Sarnia Sting 2022-23 Season Thread

[Ferda11]

On a normal OHL team, we would all be over reacting this early on. BUT this is the Sarnia Sting we are talking about.

I'm with @StingUpdates here. I think this team is just good at the moment but has the potential to be great as the season progresses. There are a few things that need to be done for this team to be great...

1. Need a top 6 C - Not a winger who can play C, but an authentic, big time C.
2. Gaudreau has to be better. Needs to be top 5 in GAA and Save% if this team is to be top 5 in league standings
3. PP needs to be up over 25% consistently, PK 82-85%
4. The odd man rushes need to be drastically reduced
5. Players who do not perform are held accountable
6. Dillingham back - he brings way more to this team than most think. We need his consistency defensively

Trading Daviault would be a big mistake IMO. I personally think he would be much better than he is now if the coaching staff used his offensive abilities a bit more. He is our future #1 guy. No doubting that.

This current roster makes the playoffs easily IMO. How far it will go is another story. At the moment, I'm doubting past the 2nd round and would not be surprised at a 1st rd exit again....not. one. bit.

 

[JAMER]

What do you think the price would be for Namestnikov? Something like 2,4?

I'd say a 3rd,4th and 5

What do you think the price would be for Namestnikov? Something like 2,4?

I'd say a 3rd,4th and 5th

 

[Ferda11]

Max still has several years left in this league with untapped potential.

I would be happy with a 2nd and 4th OR two 3rd's. If he was apart of bringing in a high end C, that would also be acceptable.

 

[HkyBeegs3]

On a normal OHL team, we would all be over reacting this early on. BUT this is the Sarnia Sting we are talking about.

I'm with @StingUpdates here. I think this team is just good at the moment but has the potential to be great as the season progresses. There are a few things that need to be done for this team to be great...

1. Need a top 6 C - Not a winger who can play C, but an authentic, big time C.
2. Gaudreau has to be better. Needs to be top 5 in GAA and Save% if this team is to be top 5 in league standings
3. PP needs to be up over 25% consistently, PK 82-85%
4. The odd man rushes need to be drastically reduced
5. Players who do not perform are held accountable
6. Dillingham back - he brings way more to this team than most think. We need his consistency defensively

Trading Daviault would be a big mistake IMO. I personally think he would be much better than he is now if the coaching staff used his offensive abilities a bit more. He is our future #1 guy. No doubting that.

This current roster makes the playoffs easily IMO. How far it will go is another story. At the moment, I'm doubting past the 2nd round and would not be surprised at a 1st rd exit again....not. one. bit.

Completely in agreement with you on this one, our franchise has a long and consistent history of being hyped and then laying dudds come first round of the playoffs, a "good" ohl team makes the playoffs but loses in the first round,while an exceptional team wins more than a few! The organization over and under values assets and never seems to assess the players properly. Easy for me to sit and critique the franchise but cmon let's all be honest and acknowledge the inability especially by all owners, gms and coaches to manage and run a solid organization.

I can see the upside in Daviault and I hope I'm wrong but I'm just not seeing a 1a defenceman here, I'm seeing an offensive 2-3 b kinda player.

 

[StingUpdates]

Completely in agreement with you on this one, our franchise has a long and consistent history of being hyped and then laying dudds come first round of the playoffs, a "good" ohl team makes the playoffs but loses in the first round,while an exceptional team wins more than a few! The organization over and under values assets and never seems to assess the players properly. Easy for me to sit and critique the franchise but cmon let's all be honest and acknowledge the inability especially by all owners, gms and coaches to manage and run a solid organization.

I can see the upside in Daviault and I hope I'm wrong but I'm just not seeing a 1a defenceman here, I'm seeing an offensive 2-3 b kinda player.

I think Daviault could be a one (especially when hes 19) but I do agree I see him as a 2 or 3. He's isn't an overly big guy, isn't physically imposing tho chippy/pesty & I'd call him a fine defender at this point.

Still can get victimized by speedy Fs at times & can be a bit careless, lazy at times.

Has all the offensive skills, instincts to be a really good point producer from the backend. Excellent passer, sees the ice well & has a good knack for getting shots thru from the point. He could run the top PP & do it well imo. Unfortunately they are enamored with Mast running it tho it has looked very good & threatening the last 5 games.

