Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

[OHLTG]

Some thoughts...

Goals against:

1 - Point shot, rebound to Lockhart who has an open cage. Mancini was the guy next to him, but had turned around.
2 - Gens' forward draws both his own man (Cristoforo) and the other D (Mancini) to the blocker side, then passes over to an open forward, who buries it past a diving Costanzo.
3 - D'Amato comes in on Costanzo, through a bit of a crowd, and puts it glove side. Costanzo got a piece but not enough.
4 - Gens' forward around the net, finds Rolofs out front, who buries it. Looked like Morneau was going for the player coming around the net, then realized Rolofs was open, but too late.
5/6 - EN

- When it's 3-3 with four minutes left and the shots are basically even, you're doing something right.
- Offensively, they had several chances they could have/should have capitalized on but sometimes you have to credit the goaltender. Oster played well.
- Defensively, two EN goals, one off the glove, and two defensive breakdowns from looking the wrong way. They weren't bad, but the little things are going to get you.
- Spellacy with a beauty goal tonight; not easy to score blocker side from that far out. If he can continue to use that speed, he's going to turn heads.
- Maillet with another big game. The odd thing is he's so quiet about it; gets a couple of opportunities and buries them but he's not flash and dash.
- It's weird - Cristoforo has fans that despise him. Any D can make a mistake, not a word. Cristoforo does the same thing, they're alllll over him. Cristoforo scores or gets a helper? Silence, which doesn't make much sense. I'd think you'd be happy when he does well. Unless you want him to fail? I'm starting to think it's personal lol hating someone for every move they make?! Heck, one goal against tonight they were all over him and it was Mancini who missed his guy. I guess when you hate someone that much, facts don't really matter?!
- Costanzo played well, outside of that glove-side goal I'm sure he'd love back.
- Windsor is 4-3 in their last seven and two of those losses were one-goal games until two EN tallies. People can hate on Bowler and Torres if it makes them feel better (Yes, I heard people yelling at Bowler after the fifth goal) but I'll take a 3-3 game with 5 minutes to go over a 7-1 after 40 minutes ANY night. You're not going to win every game but they're sure as heck competing.
- One more thing... if two guys want to go... let. them. go. Davis and Bodowski (sp?) were pushing, shoving, and talking... and dropped 'em. The officials immediately separated. Why? Two willing guys who want to get it out of their systems? Nah, can't have that. Pffft.

After the game, Torres said this is all part of the process. You're going to win games, and you're going to lose games like this. You have to find a way to turn a 3-3 game into two points, whether that's capitalizing on a breakaway or an odd man rush. That comes from learning and development. Like I said before, they were in this thing with four minutes to go. Did they make mistakes? Absolutely. Did they battle back? Definitely. Learn from this, move on to Flint. Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday. Let's have some fun for the kids around the region.

 

[punch1943]

I was afraid of that one but for the most part we played even. Hopefully we can get up for the Teddy bear toss this afternoon. A poor crowd last night ….very sad scheduling.

 

[windsor7]

I was afraid of that one but for the most part we played even. Hopefully we can get up for the Teddy bear toss this afternoon. A poor crowd last night ….very sad scheduling.

People spending their limited money elsewhere.. #product

 

[scokan]

- One more thing... if two guys want to go... let. them. go. Davis and Bodowski (sp?) were pushing, shoving, and talking... and dropped 'em. The officials immediately separated. Why? Two willing guys who want to get it out of their systems?

Davis only dropped the gloves once the linesman were right there to break it up. It was a good thing too cause that would have been real ugly for Davis.

 

[windsor7]

Windsor with a close game.
Had lots of shots.
Lots of offensive zone possibilities.
Defense wasn't sharp.
Little hitting.
Boxing out players would be nice to see.
3rd goal was the one the goalie wanted back. Others were no defensive help.
Different to see multi color helmets on opposition.
Some bad coaching decisions Bowler.
Onto getting up for a 4pm Sunday game to salvage the week. Bring back 2 pm Sunday games or just scrap them.

 

[windsor7]

Davis only dropped the gloves once the linesman were right there to break it up. It was a good thing too cause that would have been real ugly for Davis.

