Sarnia Sting 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 3)

[SarniaStingFan]

I leave the weekend encouraged as all heck at how we stack up w/LDN, but f*ck me tonight sucks.

Crowd was roaring. Up 3 after winning last night it finally felt like we were taking that next step.

Then as fricken usual we somehow, someway lose a game we had in the bag. Just so mind numbing on so many levels.

Will this team ever change? I really hope something clicks soon because I'm tired of these bad losses. Tonight, last week agaisnt Sudbury and the Soo, and the game in Kingston in early January could have been avoided if they didn't lose focus

 

[davewheeler]

A typical Sarnia loss.... this franchise is so scared of good things its a joke. As you all know I do not like Ben as our goalie but he played amazing then has an absolute brain fart which is the reason I hate him
as a goalie in the first place.... little things kill this team. Your goalie cannot go stop a puck behind the net and let London have a free goal.... simply infuriating. Home ice.... sold out... of course Sarnia would find a way to lose....I know its just a regular season game and we basically dominated but Jesus man win the freckin game. Such a choke job.

Man. I hate to blame him. I really fricken do. But that game was in the BAG for 50 minutes until that SHG, Gaudreau handed them.

Hated that 2nd goal too. Terrible rebound. He played awesome the first 50 & in OT, but f*cking eh that just can't happen.

Take 3/4, but it should've been 4/4. Controlled the entire game. God that sucks. Crowd was electric & into it & then OF COURSE we blow it. Of course. Because it's what we do.

This is who he is.... you can never trust him... ever.

 

[Sal Iaccuzzo]

Brett Brochu played his first game last night since a injury February 6th…. a bit rusty….. definitely didn’t suck …. our rookie backup just beat the Sting tonight..… hopefully we have another great game next Friday against the Sting ….

I’m aware. I’m a Knights fan. He let in two soft goals but I understand he just got back.

 

[StingUpdates]

Not gonna get Uber negative over it. They proved they belong & then some this weekend. Should've swept the b2b. They close tonight out 9 out of 10 times.

Just so fricken annoying it happens with a packed house. A lot to like. Special teams continue to be great. They generated quite a bit vs a stout Dcore.

Gaudreau was excellent in 115/120 minutes. Vilmanis was awesome tonight & I liked how the B6 played in both games. D was really solid.

Hopefully, they learn from it as they've been very good at closing out games, especially since deadline. Now 6 points up on OS.

 

[ohloutsider]

I predict Sarnia with a win tonight and London returns the favor tomorrow, so a split for the visiting teams. And we all know how most predictions turn out!!!

Well not like I didn't warn you.

 

[StingUpdates]

This weekend is what makes me so jealous of the teams that are consistently great. We were treated to some legitimately great, high intensity, elite hockey.

We've gone years without seeing it & after this yr we'll go years without seeing it again.

Really gonna savor these next couple months even nights like this because at least it was fun & entertaining. So much better than meaningless hockey which is what we usually get.

 

[StingUpdates]

Rewatched the goals. Didn't realize it took an odd bounce on Gaudreau when he came out to play it. Still should've kept his eye on it, but if it doesn't do a funny bounce it doesn't happen. so unfortunate

still don't like the rebound on the 2nd goal, but the D also needed to box out a bit better. First time we've lost after leading after 2 in over 2.5 months. 22-0-2 before tonight. Had this been a WED in front of 2,200 bet we win 5-0 lol. Uncanny how we lose when it's sold out.

 

[Texcanuck]

11 wins… 11 to go…. OOPS, maybe not.
London absolutely without a pulse, and we gift them a frick’n defibrillator.
I left the building not even angry, just numb.
If you had asked me if I’d be happy with 3 points going into this home & home I’d have said sure, but makes me crazy to lose that way.
Hope the boys take out their anger/frustration/revenge against Flint on Monday.

 

[Ferda11]

Well we can look at it this way. 3 pts for us, 2 for London this weekend…lol. Still stings this morning though but hey, small victories

I was saying all day I had a bad feeling about the game. That feeling never went away, even up 3-0. All it took was one mistake and the rest played itself out in typical fashion. Seen it a million times with this club over the years. Imagine if that was a playoff game? It’s unreasonable to expect perfection, but it’s certainly not unreasonable to expect a win when you’re up 3-0 with 12 mins left in the game….really believe if Ben doesn’t misplay that puck and gift London an open net, we skate away with that win. Colossal mistake.

 

[davewheeler]

Well we can look at it this way. 3 pts for us, 2 for London this weekend…lol. Still stings this morning though but hey, small victories

I was saying all day I had a bad feeling about the game. That feeling never went away, even up 3-0. All it took was one mistake and the rest played itself out in typical fashion. Seen it a million times with this club over the years. Imagine if that was a playoff game? It’s unreasonable to expect perfection, but it’s certainly not unreasonable to expect a win when you’re up 3-0 with 12 mins left in the game….really believe if Ben doesn’t misplay that puck and gift London an open net, we skate away with that win. Colossal mistake.