 

[Ferda11]

Agree about the current state of Daviault's game now. I'm looking a year or two from now, for him to be that top 2 for sure, potential #1. Just worried his development is being slightly delayed being stuck behind guys like Mast & Ritchie for those valuable special teams experience/minuets. I get it, but gotta be frustrating for him a bit too. He gives me slight Tony D vibes skill wise.

@HkyBeegs3 , agree about the good/great comparison. Sarnia has had it's share of "great" teams throughout stretches of the regular season. Rarely are they ever "good" in the playoffs to get by the 1st round, but they have before here and there lol. We just haven't seen "great" when it really matters most.

All I know is something has gotta give here lol....we've switched ownership/gms/coaches and everything else under the sun. I am pessimistic about this team always, but not as nearly as much in years past lol. We are close!?

 

[StingUpdates]

Agree about the current state of Daviault's game now. I'm looking a year or two from now, for him to be that top 2 for sure, potential #1. Just worried his development is being slightly delayed being stuck behind guys like Mast & Ritchie for those valuable special teams experience/minuets. I get it, but gotta be frustrating for him a bit too. He gives me slight Tony D vibes skill wise.

@HkyBeegs3 , agree about the good/great comparison. Sarnia has had it's share of "great" teams throughout stretches of the regular season. Rarely are they ever "good" in the playoffs to get by the 1st round, but they have before here and there lol. We just haven't seen "great" when it really matters most.

All I know is something has gotta give here lol....we've switched ownership/gms/coaches and everything else under the sun. I am pessimistic about this team always, but not as nearly as much in years past lol. We are close!?

If they disappoint come the playoffs again its gonna be so hard to continue supporting.

Not their fault entirely (covid), but it's been 5 years since our last good team & even they disappointed losing in round 2 in a very winnable series when the MVP of the league disappeared for seemingly no reason other than he played for Sarnia.

They've won a staggering ONE playoff series since 2008. That's so unbelievably embarrassing. It's hard to comprehend how bad they've been in the playoffs. Quite literally unmatched.

When I say I think they are good, could be great I am in no way saying they are gonna go 3, 4 rounds in April because we all know your probably better off buying a lottery ticket than this organization doing that. I just think this roster is really solid & with some additions could be near the best on paper in the league.

 

[SpaceMan81]

We all know what happens with this team come April & odds are it'll happen again cause it's what this organization does. I'm just saying I think this team is good & could be great by years end.

We are both entitled to our own opinions & we just don't see it the same way & that's perfectly fine.

In my opinion this team has some very good talent. I just think that the coaching staff relies on some players too much and at the of close games, those guys are out of gas. I get loading up in the last few minutes but I don't think playing 3 D 28 mins a game and 6 FW 24 mins a game is a recipe for success.
Every team we play

What do you think the price would be for Namestnikov? Something like 2,4?

Depends if they want picks or an impact 19 yr old. They might be able to get the 19 year old and maybe a 2nd or 3rd rounder. If it's picks, you gotta think a 2 and 3 maybe. I mean he was a 3rd overall pick who might lead a team in scoring in the next couple of years. I am losing faith in him as elite, but he will be a good player in the right situation.

 

[StingUpdates]

In my opinion this team has some very good talent. I just think that the coaching staff relies on some players too much and at the of close games, those guys are out of gas. I get loading up in the last few minutes but I don't think playing 3 D 28 mins a game and 6 FW 24 mins a game is a recipe for success.
Every team we play

Depends if they want picks or an impact 19 yr old. They might be able to get the 19 year old and maybe a 2nd or 3rd rounder. If it's picks, you gotta think a 2 and 3 maybe. I mean he was a 3rd overall pick who might lead a team in scoring in the next couple of years. I am losing faith in him as elite, but he will be a good player in the right situation.

I agree with that. I like how he roles 4 lines for the first 45-50 minutes, but Letang definitely shortens the bench in crunch time.

I can see sitting some guys but not your entire B6. Filak, MacDonell are solid 2way guys, he should have confidence in them.

You don't want them having no experience at it. Never know come playoffs if they are forced into playing (penalties, injuries etc) that role. You don't want them unsure of what to do & it costing you.

And it'll give those T6 guys more energy, gas in the tank not having to play every role, situation.

 

[Dougie Daryl Clark]

If they disappoint come the playoffs again its gonna be so hard to continue supporting.

Not their fault entirely (covid), but it's been 5 years since our last good team & even they disappointed losing in round 2 in a very winnable series when the MVP of the league disappeared for seemingly no reason other than he played for Sarnia.

