Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

[OHLTG]

I think they have shown they're not close to playoff caliber. If after 9 or 10 games you can see they're not playoff caliber then it was never meant to be. Maybe not really doing a legitimate coaching search reaps what it sows. Smith has to go and after this I don't see why you trust Bowler to make this hire.

On paper, they're good enough offensively and in goal to make the playoffs. Defensively, it might force them to a 7 or 8 slot, but that's still in.

How do I trust Bowler? He hired Savard. I don't think many fans would be upset if he returned.

Yes, I also heard tonight more players asked to be moved. The names I heard aren't exactly big producers though.

My guess, based strictly on body language and gut feeling, are guys like Castle and Colton Smith. Both have the ability to play top-six minutes but neither has shown it nearly enough. When you're dropping that far in the lineup and look like you're going through the motions on the ice, something is wrong.

Regarding the coaches - if anything happens, it'll be this week, not on a Sunday morning. They'll want to get their stuff together to make sure everything is set up before they make any announcement.

 

[windsor7]

On paper, they're good enough offensively and in goal to make the playoffs. Defensively, it might force them to a 7 or 8 slot, but that's still in.

How do I trust Bowler? He hired Savard. I don't think many fans would be upset if he returned.


My guess, based strictly on body language and gut feeling, are guys like Castle and Colton Smith. Both have the ability to play top-six minutes but neither has shown it nearly enough. When you're dropping that far in the lineup and look like you're going through the motions on the ice, something is wrong.

Regarding the coaches - if anything happens, it'll be this week, not on a Sunday morning. They'll want to get their stuff together to make sure everything is set up before they make any announcement.

On paper means nothing.
Dream world..

 

[Cherrydon]

Besides the coaching issues, another big issue is cards available. So many need releasing and players wanting out, it will get thinner. Struthers now at 13 games has a card if not already beforehand. Assests that bring a decent return. Peer, Greentree. Christoforo and Maillet stock is in a free fall. Not saying trade Greentree but is he wanting to stick around next year knowing it will liklely be another lean year. Spellacy probably wishes he pursued football. Davis and Woodall are super promising. There is such work to be done

 

[spits]

On paper, they're good enough offensively and in goal to make the playoffs. Defensively, it might force them to a 7 or 8 slot, but that's still in.

How do I trust Bowler? He hired Savard. I don't think many fans would be upset if he returned.


My guess, based strictly on body language and gut feeling, are guys like Castle and Colton Smith. Both have the ability to play top-six minutes but neither has shown it nearly enough. When you're dropping that far in the lineup and look like you're going through the motions on the ice, something is wrong.

Regarding the coaches - if anything happens, it'll be this week, not on a Sunday morning. They'll want to get their stuff together to make sure everything is set up before they make any announcement.

In your opinion do you think Smith should be getting the pink slip?

 

[OHLTG]

In your opinion do you think Smith should be getting the pink slip?

Honestly, I'm torn. At this point, they have to start getting some points as moral victories and "we have to figure things out" aren't helping anything. They're 21 games into this thing so something has to give. On the other hand, Smith has a very inexperienced bottom half of the roster, which isn't helping anything. I've seen both sides of the argument - those who want him fired yesterday and those who think he should see this through. Do I think he deserves to be fired? Not necessarily. Do I think something drastic has to change soon? Yes.

 

[Cherrydon]

My opinion is if all players were consistently putting in 60 minutes and the team loses. It is a roster issue alone. The fact that players like Smith, Castle and others are not only failing to give 100% game in an game out without punishment. That is on the coaching staff. Others exhibit the effort. Too many passengers. It is way to far gone to be an X vs O issue with game plan or line combos. Nothing is working.

 

[Section5Petes]

Always look forward to the Spitfires lone trip to the PMC every year

 

[windsor7]

Honestly, I'm torn. At this point, they have to start getting some points as moral victories and "we have to figure things out" aren't helping anything. They're 21 games into this thing so something has to give. On the other hand, Smith has a very inexperienced bottom half of the roster, which isn't helping anything. I've seen both sides of the argument - those who want him fired yesterday and those who think he should see this through. Do I think he deserves to be fired? Not necessarily. Do I think something drastic has to change soon? Yes.

Political answer.
Double sided..

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

Always look forward to the Spitfires lone trip to the PMC every year

Even more this year I bet after your Pete's curb stomp our Spitfires team into the ice. Everyone looks forward to the spitfires games at this point. Chance to improve the stat line.

 

[windsor7]

Always look forward to the Spitfires lone trip to the PMC every year

All stats will improve..

 

[Section5Petes]

Even more this year I bet after your Pete's curb stomp our Spitfires team into the ice. Everyone looks forward to the spitfires games at this point. Chance to improve the stat line.

All stats will improve..

