downs, just don't get too high or too low. Only one game this week - Thursday when they host Sudbury. Practice hard and get ready for that test.
The Petes are not young but they do lack experience in the bottom part of their lineup.
I agree that people assume that the Petes need to sell - and with no 2nds, one 3rd and no 4ths in the next three drafts, I really can't blame them.
It would be awesome to see the Petes finish in the top half of the East and then sell.
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