They've won a staggering ONE playoff series since 2008. That's so unbelievably embarrassing. It's hard to comprehend how bad they've been in the playoffs. Quite literally unmatched.

When I say I think they are good, could be great I am in no way saying they are gonna go 3, 4 rounds in April because we all know your probably better off buying a lottery ticket than this organization doing that. I just think this roster is really solid & with some additions could be near the best on paper in the league.

I have a feeling Seca has some moves he is ready to pounce on. He seems to like players w a high jam/skill combo (think Martone/MacDonell picks) and I think he feels this team needs a bit more of this to compete. Stay tuned...

 

[HockeyPops]

I know Tyler Savard didn't exactly earn rave reviews in his first game against you, but he sounds like the kind of player Buzzy is talking about. A Namestikov for Savard move closer to the deadline might be attractive to both teams. Hmmmm.....

 

[StingUpdates]

I have a feeling Seca has some moves he is ready to pounce on. He seems to like players w a high jam/skill combo (think Martone/MacDonell picks) and I think he feels this team needs a bit more of this to compete. Stay tuned...

Could definitely see it. Do wonder the level of player he'd be after. Could see them wanting a bigger guy to play with Voit, Lantz that you hope puts up good numbers or would they go after a middle-6 F who's physical, energetic & can score 20-ish goals.

Shane Wright is probably being sent back to KGN. The bidding war for him is gonna be insane & I think SAR will be right in the thick of it.

I know Tyler Savard didn't exactly earn rave reviews in his first game against you, but he sounds like the kind of player Buzzy is talking about. A Namestikov for Savard move closer to the deadline might be attractive to both teams. Hmmmm.....

I think they'd want someone more guaranteed to produce than Savard for Namestnikov, but if he shows well for the next few months I could see them being interested.

 

[HockeyPops]

Yeah, Savard isn't a top 2 scoring forward type player on a contender, but more a top 6 winger with jam. Not afraid to drop them, always mixing it up in front of the net. Easy player to like if he's on your team. Enough skill to move up the lineup if needed, and enough jam to be effective in a shutdown role if required. Pretty versatile.

 

[StingUpdates]

NOV 3rd to NOV 12th. Will probably miss 6 games.

Sucks losing him but it'll be good experience.

 

[robp1219]

Could definitely see it. Do wonder the level of player he'd be after. Could see them wanting a bigger guy to play with Voit, Lantz that you hope puts up good numbers or would they go after a middle-6 F who's physical, energetic & can score 20-ish goals.

Shane Wright is probably being sent back to KGN. The bidding war for him is gonna be insane & I think SAR will be right in the thick of it.

I think they'd want someone more guaranteed to produce than Savard for Namestnikov, but if he shows well for the next few months I could see them being interested.

Ya I think sarnia should be looking to package Namestnikov and draft picks and pick up either Arcuri from Kingston or Harrison from Oshawa or someone very close to their level. Someone that’s 6’0 plus and can contribute offensively in the top 6 and Dan play both centre and wing. I’d prefer Arcuri to be honest.

 

[StingUpdates]

Ya I think sarnia should be looking to package Namestnikov and draft picks and pick up either Arcuri from Kingston or Harrison from Oshawa or someone very close to their level. Someone that’s 6’0 plus and can contribute offensively in the top 6 and Dan play both centre and wing. I’d prefer Arcuri to be honest.

Just from watching highlights Arcuri would be a really nice fit. Seems to know where to go/find open areas & has a great wrist shot that can beat goalies clean.

Harrison a better do it all type F who can score as well. Can't go wrong either way.

 

[StingUpdates]

back to back vs flint starting tomorrow. Should be some intense games. They are coming off a rough weekend so you know they'll be fired up & we've lost 2 in a row so we should be too. Would like to see some more 5on5 goals & they can not give Flint as many odd man rushes or they'll score 4+ goals.

Good test to see where we are at. Also be interesting to see if Surzcyia gets Niagara on Saturday. Don't wanna ride Gaudreau to hard so early in the season.

 

[Savard18]

back to back vs flint starting tomorrow. Should be some intense games. They are coming off a rough weekend so you know they'll be fired up & we've lost 2 in a row so we should be too. Would like to see some more 5on5 goals & they can not give Flint as many odd man rushes or they'll score 4+ goals.

Good test to see where we are at. Also be interesting to see if Surzcyia gets Niagara on Saturday. Don't wanna ride Gaudreau to hard so early in the season.