Absolutely. Best thing they did. He can be tough all he wants behind the linesman..

 

[ohloutsider]

If the last few games are an indicator you better be in your seats early. Spits have scored a lot of goals in the first couple of minutes of the game. ( Now that I post that it will be the 3rd period before the bears fly!)

I think Abraham breaks his slump in a big way and scores the TB goal.

 

[hockeylegend11]

If the last few games are an indicator you better be in your seats early. Spits have scored a lot of goals in the first couple of minutes of the game. ( Now that I post that it will be the 3rd period before the bears fly!)

I think Abraham breaks his slump in a big way and scores the TB goal.

Hope you are right about Abraham, only has 3 points in his last 13,and they were all in 1 game,including the penalty shot he had last night,should have scored 3 or 4 goals last night himself,doubt team would have lost had he potted a couple, the luckier team won last night not the better one,3 goal posts and their goalie Oster named deservedly the 3rd star outplayed Joey who should have stopped Oshawa's last 2 goals.
Spits now 2-1 in the last 3,4-3 last 7,with 5 on the road,I will take that anytime
Officiating more awful then usual,didn't help though it certainly showed the new coaching has worked,PK wise 6-6 last night,too bad 0-3 on the PP,plus the stopped penalty shot,since the change Spits are 20-21 in PK effiency that's 95.2%,while the PP is 5-22 effiency, 22.7%.
Should mention PP was 16.7% effiency 1st 21 games,and PK was 70.7% same time period.
It's why I am disappointed in those who criticize when there has been considerable improvement in most areas,goaltending especially Michelone, 1.33 in his last 3 starts 3-0 record,Costanzo overall 3.50 last 4 starts,compared to over 5.66 prior to the coaching change,he still needs to be better or more to the point consistent, 2 games 2.00 goals against other 2 starts 6 and 4 last night.
Players such as Smith and Abraham need to pick it up though admittedly Abraham played his best game by far last night should have had or 4 goals by games end last night.
Hopefully today he breaks out.
As for Smith his usual ghost like appearance 1 point in his last 13 not going to cut it.
Changes I would make today would be Struthers and Castle in upfront, Smith and Martin would come out,Castle being given 1 more chance to do something to show he wants to play here period,and Struthers to provide energy.
On D Winegard would draw in and Toms out, Toms wasn't terrible a minus 1 but didn't notice him last half of the game.
Winegard is a +3 in the games he has played since the coaching change.
Fully expect Michelone to start against former team Flint,who got blown out 7-1 to Saginaw at home in Flint last night.
Go Spits Go.

 

[windsor7]

Hope you are right about Abraham, only has 3 points in his last 13,and they were all in 1 game,including the penalty shot he had last night,should have scored 3 or 4 goals last night himself,doubt team would have lost had he potted a couple, the luckier team won last night not the better one,3 goal posts and their goalie Oster named deservedly the 3rd star outplayed Joey who should have stopped Oshawa's last 2 goals.
Spits now 2-1 in the last 3,4-3 last 7,with 5 on the road,I will take that anytime
Officiating more awful then usual,didn't help though it certainly showed the new coaching has worked,PK wise 6-6 last night,too bad 0-3 on the PP,plus the stopped penalty shot,since the change Spits are 20-21 in PK effiency that's 95.2%,while the PP is 5-22 effiency, 22.7%.
Should mention PP was 16.7% effiency 1st 21 games,and PK was 70.7% same time period.
It's why I am disappointed in those who criticize when there has been considerable improvement in most areas,goaltending especially Michelone, 1.33 in his last 3 starts 3-0 record,Costanzo overall 3.50 last 4 starts,compared to over 5.66 prior to the coaching change,he still needs to be better or more to the point consistent, 2 games 2.00 goals against other 2 starts 6 and 4 last night.
Players such as Smith and Abraham need to pick it up though admittedly Abraham played his best game by far last night should have had or 4 goals by games end last night.
Hopefully today he breaks out.
As for Smith his usual ghost like appearance 1 point in his last 13 not going to cut it.
Changes I would make today would be Struthers and Castle in upfront, Smith and Martin would come out,Castle being given 1 more chance to do something to show he wants to play here period,and Struthers to provide energy.
On D Winegard would draw in and Toms out, Toms wasn't terrible a minus 1 but didn't notice him last half of the game.
Winegard is a +3 in the games he has played since the coaching change.
Fully expect Michelone to start against former team Flint,who got blown out 7-1 to Saginaw at home in Flint last night.
Go Spits Go.