Spits still have some dangerous weapons. I think it will be a good game

 

[OHLTG]

Spits still have some dangerous weapons. I think it will be a good game

I would LOVE if it was a good game. Windsor needs that more than anyone outside of the city realizes. It would be a monster confidence boost to this group. However... games tend to go like this:

- Windsor starts off well, gets a goal or two, but then allows one or two and it snowballs into a messy abyss of "make it stop."

- Windsor starts off poorly, gets a slight foot in the door, shoots themselves in said foot, the door is closed and the opposition nails it shut using a metallic 1,000 pound door.

I want to have faith that Windsor will figure this out. I really do. It's getting tougher by the week, though. They know there are issues and that those must be solved. How does it happen, though? Nobody has answered that yet outside of "just a hard week of practice and focusing on our defensive game."

 

[windsor7]

I would LOVE if it was a good game. Windsor needs that more than anyone outside of the city realizes. It would be a monster confidence boost to this group. However... games tend to go like this:

- Windsor starts off well, gets a goal or two, but then allows one or two and it snowballs into a messy abyss of "make it stop."

- Windsor starts off poorly, gets a slight foot in the door, shoots themselves in said foot, the door is closed and the opposition nails it shut using a metallic 1,000 pound door.

I want to have faith that Windsor will figure this out. I really do. It's getting tougher by the week, though. They know there are issues and that those must be solved. How does it happen, though? Nobody has answered that yet outside of "just a hard week of practice and focusing on our defensive game."

Organization done nothing..

 

[ohloutsider]

Organization done nothing..

I don't think you can say they have done nothing, just not sure they are doing the right things.

With approximately 4 cards left it does not leave much opportunity to move players. Even if you only get picks back you still need to bring a jb kid and that still will eat a card.

I actually think it will be after this road trip that decisions will be made that won't involve players.

 

[scokan]

I'm pretty sure as everyone has mentioned that Smith should be let go, some kind of new voice and shake up is definitely needed, but at the sametime its hard to find a good replacement this late in the year, and we all know that we dont want Billy back there.
Does anyone feel like there could be any animosity between Delmore and Smith since Delmore applied for HC aswell and obviously didn't get it?
Unfortunately and I hope I'm wrong is that Smith will remain HC for the foreseeable future, it's quite possible with the longevity Smith has with the organization he will be given the longest leash possible, it seems as though they rather save face with hiring Smith rather than do whats best for the organization.
looking forward to seeing how this upcoming road trip is gonna turn out hopefully it doesn't get to ugly

 

[spits]

I don't think you can say they have done nothing, just not sure they are doing the right things.

With approximately 4 cards left it does not leave much opportunity to move players. Even if you only get picks back you still need to bring a jb kid and that still will eat a card.

I actually think it will be after this road trip that decisions will be made that won't involve players.

What makes you think they're waiting until after the road trip on the coaching decisions? I guess it makes sense, if they go 1-4 or 0-5 it will make their decision easier. Although in my opinion the decisions should already be made, I can see why they could be dragging it on considering they just hired him.

Anyways so if they have 4 cards remaining that means they can still hypothetically trade 3 players and add one in return.

 

[hockeylegend11]

What makes you think they're waiting until after the road trip on the coaching decisions? I guess it makes sense, if they go 1-4 or 0-5 it will make their decision easier. Although in my opinion the decisions should already be made, I can see why they could be dragging it on considering they just hired him.

Anyways so if they have 4 cards remaining that means they can still hypothetically trade 3 players and add one in return.

I thinking they have 3 cards left not 4 could be wrong maybe by 1,but say if it's 3,theory wise they can trade 3 and get 3 in return to max out their 30 card allowance not your hypothetical dumping 3 and getting 1.

 

[OHLTG]

The only way you're doing three for one is if you trade them all for picks and get a warm body in return, which won't help anything. If Bowler's going to make trades, player are coming back. It might be guys like Outwater who have untapped potential, along with several picks, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[Petes1987]

Even more this year I bet after your Pete's curb stomp our Spitfires team into the ice. Everyone looks forward to the spitfires games at this point. Chance to improve the stat line.

That does not always happen. I remember in 1993. Windsor was in 15th place in a 16th league and Peterborough was 1st overall. The Spitfires had just fired their head coach, Wayne Maxner. The Spitfires won against Peterborough 6-5. Ending the Petes 11 game home winning streak. Your current general manager, Bill Bowler had 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points for Windsor. I know that because I have the program from the game where I marked down the goals and assists, as I always do.

 

[windsor7]

That does not always happen. I remember in 1993. Windsor was in 15th place in a 16th league and Peterborough was 1st overall. The Spitfires had just fired their head coach, Wayne Maxner. The Spitfires won against Peterborough 6-5. Ending the Petes 11 game home winning streak. Your current general manager, Bill Bowler had 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points for Windsor. I know that because I have the program from the game where I marked down the goals and assists, as I always do.

