Windsor Spitfires 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 6)

[TheGremlin]

If Joey was in net Spits would have won that game. Onuska was bad on the last 3 goals. The 5th was gad awful.
Sarina did not look that good in their own end . Not as strong as I thought they were. Spits had plenty of grade A chances. 3 posts and 6 goals so they can be beat, just not tonight. London looked better so it is going to be interesting.

Ya the Soblev penalty was real odd? Sarina player charges at him, Soblev ducks and he gets called. strange call for sure . Other than that game was called fairly well .
JRb players played very well. Definitely not out of place. some good prospects in the pipeline for next year.
Yes Christoforo threw a hit . There is hope for the D yet!
Tough weekend but now the boys get some well deserved rest .

Go Spits Go!!!

Or if sarnia had Gaudreau in net this game wouldn’t have been close. If both starters played i think sarnia still wins this game.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

If Joey was in net Spits would have won that game. Onuska was bad on the last 3 goals. The 5th was gad awful.
Sarina did not look that good in their own end . Not as strong as I thought they were. Spits had plenty of grade A chances. 3 posts and 6 goals so they can be beat, just not tonight. London looked better so it is going to be interesting.

Ya the Soblev penalty was real odd? Sarina player charges at him, Soblev ducks and he gets called. strange call for sure . Other than that game was called fairly well .
JRb players played very well. Definitely not out of place. some good prospects in the pipeline for next year.
Yes Christoforo threw a hit . There is hope for the D yet!
Tough weekend but now the boys get some well deserved rest .

Go Spits Go!!!

Blaming Onuska and saying they win with Costanzo is losing the plot. Costanzo gave up 2 goals in the 3rd correct? Onuska kept the team in it as long as he could until the defense faltered again. Why is this a goaltending discussion and not about the D? 235 goals given up. One of the worst defensive teams was the 07 squad with 311. This squad will probably give up between 260-270 so 40 to 50 off that mark. That's absolutely dreadful. The team still thinks they can outscore their problems.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

How’s our best forward a defensemen? Lol
Dionicio is something else. I hope we get another year of that kid here.

Castle stepped up tonight, which was much needed. Hope he can soon match his production in Niagara at least.

If Costanzo starts it’s a different game. I don’t hate Onuska, just Joey has been so much better, consistently. Onuska deserves some time, but it makes no sense to be rotating goalies, and then play the one that has a full goal higher GAA against a 3rd place team.

Liked McManus quite a bit. Went with Mast despite a 6” height difference and somehow got someone to fight him while he was in a cage lol. Smaller stature, not afraid to mix it up, makes some hits and looks good in the corners. Only thing I hate is he’s an 03’.

Guys coming out of Jr. B shouldn’t be positively standing out more than Colton Smith. I don’t know if I’ve seen a more frustrating player here since Connor Chatham

 

[OHLTG]

Ok, a few thoughts...

- If you score six, you better end up with the two points. Instead, we got this...

Goal 1 - left completely open blocker side. No chance for Onuska.
Goal 2 - shot from the point that I think Onuska should have had.
Goal 3 - Kyrou point shot that I don't know if Onuska even saw it.
Goal 4 - Left all alone at the top of the crease. The dude had enough time to order a pizza.
Goal 5 - Flubbed play at the blue line , pass to Voit, and he's alllll alone.
Goal 6 - D-man misses his assignment at the line and it's a 2-on-1 that's buried.

I'd blame the goalies for one, maybe two at most. The D fell asleep and something has to change. Even after, Savard said the change was for a spark. Full credit to Sarnia for being that offensive and taking advantage of opportunities but.. man...

