Windsor Spitfires 2021-22 Season Thread

[OHLTG]

The only real issue I have with Bowler, right now, is the lack of healthy forwards. You shouldn't have to constantly dress 11F, esp if one is a D. If Peer/O'F are sick/injured, call someone up for a few games. The special teams are on Savard; that's not going to be gold right away.

 

[ohloutsider]

All the goals on Downey were odd man goals, a 2 on1, a 3 on 2 and PP goals. None were Downey's fault. Nobody in this league stops a tap in on a 2 on 1! It is the team in front of him that takes the blame here.

Shooting/passing skills are an issue. They can't pass or receive a pass and they have to stop wearing out the crest on the goalie's jersey. Yes Cajan made some crazy good saves last night and deserved first star but the majority of the shots were middle gut.

Why is D'Amico not interested right now, seems to float through ever shift. This can be contagious and Marc needs to address this.

McDonald, Zito, Maggio fly all over the ice but it usually ends up as a play into the corner and does not involve other team mates. Cue Marc again.

Most on here will not agree with me but I like Sobolev's game. New to the country, new to the League so it will take some time but I see lots of potential with his style. I remember another D that came from Russia and fans were hard on him when he first came, has 2 Stanley cup rings now.

Rambling done.

 

[2023]

I can certainly understand the frustration, more has to be expected of this team.

In terms of a shoot first mentality I don't really have a problem with that. Boughner had a goal of 20 shots a period when this team was winning titles. Any shot on net is a chance. The problem I have is the poor passing when there is no shot at the net but two other players with a shot are open.

Not a fan of the PP.

First unit with Henault and Cuylle at the blue line struggles to keep it in the zone. Cuylle should be your scoring threat and because teams see him like that they play up high taking away passing/shooting lanes and creating turnovers.

I would completely rework the first PP.

Cuylle, Johnston, MacDonald up front with Miedema and Ribau covering the points.

Windsor has no PP QB, Henault is not one.

What the hell is Ladd, the least offensive D on the team doing on the second PP?

I would put Ribau with Johnston on the first one to go along with Cuylle, McDonald and Miedema. Let Johnston QB while Ribau just has to worry about making good, clean passes. Put Cuylle down low for one timers with in front tipping in shots at the net while taking away the goalies view. Set up with three high, Miedem and Johnston can put shots on the net or move up down the wall to keep things moving.

Second PP

I would try De Angelis and Renwick on the blue line. De Angelis has offensive potential, potential to be a PP QB while Renwick covers for him with some offensive upside.

Up front would have D'Amico, Zito and Maggio. D'Amico and Zito stir things up in front/to the sides of the net. Maggio controls the puck better than he used to so between him and De Angelis they set things up and get pucks to the net.

The main thing is putting more pucks on net with traffic in front cleaning up rebounds or taking away the goaltenders view.

Probably goes against the views of most on here but what they're doing now isn't working well and players strengths are not being used while seniority is getting priority even though they can't get the job done. We've seen that show before and not a fan of it.

The PK, don't know what to say about that. Time to teach defensive responsibility and have only one player looking to rush the puck up before it's out of the zone.

And thank god you’re not the coach

 

[windsor7]

The only real issue I have with Bowler, right now, is the lack of healthy forwards. You shouldn't have to constantly dress 11F, esp if one is a D. If Peer/O'F are sick/injured, call someone up for a few games. The special teams are on Savard; that's not going to be gold right away.

11 not enough

 

[RayzorIsDull]

All the goals on Downey were odd man goals, a 2 on1, a 3 on 2 and PP goals. None were Downey's fault. Nobody in this league stops a tap in on a 2 on 1! It is the team in front of him that takes the blame here.

Shooting/passing skills are an issue. They can't pass or receive a pass and they have to stop wearing out the crest on the goalie's jersey. Yes Cajan made some crazy good saves last night and deserved first star but the majority of the shots were middle gut.

Why is D'Amico not interested right now, seems to float through ever shift. This can be contagious and Marc needs to address this.

McDonald, Zito, Maggio fly all over the ice but it usually ends up as a play into the corner and does not involve other team mates. Cue Marc again.

Most on here will not agree with me but I like Sobolev's game. New to the country, new to the League so it will take some time but I see lots of potential with his style. I remember another D that came from Russia and fans were hard on him when he first came, has 2 Stanley cup rings now.

Rambling done.

All that is fair. I am not surprised about D'Amico he's a 20 goal guy or so nothing more or nothing less. There isn't a lot of upside with him and certainly being an OA his future isn't here. I don't mind McDonald or Maggio but I am not sure they are high ceiling guys either. We don't know yet about Zito and he might be the best of the forwards you mentioned.