Teams make their own breaks. Play better and u win more.
Funny u r all over officials when Windsor doesn't get more pp. Didn't see u post about it when they were getting advantages other games. Shouldn't be shocked though..

 

[OHLTG]

Davis only dropped the gloves once the linesman were right there to break it up. It was a good thing too cause that would have been real ugly for Davis.

Davis has done nothing to show me he wouldn't have gone in that spot. The kid has been gutsy since day one.

Lookin' forward to the game today. Teddy Bear Toss is always one of my favourites. I'm very pro-405p start on Sundays. Makes my life easier haha

If I had to put someone in today, it would be Struthers for Smith, but that won't happen.

 

[windsor7]

Davis has done nothing to show me he wouldn't have gone in that spot. The kid has been gutsy since day one.

Lookin' forward to the game today. Teddy Bear Toss is always one of my favourites. I'm very pro-405p start on Sundays. Makes my life easier haha

If I had to put someone in today, it would be Struthers for Smith, but that won't happen.

Linesman did right decision.
Not everything about fights..

 

[ohloutsider]

Trade deadline 1 month from today. It will be a very different trade deadline this year for the Spits. Don't think you will see much "buying" this year.

Not overall a fan of the TB toss but I have other reasons for that view. It is good way to draw in new fans and families. Also I'm also a fan of the 4pm start. When I worked there had to be there by 10am for the 2pm start. Living out of town meant an early start to a Sunday. 4pm much better .

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

Just not enough to get it done last night. Costanzo needs to be sharper, has been a bit better but work still needs to be done, Michelone will get the deserved start today and hope for a strong showing from our players tonight. Need to see a strong follow up after a deflating 3rd period loss.

Just Hope to see a strong game and exciting game from our Spitfires on our Sunday. Dont want to keep the teddy bears in the stands too long. Need one of these players that our slumping to have a big game, and theres a good amount of players that need to take it up a couple notches, hope to see that in todays game.

Go Spits go!!

 

[windsor7]

Natural hatrick peer

 

[Cherrydon]

Some thoughts...

Goals against:

1 - Point shot, rebound to Lockhart who has an open cage. Mancini was the guy next to him, but had turned around.
2 - Gens' forward draws both his own man (Cristoforo) and the other D (Mancini) to the blocker side, then passes over to an open forward, who buries it past a diving Costanzo.
3 - D'Amato comes in on Costanzo, through a bit of a crowd, and puts it glove side. Costanzo got a piece but not enough.
4 - Gens' forward around the net, finds Rolofs out front, who buries it. Looked like Morneau was going for the player coming around the net, then realized Rolofs was open, but too late.
5/6 - EN

- When it's 3-3 with four minutes left and the shots are basically even, you're doing something right.
- Offensively, they had several chances they could have/should have capitalized on but sometimes you have to credit the goaltender. Oster played well.
- Defensively, two EN goals, one off the glove, and two defensive breakdowns from looking the wrong way. They weren't bad, but the little things are going to get you.
- Spellacy with a beauty goal tonight; not easy to score blocker side from that far out. If he can continue to use that speed, he's going to turn heads.
- Maillet with another big game. The odd thing is he's so quiet about it; gets a couple of opportunities and buries them but he's not flash and dash.
- It's weird - Cristoforo has fans that despise him. Any D can make a mistake, not a word. Cristoforo does the same thing, they're alllll over him. Cristoforo scores or gets a helper? Silence, which doesn't make much sense. I'd think you'd be happy when he does well. Unless you want him to fail? I'm starting to think it's personal lol hating someone for every move they make?! Heck, one goal against tonight they were all over him and it was Mancini who missed his guy. I guess when you hate someone that much, facts don't really matter?!
- Costanzo played well, outside of that glove-side goal I'm sure he'd love back.
- Windsor is 4-3 in their last seven and two of those losses were one-goal games until two EN tallies. People can hate on Bowler and Torres if it makes them feel better (Yes, I heard people yelling at Bowler after the fifth goal) but I'll take a 3-3 game with 5 minutes to go over a 7-1 after 40 minutes ANY night. You're not going to win every game but they're sure as heck competing.
- One more thing... if two guys want to go... let. them. go. Davis and Bodowski (sp?) were pushing, shoving, and talking... and dropped 'em. The officials immediately separated. Why? Two willing guys who want to get it out of their systems? Nah, can't have that. Pffft.

