Gotta try something after losing 2 at home as the #1 seed.
Who would you start game 4 if Windsor wins game 3?
Windsor Spitfires 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 7)
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Gotta try something after losing 2 at home as the #1 seed.
Who would you start game 4 if Windsor wins game 3?
Agreed, gotta try something, but Onuska is slow moving post to post , he's just not good enough. The biggest issue is the coaching, ie having 5 forwards on the ice for Kitchener's 3rd goal. Reluctance to change the game plan, etc. The other issue Harrison and Maggio have done nothing. I don't think Maggio has had one prime scoring chance all series and is a minus 6, just brutal.
Context matters. Not sure how far back Spits goes, but 2 Ws hardly qualifies as best 8th seed ever lol.
Maybe just me but it takes more than 2 Ws to claim that seat, on that throne.
Maybe it happens and Spits is right but It'll take another 6/10/14 Ws by KTown to make that claim.
They do got talent, for sure
Purple Phart
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- Apr 4, 2016
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Ok, want an admittedly superstitious take on the team's current funk ? During that last game against the Knights, the Spits were down far enough in the late stage of the 3rd period, that any comeback was unlikely. For all intents and purpose, the game was meaningless. Both teams were locked into their respective final standing. The Spits pulled their goalie, and with that extra attacker, attempted to get one player his 50th goal.
That says a lot about how the coach values offense over team play, and the Hockey Gods frown on that sort of behaviour. The message sent wasn't lost on the players, even if subliminally. Goal scoring is more important than 2-way play. Now, the playoffs are here, and the offense has all but dried up. Coincidence ???
A true glimpse of hope and excitement enters everytime McManus hops over the boards. When the other lines consist of Maggio, Wright, Harrison and Christopoulos, that’s a problem.
Kitchener has Maggio shut down. Harrison, well *shrug* I don’t have an excuse on that one.
The team seems rather emotionless. Even with the little scrums, it’s like they’re organized. It’s like ”go out there and push some bodies around”.
Emotional players can put you shorthanded and can make dumb mistakes when emotions take over. At this point, I’ll take anything. No pressure on Dionicio, but he’s the only excuse we have that we can look to for hope and a change of the tides.
Game 1 was a damn, we got beat, through and through. What can we learn for game 2.
Game 2, nothing. Nothing was learned.
Game 3. Onuska? FFS. If you wanna let him get in one more OHL Game I play him game 4.
How are you going to punish Costanzo for his effort tonight? You could’ve put me out there for what Costantini saw and I would’ve had a shut out too. Kitchener played stellar in front of him. Look at the odd man rushes we gave the Rangers.
Game 2 had nothing to do with poor goaltending. Game 3 will.
The team seems rather emotionless. Even with the little scrums, it’s like they’re organized. It’s like ”go out there and push some bodies around”.
Emotional players can put you shorthanded and can make dumb mistakes when emotions take over. At this point, I’ll take anything. No pressure on Dionicio, but he’s the only excuse we have that we can look to for hope and a change of the tides.
Game 1 was a damn, we got beat, through and through. What can we learn for game 2.
Game 2, nothing. Nothing was learned.
Game 3. Onuska? FFS. If you wanna let him get in one more OHL Game I play him game 4.
How are you going to punish Costanzo for his effort tonight? You could’ve put me out there for what Costantini saw and I would’ve had a shut out too. Kitchener played stellar in front of him. Look at the odd man rushes we gave the Rangers.
Game 2 had nothing to do with poor goaltending. Game 3 will.
The most talented 8th seed ever is like being the tallest midget. You're still a midget and Kitchener regardless if draft picks and talent was still an 8th seed.
TheGremlin
Registered User
Flipping thru channels and came across the game replay. Noticed on the 4th goal they left sop all alone in front of Joey. All 4 Windsor guys were at hash marks or higher. Who teaches these guys how to kill penalties. It’s like they all forgot how to play fundamental hockey.
This series also showing that an all offensive team will struggle when playing a good defensive structured team. Some think you don’t need defense to win games cause they almost won last year. Kitchener showing it really helps when you have it and buy into it.
This series also showing that an all offensive team will struggle when playing a good defensive structured team. Some think you don’t need defense to win games cause they almost won last year. Kitchener showing it really helps when you have it and buy into it.
All 4 goals, the goal scorer was wide open and cleanly beat Costanzo. Kitchener is totally outplaying Windsor. My gut reaction is that Windsor is playing bad, but in reality Kitchener is just beating Windsor with better play. The second goal was due to a Windsor turnover, but the turnover was created by tenacious forechecking and Windsor could not get the puck out of their zone. Even though the Kitchener goalie had a shutout, it was his defense that earned it. Windsor got very few clean looks and no rebounds.