One thing we haven't discussed is what Savard thinks of these guys as well maybe they don't fit what Savard wants either. The Spits have a few high ceiling guys and are capable of winning games but do they have a high ceiling roster that's capable of winning a championship?? Doesn't look like it. Savard isn't going to throw anybody under the bus but in 19-20 we saw a horrible PK and it isn't much better now. I don't think this is necessarily a coaching issue it goes deeper than that.

 

[2023]

All that is fair. I am not surprised about D'Amico he's a 20 goal guy or so nothing more or nothing less. There isn't a lot of upside with him and certainly being an OA his future isn't here. I don't mind McDonald or Maggio but I am not sure they are high ceiling guys either. We don't know yet about Zito and he might be the best of the forwards you mentioned.

One thing we haven't discussed is what Savard thinks of these guys as well maybe they don't fit what Savard wants either. The Spits have a few high ceiling guys and are capable of winning games but do they have a high ceiling roster that's capable of winning a championship?? Doesn't look like it. Savard isn't going to throw anybody under the bus but in 19-20 we saw a horrible PK and it isn't much better now. I don't think this is necessarily a coaching issue it goes deeper than that.

I think Maggio is playing very well.
Cuylle needs to pick it up and start passing or hitting the net when he shoots. Johnston needs to have one or more good shifts in a game. Our d’s right now is where we are struggling.

 

[member 71782]

And thank god you’re not the coach

I don't disagree, would have never made a good coach but nothing else is working right now.

Our "top tier" OAs aren't getting it done. The first unit spends more time out of the offensive zone yhan in it. So much for that PP QB.

Ladd on the PP at all should never happen, it's not his game to run the offense.

Any other ideas that you think would improve it?

 

[OHLTG]

From my view, the PP feels too rigid. Players find their spot and, as long as they're covered, there's nothing to do.

 

[2023]

I don't disagree, would have never made a good coach but nothing else is working right now.

Our "top tier" OAs aren't getting it done. The first unit spends more time out of the offensive zone yhan in it. So much for that PP QB.

Ladd on the PP at all should never happen, it's not his game to run the offense.

Any other ideas that you think would improve it?

The players are in the wrong position. Cuylle has no business there. He shoots the puck over the net 9 out of 10 times. Need some players with hockey iq

 

[OHLTG]

Cuylle's actually one of the top shot producers in the league - second in SOG (44) behind Thompson from Sby (50).

 

[2023]

Cuylle's actually one of the top shot producers in the league - second in SOG (44) behind Thompson from Sby (50).

What does it matter if he shoots at the crest?
He misses the net 75% of the time. Don’t get me wrong he’s one of my favourites on the team

 

[windsor7]

I think Maggio is playing very well.
Cuylle needs to pick it up and start passing or hitting the net when he shoots. Johnston needs to have one or more good shifts in a game. Our d’s right now is where we are struggling.

D i really struggling a lot

 

[member 71782]

The players are in the wrong position. Cuylle has no business there. He shoots the puck over the net 9 out of 10 times. Need some players with hockey iq

Fair enough yet whenever they set up Cuylle for one timers on the PP last season je was putting the puck in. Now Letowski only gave that chance once in a while.

Now most thought Afanasyev was grest there on the PP. If he hit the net more than once in every ten attempts I'd be shocked and he probably only put in less than 10% of the times he hit the net.

These guys don't get a lot to shoot at most of the time.

Cuylle's averaging about 5 shots on goal per game and has 6 goals. The top two goal scorers in the league are putting in 1 out of 4, most of the next 18, including Cuylle are much lower, 1 in 6, 1 in 8. Cuylle is listed at 20th in goals but it's early and there's lots in that range.

Just sayong Cuylle is on par with a large groip near the top right now. He does need to be more consistent but they all do.

Who else would you put in a similar spot as the triggerman on the PP.

 

[OHLTG]

What does it matter if he shoots at the crest?
He misses the net 75% of the time. Don’t get me wrong he’s one of my favourites on the team

I was rather critical of him last year and this preseason... but six goals in nine games says something. He deserves props; shooting more (almost two shots per game more) and scoring more. Would I like to see him score more than 1/7? Yes. Am I happy with his production so far? Yes.

 

[spits]

The bad news is the team isn't winning very many games and have one of the worst goal differentials in the league. The good news is a lot of the problems I see can be solved. Two of Kitchener's goals game on odd-man rushes. This team continues to give up way too many odd-man rushes. The defensemen need to stop pinching so frequently. Often when they do, it's when the forwards are already deep in the zone and they don't even have a chance to cover for the D. The coaching staff needs to get these players in the video room.