- Dionicio is a beast. Period.
- I really like what I saw from McManus. He's not big but is quick and has no fear. Going after Mast is gutsy and not at all what I expected. I'd like to see more of him.
- I don't remember a player having two points and still being a -4. That's kind of impressive (Maggio).
- Whether we like it or not, the depleted lineup is a factor. You've gone from Harrison/Peer/Abraham/Spellacy to McManus/Birkett/Jodoin. While I liked McManus' game and Jodoin is a great utility guy... that's a LOT of talent that's on the shelf right now. They lose someone new every game and it's taxing on a lineup and the coaching staff. They're playing their guts out right now and props to them for that... but it's a factor. Hopefully we can get them healthy asap.
- I DO find it amusing that people were harping on Maggio for getting points. "OH, did Maggio get an assist on that? Go figure!" We've literally got the league leader in points and people are finding a way to moan? Man, we really can't have nice things, eh...
- It's not a great loss by any stretch but you learn from it and push forward. They're still just two back of London and lots of time to get those back. With no games until next weekend, time to heal, figure out what's going wrong, and fix it.
-

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

Blaming Onuska and saying they win with Costanzo is losing the plot. Costanzo gave up 2 goals in the 3rd correct? Onuska kept the team in it as long as he could until the defense faltered again. Why is this a goaltending discussion and not about the D? 235 goals given up. One of the worst defensive teams was the 07 squad with 311. This squad will probably give up between 260-270 so 40 to 50 off that mark. That's absolutely dreadful. The team still thinks they can outscore their problems.

It's the way Onuska let's the goals in tho and when he does let in those goals. Defense is shit, no argument from me or anyone from anywhere and yes we are injured up front, But Both goalies with the same players if front of them. Onuska let's in deflating weak goals pretty much every game, that's facts. There were 2 or 3 last night on him, needed to be stopped Period and when your coming into a 5-1 game against a far superior team and the players are deflated and going thru the motions, Costanzo was just thrown into the shit show and expected to change something, bo he should have started, The shipped sailed with our chances for a win when Savard continues to play his personal favourites and his undeserving beloved Playoff starting "1A" Goalie. It's a slap in the face to the fans. Joey is the better goalie and 3 years younger, it's cut and dry who is the starter, Savard has a personal Agenda he is sticking to or Onuska's family must have some kind of ransom on Savard or something. Because at this point there's nothing else it can be. Hinging our teams success on an Overage goalie who is barely an OHL goalie, its mind bottling. Dont think it would have mattered if we had a full team, would have been out coached and as of late out willed. Play as a damn team, look at Vegas in the NHL after the expansion draft, you dont need allstar offensive teams that can only score, need players to have roles and Play to those roles, play as a well oiled machine and play systems, when a team plays as one and for the logo of the chest anything can happen. Dont care how many offensive players we have and how many goals we score we didnt outscore our eventual demise last season and wont again, I dont see savard changing to much as well, so let's hope that this team somehow starts to score 6+ a game again because I dont believe defense is an option in our gameplan.

Things need to change. There is skill on this team and proved early in the year we could compete with the best but now were seeing teams have adapted and gotten better, it's time to do the same.

 

[ohloutsider]

Or if sarnia had Gaudreau in net this game wouldn’t have been close. If both starters played i think sarnia still wins this game.

Spits have lit up Gaudreau in the past so not sure he would have made that much of a difference. Any how speculation. The game is played on the ice and Spits lost so that is the reality.

 

[ohloutsider]

Blaming Onuska and saying they win with Costanzo is losing the plot. Costanzo gave up 2 goals in the 3rd correct? Onuska kept the team in it as long as he could until the defense faltered again. Why is this a goaltending discussion and not about the D? 235 goals given up. One of the worst defensive teams was the 07 squad with 311. This squad will probably give up between 260-270 so 40 to 50 off that mark. That's absolutely dreadful. The team still thinks they can outscore their problems.

nobody arguing the Spits D, they are bad. Joey has the much better numbers so why would you not start him in an important game? He is a goal a game better and he looked solid against London. Why would you not reward that with a nights rest in-between games, baffling?
The surprise to me was Stings D? They did not look very good in that game. I think they have their own issues as well.
Spits and Sting need to get out of the first round before we start worrying about who plays who in the second round!

 

[Bob P]

I blame this loss on Savard by not having Costanzo start. Coaching is a big reason they won’t finish in first . Savard is losing the respect of the fans, I heard many discussing Savard’s goalie choice in the intermissions.