Kitchener was in 8th or 9th place at the trade deadline, and it surprised me that they were buyers. After the deadline, I thought Kitchener would finish top 4 or 5. The team never seed to jell until the last two games. The poor play that Windsor is going through started in February. They had a 9 game win streak broken by London on Family Day and they spiraled out of control since then. The only reason they finished 1st is because they had a huge lead over Sarnia, and Sarnia almost caught them, and London struggled as much as Windsor did.
The results of the two playoffs games disappointed me very much, but I am not shocked by it. The signs were there, but I was hoping Windsor would right the ship and play like they did prior to Family Day.
On Tuesday, they will have 2 players out with injury and 1 on suspension. When you consider that Abraham, a very good player, has missed at least half the season and the Spits still finished 1st. Spellacy is a 16 year old 4th liner, whom I expect big things from over the next few years, but is a 4th liner. Morneau is a 18 yo rookie that plays 3rd or 4th line. None of the 3 are in the top 6 forwards. Abraham would have been, but the team was very successful in his absence. While I would like to have all three instead of their replacements, they haven't been key members of the team. I don't know why Kitchener is dominating them so bad, but it is not injuries. I think the officiating might have something to do with it though. The Officials kept giving Kitchener penalties so they could score shorties.
Rubbers29
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- Jan 9, 2012
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I see a lot of ragging on Onuska starting game 3. Has anyone looked at his playoff record through minor midget? Regardless of reg season struggles, show me a goalie that has out performed him when it matters.
OHLTG
Registered User
Some thoughts on this one...
- Full props to Kitchener. They were as good defensively as you'll see. Any real chances on Costantini were stifled real fast.
- Windsor's PP was atrocious. How do you... not only go 0-6, but allow 2 SHG? Something has to change.
- None of this was on Costanzo. He's played very well, all things considered.
- You don't want to see Maggio fighting but he's had enough and I appreciate the fire in the belly. Hopefully now we'll see guys like Jodoin, McManus, Holmes, whoever do the same. It's great that your captain wants to take charge but he shouldn't be fighting. If I'm in that room, I'm coming out guns-a-blazin on Tuesday. Strangely, this is where O'Flaherty would have been very handy.
- I'm almost happy the club isn't content with how tonight went. They're not accepting the poor and have a strong desire to change it.
- Onuska starting G3 doesn't surprise me. Costanzo has played well but they need that kick in the...
- Man, Dionicio is going to be a huge help on Tuesday.
- This wasn't officiating, it wasn't a lack of depth, it was simply a Rangers' club who wanted it more. Now, can Windsor respond?
- Oh... did I read people calling for Savard's firing? Tell me I'm wrong, please? He's the best coach they've had in years. This isn't on him. Let's not bruise some ankles jumping off the bandwagon.
- Full props to Kitchener. They were as good defensively as you'll see. Any real chances on Costantini were stifled real fast.
- Windsor's PP was atrocious. How do you... not only go 0-6, but allow 2 SHG? Something has to change.
- None of this was on Costanzo. He's played very well, all things considered.
- You don't want to see Maggio fighting but he's had enough and I appreciate the fire in the belly. Hopefully now we'll see guys like Jodoin, McManus, Holmes, whoever do the same. It's great that your captain wants to take charge but he shouldn't be fighting. If I'm in that room, I'm coming out guns-a-blazin on Tuesday. Strangely, this is where O'Flaherty would have been very handy.
- I'm almost happy the club isn't content with how tonight went. They're not accepting the poor and have a strong desire to change it.
- Onuska starting G3 doesn't surprise me. Costanzo has played well but they need that kick in the...
- Man, Dionicio is going to be a huge help on Tuesday.
- This wasn't officiating, it wasn't a lack of depth, it was simply a Rangers' club who wanted it more. Now, can Windsor respond?
- Oh... did I read people calling for Savard's firing? Tell me I'm wrong, please? He's the best coach they've had in years. This isn't on him. Let's not bruise some ankles jumping off the bandwagon.
SpitfireHabs1
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Never said he was an option, did I anywhere? I was just pointing out some facts just In case your delusional and want Onuska in the net for game 3.
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SpitfireHabs1
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You haven't watched Spitfires hockey this season then, or your eyes have been closed so I guess discussing hockey with you is pointless. O could have came in and made 20 saves in the third and that still would not have put enough confidence in myself and most fans to start him. He has No Confidence out there you can just see it all season and he let's in weak goals every game. Let's just say Rangers would have a few days to find his weaknesses/tendencies before game #3 and there sure is a hell of a lot. This is a team issue there's a lack of care, passion and a will to win, if marc Savard want to use Costanzo as his scape Goat like he did Medina last season then that's on him, Savard and Bowler are the guys running this show.