The good news is these losses aren't due to lack of skill or worth ethic. The talent is there. Not sure why they don't go with a different strategy on the PP. The opponents have no issues keeping them to the outside on the PK knowing the whole PP is focused on setting up Cuylle. The coaching needs to be better.

Fortunately, the division isn't that strong and they can win this division. SOO are in 1st however the Spits probably have more overall skill than the SOO. I hear there is a 'decent chance' Foudy is back at some point.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

The bad news is the team isn't winning very many games and have one of the worst goal differentials in the league. The good news is a lot of the problems I see can be solved. Two of Kitchener's goals game on odd-man rushes. This team continues to give up way too many odd-man rushes. The defensemen need to stop pinching so frequently. Often when they do, it's when the forwards are already deep in the zone and they don't even have a chance to cover for the D. The coaching staff needs to get these players in the video room.

The good news is these losses aren't due to lack of skill or worth ethic. The talent is there. Not sure why they don't go with a different strategy on the PP. The opponents have no issues keeping them to the outside on the PK knowing the whole PP is focused on setting up Cuylle. The coaching needs to be better.

Fortunately, the division isn't that strong and they can win this division. SOO are in 1st however the Spits probably have more overall skill than the SOO. I hear there is a 'decent chance' Foudy is back at some point.

I guess it depends on your perspective. I am not sure how good the Soo is but keep in mind their schedule does differ from other teams. Soo has 7 games left with Sudbury (they have split 2 against them thus far), also 3 against NB (they have won 2 of 3 against NB thus far). If they were to continue to play at a .636 win% that would put them around 43 wins on the season 86 points and that's not including any other points from OTL/SOL etc... The Spits would need to win 40 of their remaining 59 games and a win% of .680. Need to see more from Saginaw since they have only played 6 games, very stingy defensively and playing 10 rookies. Is it possible they can still win their division?? Yes. Obviously they would have to play better and they really can't afford another 9 game stretch where they only get 8 points. Still time but they need to all start pulling together.

 

[Teflon]

I’m baaaaack! Lol. Still not sure why I deserved an extended time out but I guess it’s out of my hands. Hopefully I don’t irk a mod again.
Anyway, so I’ve been to a few games and I’ve kept up reading posts. So my mind has not changed one bit! The D is brutal, you can throw stats all day but I’m an eye test guy. Team D isn’t much better. But from my perspective it’s deeper than that. Medina has been terrible, this team still refuses to clear the front of the net to the point I felt bad for Downey last game. Passing is horrible, the give aways and passes behind players is comical. Truly on top of all of it I see a lack of drive, there’s to many passengers just on the ride. Where’s the fire, fight, eagerness to play n this team?? Frankly Savard looks like a deer in the headlights, he lets assistant’s do more than I think he should. Bowler isn’t off the hook either. This 12 forwards deal is wrong. 14 is the way to go and he knows better. 8 D dressed? Again that’s a mistake. I’m honestly scratching my head, expected WAY more out of Marc and this team. They are far below expectations.
As far as Foudy, I couldn’t agree more, the Avs need to deal with him. Send him where they think is best but it isn’t in the A right now! I said it before my break and I’ll say it again, team needs 2 D men desperately, a net clearer, physical guy and a quarterback. Imho Medina is on very thin ice but truly what do you get for him? Light a fire under the forwards, we need to see way more out of both the vets and the rookies.
Missed you guys. Can’t wait to hear opinions.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Here's another update re Jean Luc Foudy
After 7 games with the AHL Colarado Eagles where they are 1-5-0-1
His stat line reads
GP-7,G-0,A-0,Pts-0,Pim-0,-9 +-
Aside from being pointless thus far
His plus/minus number is the highest on the team by far in fact 4 higher then the next player and that's only in 7 games
He was a -3 in his last appearance.
Yeah Colarado is doing a real good thing with young player here.
Really!

 

[windsor7]

Here's another update re Jean Luc Foudy
After 7 games with the AHL Colarado Eagles where they are 1-5-0-1
His stat line reads
GP-7,G-0,A-0,Pts-0,Pim-0,-9 +-
Aside from being pointless thus far
His plus/minus number is the highest on the team by far in fact 4 higher then the next player and that's only in 7 games
He was a -3 in his last appearance.
Yeah Colarado is doing a real good thing with young player here.
Really!

Maybe he will get sent back.
However, its their decision.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Maybe he will get sent back.
However, its their decision.