After the game, Torres said this is all part of the process. You're going to win games, and you're going to lose games like this. You have to find a way to turn a 3-3 game into two points, whether that's capitalizing on a breakaway or an odd man rush. That comes from learning and development. Like I said before, they were in this thing with four minutes to go. Did they make mistakes? Absolutely. Did they battle back? Definitely. Learn from this, move on to Flint. Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday. Let's have some fun for the kids around the region.

Yes. Cristoforo has recently picked it up. In the last 5 games, 4 pts and a zero but -7 over last 10 games. -20 for season as the leading points defenseman for the team. That is what draws the criticism from many. It is still problematic. Mancini is +4 over the same stretch of 5 games +2 last 10, but I'm surprised of the lack of offense from Mancini. 0 points last 10 games. Tom's -1 last 5 but -12 last 10 games also 0 points. The team defensive structure is vastly improved just thought vets Tom's and Mancini would chip in some points while still playing their position.

First period was all the OP show! Always soft spot for me watching the Teddy Bear toss knowing it will bring smiles to lots of kids.

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

Im good with keeping Peer for the season and his whole OHL Career. Diamond in the rough, Has the Speed and Dynamic ability to make it to the pro level but also has to improve on some things. Been a good spitfire & fan favorite. But if the offer is right then would understand making the move.

Good first period all together, get ready for a strong firebirds start to the 2nd and get thru it, play sound two-way hockey. Michelone continues his solid play, confidence is showing and hopefully only continues.

#FearThePeer
Go Spits Go!!

 

[punch1943]

Im good with keeping Peer for the season and his whole OHL Career. Diamond in the rough, Has the Speed and Dynamic ability to make it to the pro level but also has to improve on some things. Been a good spitfire & fan favorite. But if the offer is right then would understand making the move.

Good first period all together, get ready for a strong firebirds start to the 2nd and get thru it, play sound two-way hockey. Michelone continues his solid play, confidence is showing and hopefully only continues.

#FearThePeer
Go Spits Go!!

Hope he gets 5. His value for Jan 10th is climbing with every goal.

 

[ohloutsider]

Abraham gets the TB goal!

Sorry fact-checking, he is 3 goals too late!

 

[windsor7]

Hope he gets 5. His value for Jan 10th is climbing with every goal.

Get that value up to trade away along with a few others. Bowler!!

 

[Cherrydon]

Thank you Michelone. The Spits D tonight was back to horrible. Obviously great game offensively by Peer and Greentree. Zhugin really becoming a factor. Nice for Abraham to get off the snide. Bottom line if we got average goaltending tonight or they had average goaltending we lose. Time to tighten the belt again. Honeymoon with new coaching is over. Tim to show it every night.

 

[windsorduster19]

Nesbitt a healthy Scratch? 2 games ago he scored a PP goal, then hits the cross bar. Hardly plays after. Yesterday played 3 shifts. Today healthy scratch. Talk about total miss management of a rookie. Bowler is so scared for his job. Instead of developing his younger players for the future. He is double shifting his OA's. This fat little prick has to be the worst gm in the league. You play Smith who's terrible. Abraham is out almost every other shift and he is god awful. What's this guy doing? Anyone have answers.

 

[Cherrydon]

Nesbitt have an injury thats being kept quiet? Greenwell in today when Castle hasn't seen the ice in a while? Notcsaying Castle is great but is he on his way out and no takers or decision to sit coaching? Oddities for sure that require addressing.