SpitfireHabs1
Registered User
Your preaching to the choir, instead of trying to pick up defensive players at the deadline and before, we went with the Maple leafs approach and went all in on Offence. As you can see in any hockey league that it's a horrible strategy, add in Savard is one minded, always has been. We lose and we follow it up with trying to score even more, add in Savard and his delusional 1a and 1b, there should have been a goalie picked up Period. Now were left with a JR B OA goalie and a young inexperienced goalie. Kind of a stupid gameplan. They said we were "Going for it" but they didnt go all in, they shot our future in the foot and did not address are weaknesses and flaws at the deadline and now were paying for it. We have the same approach as last year but thing is we aren't as strong offensively as last season, let's just hope for our spitfires that the lights come on soon and they fill the net, were going to need 5 or 6 on Tuesday if O is in the net.
OHLTG
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SpitfireHabs1
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I will give Savard his flowers. I do appreciate him Coaching us to a Western Conference Championship and OHL Finals last year and for the season we've had this year, exceeding most people's expectations forsure. But that being said I will be glad to see a replacement when Savard moves up and on to the pro ranks. Just never been a style of his game plan and that was before he was here coaching. The run and gun offense gameplan isnt something I like watching. It's not going to win us a Mem cup period. Again i do appreciate what Savard has done and got nothing against him as a person and he was a hell of a player too. It's just some fans dont like watching that type of hockey. It's easy to strategize against.
SpitfireHabs1
Registered User
Seriously? I like Dionicio but he is 80 percent offence, there literally playing him at forward haha, he sacrifices defence for offence alot. I like him but doesn't scream defensive defenseman to me and Holmes is a 2 way D, who was a solid pick up but again not by any means a shut down defense. they needed to pick up a nasty defensive defenseman like a Sobolev but better and definitely needed to pick up a better goalie, there was a better option then O.
Agree with pretty much everything that you have written so here are some of my thoughts.
No question Kitchener has been the better team 2 straight games and Windsor has failed to respond in every area,admittedly didn't see it coming after going 6-1 the last 7 games of the season before losing the finale of the season to London in a nothing game after clinching the division and conference the night before in London,losing Dionicio and DeAngilis that weekend hurt,I did say that Dionicio and others should have been sat out the last game and Windsor hasn't been the same,atrocious power play after being 2nd in the season,just a terrible time for the team and many players struggling,not going to pin this on Costanzo, only given up 4 even strength goals in 2 games.
That being said, I can see the goaltending change being made by Savard,putting Onuska in now for game 3,and while I have roundly criticized Onuska's play this season and for the most part it's been deserved, for me he starts on a clean slate,with his start in game 3 at Kitchener, he is from nearby Waterloo, he did go 3-0 vs Kitchener this season, including a win at Kitchener, he did win 4 out of 5 last year vs Kitchener in round 2,its his chance to help right this sinking ship.
Everyone will have to play better on this team especially the best players,Dionicio should help,team needs to get back that swagger prior to the playoffs,PP has to improve no question, no more shorties.
They surpassed my expectations during the regular season greatly, and so far have disappointed in the playoffs just as greatly.
Still believe in one game at at time no matter how achieved
Changes I would like to see,obviously Dionicio will be back in and I would slot him in everywhere, PP and PK you name it,I would move Jodoin up to the 3rd line,drop Smith to the 4th with McManus and I would put 6'6" forward Ethan Martin in the lineup to fill the 4th line,Smith's play unfortunately during the playoffs warrants 4th line assignment, I am thinking he is playing more hurt then let on,one thing I have noticed he is not firing the puck,he is finessing it,and that for the most part not his game.
Should note Martin like Onuska is from the area should be amped up then
Players coming out would be 16 year old rookies Cole Davis(F) and Carson Woodall (D) not because of poor play,actually been impressed with both,and feel both have bright futures here moving on.
Windsor has won here in Kitchener before in fact dating back to last year's playoffs now 4 straight, Game 3 and 4 last year's playoffs,lets see how things turn out,get 1 then things may get interesting.
Control your destiny, and yes it won't be easy I have not lost faith yet,broken record time, 1 game at a time.
He didn’t do anything last year.