I really feel like Sarnia was content with being up 3-0.... after the first period the offence was non-existent. I am not sure why they took the foot off the gas. Perhaps lack of coaching but who knows. Also the power play has looked like hot garbage for the most part this year. I understand they have scored on it and statistically its a top 10 unit in the league. ... but usually it looks unorganized and they have issues entering the zone.... which is unacceptable given the talent on the pp.

 

[massey]

Really too bad that no one gives London goalie any credit he deserves. After the 3 goals, his team left him out to dry and he single handedly shut the Sting down. Dont blame Ben for everything. He kept them in the game fri night. especially in the first 10 min. London didnt give up in the 3rd and Sarnia couldnt solve London goalie and seemed content. 2 good teams and both games couldnt have went either way.If they beat Flint,Will take 7of 8 points this week.

 

[StingUpdates]

Really too bad that no one gives London goalie any credit he deserves. After the 3 goals, his team left him out to dry and he single handedly shut the Sting down. Dont blame Ben for everything. He kept them in the game fri night. especially in the first 10 min. London didnt give up in the 3rd and Sarnia couldnt solve London goalie and seemed content. 2 good teams and both games couldnt have went either way.If they beat Flint,Will take 7of 8 points this week.

That save on Pastujov on a breakaway was massive. Sarnia had more than a few chances to get up 5-6 goals & make it a blowout. Needed some killer instinct. Bowen was very good in PD2&3. Impressive young goalie.

 

[StingUpdates]

I really feel like Sarnia was content with being up 3-0.... after the first period the offence was non-existent. I am not sure why they took the foot off the gas. Perhaps lack of coaching but who knows. Also the power play has looked like hot garbage for the most part this year. I understand they have scored on it and statistically its a top 10 unit in the league. ... but usually it looks unorganized and they have issues entering the zone.... which is unacceptable given the talent on the pp.

Letang said post game he could tell the bench was flat about midway thru the 3rd. He was hoping the leaders on the bench would step-up & say let's put it away here boys. Could tell he was a bit disappointed in that aspect..

I'll say one thing that did piss me off. Where TF was Vilmanis, Pastujov & Del Mastro in OT!? Sikic/Mast/DBB? Really? I understand starting with 86/96/61 but that 2nd shift HAS to include Pastujov & Del Mastro at the very least. I mention 22 because is there a better guy on the team 1on1 with opposing Dmen? He was everywhere last night too. THAT is the Vilmanis we need every game. Can be a total game changer.

 

[ottawarenegader613]

I watched the highlights of last night's game on the Sting website, and from the moment Gaudreau gave up that gaff goal to the Knights by playing the puck from behind his net, I figured that it would wake the Knights up, and feared that the Sting could be in trouble with less than 10 minutes in the third period. When you are up against a junior NHL hockey team like the London Knights, you can't let up against them or else they will make you pay for your mistakes like Gaudreau's gaff in the third period. Like I said before, the Knights are a team that doesn't give up, nor take their foot off the gas especially when they are down two or three goals to the opposition.

At least those back to back games against London showed that the Sting could play well against the top teams in the OHL, and could possibly surprise teams like Windsor and London come playoff time. Hope the Sting rebounds against Flint tomorrow.

 

[davewheeler]

Letang said post game he could tell the bench was flat about midway thru the 3rd. He was hoping the leaders on the bench would step-up & say let's put it away here boys. Could tell he was a bit disappointed in that aspect..

I'll say one thing that did piss me off. Where TF was Vilmanis, Pastujov & Del Mastro in OT!? Sikic/Mast/DBB? Really? I understand starting with 86/96/61 but that 2nd shift HAS to include Pastujov & Del Mastro at the very least. I mention 22 because is there a better guy on the team 1on1 with opposing Dmen? He was everywhere last night too. THAT is the Vilmanis we need every game. Can be a total game changerShoki

Shocking to hear Sarnia's bench was flat in the 3rd period in front of a sold out crowd up 3-0... I don't get how that is even possible ... I will say tho... it was a sold out crowd but damn there was zero excitement in the building... even after a goal no one cheers or does anything. Vilmanis unreal goal hardly got an applause. Also, the music seemed quiet and muffled. I don't know why Sting fans are scared to make some noise in the building. Your're also right.... the overtime was awful.

 

[Ferda11]

Shocking to hear Sarnia's bench was flat in the 3rd period in front of a sold out crowd up 3-0... I don't get how that is even possible ... I will say tho... it was a sold out crowd but damn there was zero excitement in the building... even after a goal no one cheers or does anything. Vilmanis unreal goal hardly got an applause. Also, the music seemed quiet and muffled. I don't know why Sting fans are scared to make some noise in the building. Your're also right.... the overtime was awful.

I actually agree as well. For a sold out crowd, it was very quiet and dull. I stood and cheered for goals and maybe 50 other people in the entire arena. The sound system sounds even worse then I remember as well. Maybe if that blimp stopped crashing into the speakers they’d work better? Lol. The goal announcer is decent but the other ones throughout the game, not so great in my opinion. Good to see the wave make a few rounds around the arena though.

 

[StingUpdates]

Yah that wave was the best I've seen in years lol. There's like 3or4 great sections & the rest can't be bothered. Super disappointing at times.

