Some thoughts on tonight...
- As expected, a ton of regulars out of Windsor's lineup. It gave the youngsters a good chance to get their feet wet.
- Froggett got the start and you could tell the nerves were there initially. He allowed a couple of early goals - one on a shot from about 40 feet and one off a draw. It's tough to say if they were screened but I'm sure he'd want them back, regardless. He settled down after that, making some impressive saves. The third goal was a shot off the end boards that bounced off his pad/skate and behind him. It's not a great one to allow but the D-man covering didn't get the Flint forward, either. That said, 34 saves on 37 shots and a second star isn't a bad way to end your first preseason game. He kept them in it and showed he's athletic enough to do what needs to be done.
- Jack Nesbitt is showing that he's not flashy but he gets the job done more times than not. He's a big kid who likes to get into the slot and use his size to his advantage. I believe he had one goal.
- Struthers is going to be a valuable asset if they use him correctly. He was all over the ice, creating offence where he could and creating havoc the rest of the time. He's pest-y, which I like.
- Ethan Martin is showing more confidence and comfort. While it takes him a bit to get up to speed, once he's there, he's set, showing some offence and some snarl. He was engaged multiple times and seemed to have no issues helping where necessary. That said... three or four minors? That's pushing it.
- Winegard and Woodall showed well on D. Woodall with the opening goal and played simple hockey. Winegard used his size on occasion. He's not overly quick, even for his size, but he seems to be decent enough with the intelligence and positioning to make up for that.
- Hjelholt and Manzo didn't look out of place. Hjeholt threw a few hits and Manzo played a very simple game, but they looked comfortable as the game went on.
- I believe the Spitfires were 6/6 on the PK. I know there are things to clean up but it's a nice start. So is 1/3 on the PP.
- I'm not even going to deny it - the music in there was LOUD tonight.
- It's one game and there's a ton to work on, but there was a lot to be positive about, too. Onto Flint on Sunday...
Just to piggyback on your comments re the game,team and results.
Nice start to the exhibition season when considering Spits had Costanzo, Deangelis, Dionicio, Christoforo, Peer,Christopoulos, Maillet, Davis not dressed, Flint the 2 Pitres,Ethan Hay,Nolan Damn,Tristan Bertucci and Nolan Jenken.in other words Windsor had their #1 goalie,top 3 D and 3 top forwards while Flint started their #1 goalie,and was missing 1 D and 2 top forwards.
Windsor was missing a total of 119 goals for from last year and 185 assists,Flint was without 74 goals and 109 assists.
As for the game a slow start score as Fint open the scoring by getting 2 past rookie starter Carter Froggett for Windsor, however he recovered by allowing only 1 goal the last 53 minutes of the game including facing 6 PP chances including 1 two man advantage, faced 39 shots on the night stopped 36,nice 1st start for the rookie 925 save percentage despite allowing 3 goals while Day for Flint allowed all 5 goals Windsor scored,Windsor went 1 for 3 on the PP, 6 for 6 on the PK,nice 133% combined for the special teams.
Defensively the team played especially the group of 6 on D,especially with 4 playing in their 1st OHL game.
Offensively team get 2 points each from Greentree, both assists,and 1G,1A each from Castle, and rookies Nesbitt and Kyler Morgan.
Excellent game from Castle, Nesbitt and Morgan, as well as forward Ryan Struthers who was outstanding both ways and involved in the play.
Tanner Winegard and Carson Woodall were solid on th D as well as other rookies Manzo,O!Dell and Hjelholt.
Thought Jodoin despite a great cwaysamp was the weakest overall of the D .
Froggett outstanding in fact named the 2nd star with Aiden Castle getting the1st one.
Always nice to see 11 players notch at least a point in a win instead of relying on just 1 line.
Too bad Colton Smith got hurt with a knee on knee collision had an ice bag and was limping post game.
Things to work on for sure, good win start preseason will be interesting to see how teams play today in Flint (4.00)
Add Smith to list of players not playing today,can see Grenerio in for him,and dman Lavigne in for Manzo or O'Dell if O'Dell is bothered from the shot he blocked with his ankle.
Michelone expected to start against his former team today with Costanzo backing up,as Froggett returns to home to London,as Spits are off schedule wise till Sept 20th.
Froggett will be back with his London B team on Wednesday as they play in LA Salle vs the Vipers and I am expecting he gets the start
Change in plans re starting goalie
Costanzo starts,Michelone is the backup