Team was a different beast. Lots of heart. He actually lost it for us in game 4 against Hamilton
Teflon
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- Jan 6, 2018
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Ok so i decided to marinate on my thoughts and rewatch some minutes before i commented. To start, you guys remember me saying the team needed grit? Well imho this team is not only small but soft! They were manhandled all night long and in fact the guys looked scared to engage. They have nothing for the physicality of kitch. Nothing is flowing, very few quality scoring chances and even fewer puck battles being won. BB did this team a dis-service by not adding the nasty player or 2 i requested and frankly its likely just cost them the season. Yea im gonna get heat for this, i spoke with a number of knowledgeable folks and to a man they agree. Series is over for windsor! Kitchener was the far superior team in both games, they won every measurable stat and the game plan of getting dirty has done its job. This is the kind of mistake that gets people fired except half the damn front office is family or to deeply ensconced to be fired. BB went all in grabbing Wright and its going to cost a future pain in the ass for little to no gain. You cannot build a team this small and soft without a few caretakers! Savard and crew has been out coached by a mile, this may derail his future aspirations fir a while. Many told me to relax, Dionicio would be the toughness needed! Where is he, and where is any player willing to stand up and say no more??? Injuries and suspensions are excuses nothing more. Seen alot of hockey and this is as close to total domination ive seen for some time. Team was built, dare i say it, like the leafs. Stats and offence without addressing team toughness and size. I actually felt sorry for our guys last night, total physical domination is not easy to play against. Our guys actually got laughed at numerous times by kitch players, pinelli has a guy with him all game that addresses anyone even looking at him sideways. This is old school hockey being played to newer penalty standards. Not that penalties concern kitch. Long winded sorry and yep prepared to catch some heat but its my take (and quite a few others) on a sad story shaping up. If this goes the way its looking heads should roll, 1 seeds dont loose to 8 unless mistakes were made!!
Yes i really do hope im wrong id like nothing better than to eat crow!!
Yes i really do hope im wrong id like nothing better than to eat crow!!
ohloutsider
Registered User
Holy Crap that was ugly!
Coaches of a1 seed losing to an 8 seed don't get a second glance in the NHL. Maybe an assistant in the AHL but is that what Savard wants? Off season will be interesting on that front.
Peer has being trying to skate his way through players all year and coughing up the puck, cost them big time last night. He was actually benched for awhile but nothing changed when he was out after.
Your 2nd and 3rd lines must be better. Mailet and Christopoulos must be better. Kitchener is doing a great job of shutting down the first line. So lines 2 and 3 have to/must be better.
Others have eluded to it but the signs were there. This team has never really put it together since the trade deadline. They have been streaky and shown signs but then they have also had some ugly losing streaks mixed in. They have run out of options. Must win is all they have left or they are done for it.
Bright side - Christoforo and Sobelev have been good. I've also been OK with Wrights play. He just needs someone on his line to step it up.
And of the course the other bright side we can watch Kitchener take out London in the second round.
Lastly credit to Kitchener. Out played and out coached Windsor and it hasn't even been close. Picked the right time of year to put it together.
Go Spits Go!!!
Coaches of a1 seed losing to an 8 seed don't get a second glance in the NHL. Maybe an assistant in the AHL but is that what Savard wants? Off season will be interesting on that front.
Peer has being trying to skate his way through players all year and coughing up the puck, cost them big time last night. He was actually benched for awhile but nothing changed when he was out after.
Your 2nd and 3rd lines must be better. Mailet and Christopoulos must be better. Kitchener is doing a great job of shutting down the first line. So lines 2 and 3 have to/must be better.
Others have eluded to it but the signs were there. This team has never really put it together since the trade deadline. They have been streaky and shown signs but then they have also had some ugly losing streaks mixed in. They have run out of options. Must win is all they have left or they are done for it.
Bright side - Christoforo and Sobelev have been good. I've also been OK with Wrights play. He just needs someone on his line to step it up.
And of the course the other bright side we can watch Kitchener take out London in the second round.
Lastly credit to Kitchener. Out played and out coached Windsor and it hasn't even been close. Picked the right time of year to put it together.
Go Spits Go!!!
TheGremlin
Registered User
That’s easy. Luke Cavallin in last years playoffs. If the Spits had Cavallin I’m sure they win it all last year
punch1943
Registered User
Not much point in crying over spilt milk. At this point you dance with who you brought. Play the same goaltender. This team will play much better from now on. Do I expect them to win the series? Hell yes they are the better team.
I find it odd that over the last 2 games with interviews and post game interviews, all of our top players have been sampled. Everyone one of them says the exact same thing. " we need to play alot harder" so if individually they are all aware of that fact all spoken from their own mouths, then collectively why isn't it happening? Forchecking??? Was that outlawed in the OHL if you are a Spitfire? Seems like it. Spits be good in a non contact league.
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