Need to get more college kids in there. Get some enthusiasm going. Was still great to see a packed house. Gonna be another one tomorrow.

 

[StingUpdates]

Shocking to hear Sarnia's bench was flat in the 3rd period in front of a sold out crowd up 3-0... I don't get how that is even possible ... I will say tho... it was a sold out crowd but damn there was zero excitement in the building... even after a goal no one cheers or does anything. Vilmanis unreal goal hardly got an applause. Also, the music seemed quiet and muffled. I don't know why Sting fans are scared to make some noise in the building. Your're also right.... the overtime was awful.

Right!? I don't understand it either. What more could u ask for as a player.. sold put crowd. Vs your rival & #1 seed.. At home... like come on boys. That's when you say let's put it on them & really make a statement.

 

[davewheeler]

Yah that wave was the best I've seen in years lol. There's like 3or4 great sections & the rest can't be bothered. Super disappointing at times.

Need to get more college kids in there. Get some enthusiasm going. Was still great to see a packed house. Gonna be another one tomorrow.

Right!? I don't understand it either. What more could u ask for as a player.. sold put crowd. Vs your rival & #1 seed.. At home... like come on boys. That's when you say let's put it on them & really make a statement.

Overall, pretty good set for the Sting... it took a massive choke job for London to get a win. I would much rather play London in round 2 than Windsor. London is a good team but we're better. I haven't seen Windsor play in a while but just looking at their roster.... its on par with ours. I fully expect Sarnia to beat the brakes off Flint.

 

[StingUpdates]

Overall, pretty good set for the Sting... it took a massive choke job for London to get a win. I would much rather play London in round 2 than Windsor. London is a good team but we're better. I haven't seen Windsor play in a while but just looking at their roster.... its on par with ours. I fully expect Sarnia to beat the brakes off Flint.

WSR can outscore everybody. Insane scoring talent & depth. MUCH prefer our D & if Ben plays like he can our G too.

LDN is really solid. No weakness. Elite coach & gameplan. But I come away encouraged. I thought we looked a bit faster than them & bigger up front.

They don't have those game breakers like Pastujov/Voit/Burke/Vilmanis outside of Diaco & maybe Winterton. Barkey/Cowan are really good, but still only 17. Thought we really limited how high quality there chances were in both games. A lot of shots with no screens/traffic & not much in tight all alone. Think they struggled against our physical Dmen & how big they are. Well up until the final 5 minutes lol.

I'd like to believe we'll beat up Flint, but I can't go into games expecting/confident in things with this org haha.

 

[Texcanuck]

I think this is a team that can shut down Windsor’s pond hockey team. Playoffs are a whole different ballgame and you don’t see a lot of 7-6 games. It’s shut-down hockey and I think our guys are designed to do just that.
I have zero doubt that our guys CAN.
You never know if they WILL.
For now, let’s just work hard and best Flint.
10 wins, 12 to go.

 

[StingUpdates]

I think this is a team that can shut down Windsor’s pond hockey team. Playoffs are a whole different ballgame and you don’t see a lot of 7-6 games. It’s shut-down hockey and I think our guys are designed to do just that.
I have zero doubt that our guys CAN.
You never know if they WILL.
For now, let’s just work hard and best Flint.
10 wins, 12 to go.

It'll be tough. They have some elite talent & some elite shooters. Plus have championship experience. Been a very dominant home team under Savard.

Be a helluva series. I honestly think we will be the only team that can stop them. LDN is great defensively/in net I'm just not sure if they could keep up in the games that Windsor scores 4,5 goals.

we are ways away anyway haha. Let's worry about Round 1 first.. got a real feeling we are getting KIT..

 

[StingUpdates]

See what today's game brings. While Flint hasn't been overly good they still have 3 really solid lines that can score. If we aren't on our game defensively they'll make us pay. Especially Lombardi who's absolutely torched us this yr.

Need a big game from Voit. FLT gives up a lot so hopefully, we can make them pay. The start will be big. FLT coming off a big 6-1 W vs KIT while we are coming off a heartbreaker. Hopefully, it's a pissed-off group & not a flat one.

After FLT we have LDN x2, NB, WSR in 4 of our next 6. Gotta win the winnables cause those other ones are toss ups. Some fatigue might set in to as they have played a ton lately & still have a 3in3 this upcoming weekend.

 

[Buttsy]

At least those back to back games against London showed that the Sting could play well against the top teams in the OHL, and could possibly surprise teams like Windsor and London come playoff time. Hope the Sting rebounds against Flint tomorrow.

I don't think Sarnia will surprise a good team, you all have an excellent deep veteran team. You are only a "hot" goalie away from doing some serious playoff damage. You have the goalie but can he put it all together? Trust me both Windsor and London I'm sure do not want to meet Sarnia in round 2.

 

[Millpond]

This weekend is what makes me so jealous of the teams that are consistently great. We were treated to some legitimately great, high intensity, elite hockey.

We've gone years without seeing it & after this yr we'll go years without seeing it again.

Really gonna savor these next couple months even nights like this because at least it was fun & entertaining. So much better than meaningless hockey which is what we usually get.

Take it all in . Enjoy the journey .