Flint doesn’t appear to be much of a test for anybody other than Erie right now.

 

[HkyBeegs3]

When was the last time a goalie was drafted in the first round of the ohl priority selection prior to gaudreau and lower than 7th?. It's kinda baffling to me that we drafted him so high that year..... when history has shown that 95% of goalies are drafted past round 1. Was also looking at our recent second round draft picks and that's very questionable as well lol

 

[StingUpdates]

When was the last time a goalie was drafted in the first round of the ohl priority selection prior to gaudreau and lower than 7th?. It's kinda baffling to me that we drafted him so high that year..... when history has shown that 95% of goalies are drafted past round 1. Was also looking at our recent second round draft picks and that's very questionable as well lol

I will say ppl were saying teams behind Sarnia were gonna take him. Windsor's old GM said if we didn't take him they would've.

But I do agree I'd rarely if ever do it myself. Obviously a great goalie is the ultimate equalizer but so are game breaking Fs or elite #1 Dmen & your more likely to find a good starting goalie in RD2/RD3/RD4 than a game breaker.

Yah our 2nd Round picks have been a colossal failure. It's been shockingly bad. It's genuinely why part of me could care less if we trade them away at the deadline lol.

 

[Dougie Daryl Clark]

I will say ppl were saying teams behind Sarnia were gonna take him. Windsor's old GM said if we didn't take him they would've.

But I do agree I'd rarely if ever do it myself. Obviously a great goalie is the ultimate equalizer but so are game breaking Fs or elite #1 Dmen & your more likely to find a good starting goalie in RD2/RD3/RD4 than a game breaker.

Yah our 2nd Round picks have been a colossal failure. It's been shockingly bad. It's genuinely why part of me could care less if we trade them away at the deadline lol.

Apparently there is a goalie for Mississauga Sens this year that everyone projects to go first round...

 

[robp1219]

Flint doesn’t appear to be much of a test for anybody other than Erie right now.

Not sure why people are saying certain teams are good and others are bad after 5 games. First 5-10 games are a shit show with teams learning systems and finding chemistry within lines, very sloppy hockey. We won’t know the real top teams until about game 15-20. Hell Kitchener was predicted a top team in the western conference by many and they just won their first game lol.

 

[OHL4Life]

Apparently there is a goalie for Mississauga Sens this year that everyone projects to go first round...

ive head the kid is good but only 5'10, teams are scared about that

 

[Texcanuck]

When was the last time a goalie was drafted in the first round of the ohl priority selection prior to gaudreau and lower than 7th?. It's kinda baffling to me that we drafted him so high that year..... when history has shown that 95% of goalies are drafted past round 1. Was also looking at our recent second round draft picks and that's very questionable as well lol

If you don’t have a goalie, you don’t have a chance. You have to build a team from the net out. 70 was by far the best available and worth a shot. Don’t want to judge him by a half-dozen games, but I believe he will get his act together soon.
As an old goalie, it’s an entirely different world when you get 40 shots versus when you get 20. It’s actually tougher when you get 20, particularly when your own team might only get you 1 or 2 goals. Hard to keep a rhythm when you’re idle for 10 minutes.
This team should make the playoffs (if they don’t then it’s a catastrophe). Ben has a couple months to figure out how to stay on top of his game with far fewer shots. No need to hit the panic button - it’s a work in progress.

 

[StingUpdates]

If you don’t have a goalie, you don’t have a chance. You have to build a team from the net out. 70 was by far the best available and worth a shot. Don’t want to judge him by a half-dozen games, but I believe he will get his act together soon.
As an old goalie, it’s an entirely different world when you get 40 shots versus when you get 20. It’s actually tougher when you get 20, particularly when your own team might only get you 1 or 2 goals. Hard to keep a rhythm when you’re idle for 10 minutes.
This team should make the playoffs (if they don’t then it’s a catastrophe). Ben has a couple months to figure out how to stay on top of his game with far fewer shots. No need to hit the panic button - it’s a work in progress.

He's been good in 5 of 7 starts. The two the entire team didn't show up. Doesn't make it better that he also struggled but been a bit of an overreaction to it imo.

Was the ohl goalie of the week not even a month ago haha. He said after one of the games it's an adjustment going from being under siege to not seeing many shots.

I do think he needs a stable back up though. Can't be playing him every game or else he'll burn out & risk injury (Brochu last yr).. If it's Surzycia great, if it's not they should go get one soon.