Anyways , Sarnia is nothing special, we had a depleted lineup and playing 3 in 3, and still scored 6 and outshot them 39-30 going with basically 2 lines. With a full lineup and equal rest the Spitifres would beat this Sarnia team in a playoff series. Maggio and Wright played 30+ minutes the last few games and were exhausted.

I agree Sarnia played a very sloppy game after being up 5-1 they laid back and let a very good Spit team catch up. If Letang was behind the bench this would not have happened.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

I’ve liked Savard, and am thankful he took last years team to the finals and put this team in a position to buy.

However, I agree with the Onuska thing, there has to be some favoritism for one reason or another. With Smith I imagine it’s some relation to DK.

Smith isn’t a terrible player, his production is beyond what Meidema’s was and he doesn’t have the same hype around him. I believe his numbers are superior to his skill level, which is great. But has anybody watched him play a shift he doesn’t score on? He’s the 10th man back in the zone, and when he’s in our zone he’s floating around aimlessly. In a rare moment he was one of 3 guys in our zone last night and took a hooking penalty instead of skating.

Consequences? He gets to take the offensive face off with a minute 30 in the game, loses it cleanly and it almost ices the game immediately. That point is moot given the out come, but how are you putting Colton out there on a draw over Maillet and Morneau? Or wright. Or Maggio. Or, etc etc.

I know we only gave up a 4th? But if it doesn’t work move along. “Oh He brings physicality”? I’ve seen more of that from 5’10” McManus and Cole Davis.

I don’t want him to struggle, but his play is just flat out lazy, and I don’t know how he’s playing over half these guys especially when our lineup is so depleted.

We’re 60 games in, play the players that are out their earning ice time and proving they’re deserving of what they get.

We have one overager that’s a middle of the pack D man. Turnover machine, but provides offense and is responsible without the puck.

We have one overager that deserves all the offensive minutes he can handle, and he’s getting them. He’s leading the league in points, playing a physical game (for him/his style) and was awarded with the C

And We have one overager that’s a back up goalie. The end.

 

[hockeylegend11]

nobody arguing the Spits D, they are bad. Joey has the much better numbers so why would you not start him in an important game? He is a goal a game better and he looked solid against London. Why would you not reward that with a nights rest in-between games, baffling?
The surprise to me was Stings D? They did not look very good in that game. I think they have their own issues as well.
Spits and Sting need to get out of the first round before we start worrying about who plays who in the second round!

Agree with pretty much everything that you wrote about, especially who started in goal last night, no doubt should have have been Costanzo only rested guy,coming off a strong game vs London.
As others have stated,impressed with the debut of McManus ,quick skater and aggressive despite being only 5'10",spoke to couple of his La Salle teammates at game,said he was their toughest player,3rd fastest on team
behind Grenerio and Davis,pretty sure he will get more looks,seeing he can play 8 more games as an affiliate, agree too bad he is an 03,fact turned 20 recently, useful player.
What can you say about Dionicio, 4 points last night,9 in his last 4 games,till some of missing guys are back play him upfront especially with Sobolev back in the lineup, certainly has the size,skillset and shot to succeed.
So far he has 34 points in 26 games with 10G,and this year he is 4/6 on faceoffs to boot.
Costanzo got the loss, his 1st in regulation at home,felt bad for him,put in tough spot, me I will give him a mulligan this time,was a great comeback by the team, too bad they didn't get at least a point.
I would love to play Sarnia with them having 3 forwards averaging a point plus per game out,and Windsor missing just their 11th point player out like Sarnia did last night (Filiak) , in a back to back affair instead of 1 team playing back to to back Sarnia against the other team back to back to back,huge factors not excuses, kudos to Windsor showing heart and not giving up.
For me get healthy or healthier, start the right goalie and things will turn around.
It's not an easy conference and every team will have to battle to finish on top in the end,speaking more then standings.

 

[OHL 17]

No defense like usual.
When r they going to learn???