Have to fire the coach 1st n see whatever else happens..

 

[ohloutsider]

What makes you think they're waiting until after the road trip on the coaching decisions? I guess it makes sense, if they go 1-4 or 0-5 it will make their decision easier. Although in my opinion the decisions should already be made, I can see why they could be dragging it on considering they just hired him.

Anyways so if they have 4 cards remaining that means they can still hypothetically trade 3 players and add one in return.

It was approximately 4 cards and it may well be 3 cards as HL mentioned, so options are limited on moves and acquired players.

The reason why I can't see any staff movement until at least after this weekend are 2 fold. 1- 3 new players joined the Spits Thursday and they played 3 games without any practice time. You have to give the staff some time to practice and introduce their systems ( not sure you can call pond hockey a system). After this weekend everyone should be on board and it is easier to defend a move if we still have the same mess.

2 - as others mentioned Smith will have a very long lease. Hard for any GM to admit they messed up this soon and do the right thing. JS has been here a long time and if let go this quick would have little to no chance of finding a job in hockey anywhere else.

Longest losing streak I can remember was 11 games. I'm sure at some point there has been a longer 1 but once a team gets to 10 and beyond there has to be a reaction from the owners and a forcing of the GM's hand. That would be after this road trip. JS has to be feeling the pressure to win. Will they win, I'm not confident of that but you never know.


Now after I post this thought who knows and it could happen today.

 

[HockeyPops]

As I posted last week, I think it's only 2 cards remaining.

 

[ohloutsider]

As I posted last week, I think it's only 2 cards remaining.

Ya it could be, not like teams or the league make any effort to keep fans informed.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

It was approximately 4 cards and it may well be 3 cards as HL mentioned, so options are limited on moves and acquired players.

The reason why I can't see any staff movement until at least after this weekend are 2 fold. 1- 3 new players joined the Spits Thursday and they played 3 games without any practice time. You have to give the staff some time to practice and introduce their systems ( not sure you can call pond hockey a system). After this weekend everyone should be on board and it is easier to defend a move if we still have the same mess.

2 - as others mentioned Smith will have a very long lease. Hard for any GM to admit they messed up this soon and do the right thing. JS has been here a long time and if let go this quick would have little to no chance of finding a job in hockey anywhere else.

Longest losing streak I can remember was 11 games. I'm sure at some point there has been a longer 1 but once a team gets to 10 and beyond there has to be a reaction from the owners and a forcing of the GM's hand. That would be after this road trip. JS has to be feeling the pressure to win. Will they win, I'm not confident of that but you never know.


Now after I post this thought who knows and it could happen today.

I see it the opposite way. If you don't believe in this coaching staff, these new players haven't had a practice together yet. It would actually make more sense to get new people in and start with the new guys. Instead of keeping with status quo and hoping it gets better because that's all there really is. We haven't seen anything that gives us belief they will turn this around.

Smith shouldn't have that long of a leash. I don't think the idea of him losing his job and the possibility of him not finding a job again should be of the Spits concern. He's been with the organization for over a decade a now and has made plenty of money and has had plenty of job security. His connection to this organization shouldn't be held in high regard. If they continue to play poorly the bigger concern is losing the ones that pay the salaries for these coaches.

Like I said the playoffs are out of the discussion and that's a tough pill for the players and organization to swallow. Some of it is on the players but a lot of this is on coaches and management for not creating the environment for them to succeed.

 

[Cherrydon]

I see it the opposite way. If you don't believe in this coaching staff, these new players haven't had a practice together yet. It would actually make more sense to get new people in and start with the new guys. Instead of keeping with status quo and hoping it gets better because that's all there really is. We haven't seen anything that gives us belief they will turn this around.

Smith shouldn't have that long of a leash. I don't think the idea of him losing his job and the possibility of him not finding a job again should be of the Spits concern. He's been with the organization for over a decade a now and has made plenty of money and has had plenty of job security. His connection to this organization shouldn't be held in high regard. If they continue to play poorly the bigger concern is losing the ones that pay the salaries for these coaches.

Like I said the playoffs are out of the discussion and that's a tough pill for the players and organization to swallow. Some of it is on the players but a lot of this is on coaches and management for not creating the environment for them to

I agree. Smith put his head on the chopping block when he wanted the job. Goes with the territory. Look how many NHL Stanley cup champion coaches have been fired for the same reason. Unable to implement a game plan or control over the room with the roster they have. If the organization is worried he can't find a job some other capacity he shouldn't have been hired. Delmore must also be accountable for the defensive structure. It has been bad for a few years. Torres could take over. He has associate coach experience in the AHL, OJHL and head coach triple aaa. Maybe he is Bowler's trump card should Smith fail all along. He came from completely outside the organization. Maybe quiet on bench because he disagrees with what is going on himself.