 

[OHLTG]

Some thoughts on tonight...

Goals against...

1 - Martin gets away from the Windsor D, who was on the ice in the corner, then beats Walton to the crease. Puts it 5-hole.
2 - Toms with a giveaway in the slot and the Firebirds bury it.
3 - Off a draw, Maillet doesn't get his guy going to the net and it's an open cage on a rebound.

- The first period was one of their best of the season. They were fired up to get the teddy bears flying and it worked. It was a pretty ideal start.
- The second and thirds were nothing short of lucky. Allowing 41 shots in 40 minutes is unacceptable and they all knew it. There are some games you lose that you might deserve to win. This was a game they won that maybe they didn't deserve to. I don't think any of them will give the points back, though.
- Peer with a five-point night, which I believe is a career high. I know it's his first OHL hat-trick. He was zippin' around out there like he owned the place. If nothing else, that helps his trade stock IF they look at that route.
- Greentree got in on the act with a pair. While there are times he looks like he's trying to do too much, this was the game he needed.
- Cristoforo had two assists and was a plus-three. Yell at him about random things you don't like if it makes you feel better, but he's getting the job done.
- Abraham finally gets the boulder off his shoulders. He looked relieved. Fortunately, it's not from a lack of effort; he's been snakebitten. Hopefully this opens the flood gates.
- Michelone with a brilliant performance. That's four solid outings in a row dating back to the coaching change. He's calm, collected, and making saves that few others would get to.
- Loved the Teddy Bear Toss. That's a lot of kids that are going to have a smile this holiday season, which is what matters.

After the game, I brought up an idea. I'm not saying I want this to happen but I can't help but think about it. IF (emphasis on that) Michelone continues to perform this well, do you maybe look at trading Costanzo at the deadline and bringing up Froggett? A month ago, I wouldn't have even considered this but, with how things have played out recently and with the deadline in a month, it has to be asked.

Anyway, London on Thursday in the last home game before Christmas. If they play like the first period, they could grab a point or two. If they play like the second and third periods, it's going to be ugly.

 

[windsor7]

Some thoughts on tonight...

Goals against...

1 - Martin gets away from the Windsor D, who was on the ice in the corner, then beats Walton to the crease. Puts it 5-hole.
2 - Toms with a giveaway in the slot and the Firebirds bury it.
3 - Off a draw, Maillet doesn't get his guy going to the net and it's an open cage on a rebound.

- The first period was one of their best of the season. They were fired up to get the teddy bears flying and it worked. It was a pretty ideal start.
- The second and thirds were nothing short of lucky. Allowing 41 shots in 40 minutes is unacceptable and they all knew it. There are some games you lose that you might deserve to win. This was a game they won that maybe they didn't deserve to. I don't think any of them will give the points back, though.
- Peer with a five-point night, which I believe is a career high. I know it's his first OHL hat-trick. He was zippin' around out there like he owned the place. If nothing else, that helps his trade stock IF they look at that route.
- Greentree got in on the act with a pair. While there are times he looks like he's trying to do too much, this was the game he needed.
- Cristoforo had two assists and was a plus-three. Yell at him about random things you don't like if it makes you feel better, but he's getting the job done.
- Abraham finally gets the boulder off his shoulders. He looked relieved. Fortunately, it's not from a lack of effort; he's been snakebitten. Hopefully this opens the flood gates.
- Michelone with a brilliant performance. That's four solid outings in a row dating back to the coaching change. He's calm, collected, and making saves that few others would get to.
- Loved the Teddy Bear Toss. That's a lot of kids that are going to have a smile this holiday season, which is what matters.

After the game, I brought up an idea. I'm not saying I want this to happen but I can't help but think about it. IF (emphasis on that) Michelone continues to perform this well, do you maybe look at trading Costanzo at the deadline and bringing up Froggett? A month ago, I wouldn't have even considered this but, with how things have played out recently and with the deadline in a month, it has to be asked.

Anyway, London on Thursday in the last home game before Christmas. If they play like the first period, they could grab a point or two. If they play like the second and third periods, it's going to be ugly.

Must be bothered..

 

[OHLTG]

Must be bothered..

By which part?