When you become coach!

 

[windsor7]

When you become coach!

Funny guy.
Thx for the confidence

 

[spits]

nobody arguing the Spits D, they are bad. Joey has the much better numbers so why would you not start him in an important game? He is a goal a game better and he looked solid against London. Why would you not reward that with a nights rest in-between games, baffling?
The surprise to me was Stings D? They did not look very good in that game. I think they have their own issues as well.
Spits and Sting need to get out of the first round before we start worrying about who plays who in the second round!

Agreed, after last night I think I rather play Sarnia than London. Sarnia is obviously really good, but the Spitfires don't quite generate that many scoring chances against London.

Savard said he hasn't looked at the standings in a while, well coach, you should take a look because Sarnia is getting closer, maybe if you look at the standings you'll change your mind on which goalie to have in net.

 

[ohloutsider]

Ya I heard a lot worse news on Peer last night so glad my info was wrong. Need these players to get healthy and back in the lineup. I still say a healthy team is more important than where they place in the standings. First is still nice but I'm ok with whatever if they are all back for the playoffs.

 

[windsor7]

Looks like London clinched their division..

 

[Teflon]

Again with the way the team played in front of Onuska im not sure you can fault him… the addition of that one player made a difference! BB made a major mistake not addressing that issue. Lets hope its not as costly as last years!!! Team needs to get healthy and stay that way. Problem being, without a guy to keep the BS limited i fear more injuries not less. Everyone needs to understand, management, players…. Its time to step up, stop allowing yourself to get pushed around, stop refusing to stick up for yourself and teammates and you alter the ability of opponents. Now they gotta play skilled hockey and thats where you best them. The sport still has a very physical edge to it and it needs to be a part of windsors game too!

 

[OHLTG]

On the plus side, with the positive additions from Jr B, the team could afford to lose Jodoin for a few games should something happen. Lose Jodoin, but call up Davis or McManus? Fine by me.

 

[windsor7]

On the plus side, with the positive additions from Jr B, the team could afford to lose Jodoin for a few games should something happen. Lose Jodoin, but call up Davis or McManus? Fine by me.

with the team so short handed, u cant lose someone for 4 games.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

On the plus side, with the positive additions from Jr B, the team could afford to lose Jodoin for a few games should something happen. Lose Jodoin, but call up Davis or McManus? Fine by me.

The problematic side of things is a couple of those guys you mentioned have 2 more playoff games with the Vipers this upcoming week since the lost game 3 tonight. So 2 games guaranteed and a chance of 3 since they play Wed/Fri/if necessary Sunday.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Agreed, after last night I think I rather play Sarnia than London. Sarnia is obviously really good, but the Spitfires don't quite generate that many scoring chances against London.

Savard said he hasn't looked at the standings in a while, well coach, you should take a look because Sarnia is getting closer, maybe if you look at the standings you'll change your mind on which goalie to have in net.

What he says makes complete sense. The reason it's gotten closer is because the Spits have lost 6 of 7. They are still up 6 points on Sarnia, and would hold any tiebreaker of ROW because they are +6 ROW. As long as the Spits won 4 more games they would surely finish first in the division. Unfortunately people are getting it twisted and getting hung up on the goaltenders. They rank 14th in total goals allowed, won't really improve in that overall could end up 16th at worst. When the focus is put on the goalies strictly it's letting the forwards and defense off the hook. It makes perfect sense though because people talk about how many goals the Spitfires score but nobody seems to notice how many goals they give up. The numbers from Onuska hasn't been good this year but the numbers from Costanzo haven't been good since the trade deadline.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Agreed, after last night I think I rather play Sarnia than London. Sarnia is obviously really good, but the Spitfires don't quite generate that many scoring chances against London.

Savard said he hasn't looked at the standings in a while, well coach, you should take a look because Sarnia is getting closer, maybe if you look at the standings you'll change your mind on which goalie to have in net.

Sarnias gained 8 points on Windsor in the last 10 games.

They currently sit 6 points back, with 9 games left and a game in hand on the Spits.