Actually in this case it's both, when I spoke to his agent at camp he said the player can ask to be sent back,if there is lack of ice time etc,which apparently is starting to happen according to those in the know.
Unlike other situations the player does have a say.

 

[HockeyPops]

Very few players would ever make this request though, for fear of tarnishing their reputation with their NHL club.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I’m baaaaack! Lol. Still not sure why I deserved an extended time out but I guess it’s out of my hands. Hopefully I don’t irk a mod again.
Anyway, so I’ve been to a few games and I’ve kept up reading posts. So my mind has not changed one bit! The D is brutal, you can throw stats all day but I’m an eye test guy. Team D isn’t much better. But from my perspective it’s deeper than that. Medina has been terrible, this team still refuses to clear the front of the net to the point I felt bad for Downey last game. Passing is horrible, the give aways and passes behind players is comical. Truly on top of all of it I see a lack of drive, there’s to many passengers just on the ride. Where’s the fire, fight, eagerness to play n this team?? Frankly Savard looks like a deer in the headlights, he lets assistant’s do more than I think he should. Bowler isn’t off the hook either. This 12 forwards deal is wrong. 14 is the way to go and he knows better. 8 D dressed? Again that’s a mistake. I’m honestly scratching my head, expected WAY more out of Marc and this team. They are far below expectations.
As far as Foudy, I couldn’t agree more, the Avs need to deal with him. Send him where they think is best but it isn’t in the A right now! I said it before my break and I’ll say it again, team needs 2 D men desperately, a net clearer, physical guy and a quarterback. Imho Medina is on very thin ice but truly what do you get for him? Light a fire under the forwards, we need to see way more out of both the vets and the rookies.
Missed you guys. Can’t wait to hear opinions.

Welcome back Mr Kotter good to see you're still around.

I agree with some of what you have said. I am still not ready to have a discussion about Savard for many reasons. If we want to discuss the PP/PK that's fine. Savard has pretty much acknowledged the fact the PK needs much work and they need to change it up. I can't tell much about the PP because it seems to me that this is more of a players issue. The system is giving them lots of open ice and seams but nobody can really take advantage of it.

Yes dressing 12 forwards would definitely help. Of course what would help more is having that ability to do it and making sure these are the best players the Spits can ice up front.

Yes there is still time and we can wait on discussing certain things but we should at least start talking about Bowler. I would love to know his reasoning on why he thought they would score a lot of goals?? They lost Angle/Egor/Corcoran/Douglas/Purboo/Boka and as of now Foudy. Prospect development is not a linear equation and after losing all those players if Bowler figured just guys being older eg. McDonald/Maggio/D'Amico/Johnston/Cuylle; sprinkle in young guys like Miedema/Abraham/Birkett/O'Flaherty/Peer this team was going to light up the scoreboard that really goes against everything people say about OHL hockey and how you can't depend on 16 and 17 year olds.

Medina has not been good to the point and that is hurting the team. As for the D this can be a Bowler issue as well. Not all of these guys are his guys as far as drafting/trading etc.. but he has had plenty of time to see these guys. He has shown unwavering loyalty to Ladd who hasn't been good enough to be an OA gobbling up 20+ minutes a night. Bowler saw plenty of D'Amico who isn't terrible but I think we kind of know who he is. He's a streaky guy who can pot you 20 or so but due to inconsistency he likely won't get 30+. Unfortunately with this type of roster I am not sure they can aspire to be a championship team without him being a 30+ guy. If that's the case you would need a Maggio/McDonald/Zito each to get 20-25 goals. Spits aren't a terrific team down the middle right now so it might be tough to get 6 forwards or so with 25 goals.

 

[windsor7]

Actually in this case it's both, when I spoke to his agent at camp he said the player can ask to be sent back,if there is lack of ice time etc,which apparently is starting to happen according to those in the know.
Unlike other situations the player does have a say.

Didn't u say before Windsor doesn't need him?

 

[hockeylegend11]

Didn't u say before Windsor doesn't need him?

If Windsor doesn't have him can't really trade him.
To be honest if he were here I would want to move him.

 

[Travis Bickle 77]

Didn't u say before Windsor doesn't need him?

Every poster here knows Foudy was not going coming back, everyone accepted it and moved on! Foudy was a non equation moving forward this season. This discussion is in regards to Foudy's current standing with the Colorado Eagles, Lack of playing time, his development. If he was returned to Windsor by his choice or not this creates the discussion of what to do with him, keep him or move him. This is not a conversation that needs to be picked apart for argument sake. If this discussion does not suit your agenda please move along.