Maybe the focus should shift from “Are we going to have a chance to win the conference” to “can we hang on to win the division”

5 of our remaining games are against teams in the Top half of the Conference. (Saginaw (4), Guelph (5), Guelph(5), London(1), London(1))

Sarnia? 2 of their remaining 9 are against top half teams. Those two teams? Both 5th seed, Guelph & Hamilton.

Like I said When the Spits are winning, they continue winning. Once they start losing, they keep losing. We’re in a rough stretch, let’s just hope they dig out of it before playoffs, and they remember that winning is more fun.

 

[Purple Phart]

Costanzo got the loss, his 1st in regulation at home,felt bad for him

It was inevitable. All good things come to an end, but they usually suffer that fate when their record is touted repeatedly. Jinxed, just like mentioning "shutout" when a goalie is going into the 3rd period with zeros on the scoreboard, after 2.

 

[hockeylegend11]

What he says makes complete sense. The reason it's gotten closer is because the Spits have lost 6 of 7. They are still up 6 points on Sarnia, and would hold any tiebreaker of ROW because they are +6 ROW. As long as the Spits won 4 more games they would surely finish first in the division. Unfortunately people are getting it twisted and getting hung up on the goaltenders. They rank 14th in total goals allowed, won't really improve in that overall could end up 16th at worst. When the focus is put on the goalies strictly it's letting the forwards and defense off the hook. It makes perfect sense though because people talk about how many goals the Spitfires score but nobody seems to notice how many goals they give up. The numbers from Onuska hasn't been good this year but the numbers from Costanzo haven't been good since the trade deadline.

Rayzor

You are half right regarding Costanzo and his numbers since trade deadline,on the road he has struggled yes, at home he and the team have not.
7 games out of 18 since tradeline above 900 save percentage, but only 1 on the road,Onuska 6 games since trade deadline none 900 or above,in fact all 6 had 4 or more goals allowed, and in 10 of his last 11 starts only once did Onuska allow 3 goals,the other 10,4 or more.
Costanzo has allowed 5 or more goals this year 3 times in 30 starts,Onuska 10 in 29 starts.
Not much doubt who has been the better goalie all year and should be starting the majority of the games the rest of the way, Costanzo at 3.16 compared to 4.29 for Onuska no comparison
Should mention since trade deadline Windsor is 8-1-0-1 at home and 7-6-1 on the road.

 

[hockeylegend11]

with the team so short handed, u cant lose someone for 4 games.

I agree especially with the team shorthanded currently not having a regular player get suspended.
That being said took a look back at last year's record at the same time as the current one and here are the findings.
Last year after 60 games Windsor was 38-16-3-3-82 points,this year 38-16-4-2-82 points
GF- 269 last year,this year GF-283
GA- 226,last year this year GA-226
Home record last year-23-7-1-1
This year- 24-4-2-2
Road record last year-15-9-2-2
Road record this year-16-12-2-2
Big difference last year from games 54-60,injuries 1 key player Zito missed 3 games.this season same time stretch last 6 games 54-60,Abraham,4 games,Harrison 3 games,Sobolev 4 games,Peer 1 game.

 

[windsor7]

Rayzor

You are half right regarding Costanzo and his numbers since trade deadline,on the road he has struggled yes, at home he and the team have not.
7 games out of 18 since tradeline above 900 save percentage, but only 1 on the road,Onuska 6 games since trade deadline none 900 or above,in fact all 6 had 4 or more goals allowed, and in 10 of his last 11 starts only once did Onuska allow 3 goals,the other 10,4 or more.
Costanzo has allowed 5 or more goals this year 3 times in 30 starts,Onuska 10 in 29 starts.
Not much doubt who has been the better goalie all year and should be starting the majority of the games the rest of the way, Costanzo at 3.16 compared to 4.29 for Onuska no comparison
Should mention since trade deadline Windsor is 8-1-0-1 at home and 7-6-1 on the road.

if defense would play a lot better, the selected stats u stated would be lower..