There are defensive breakdowns leading to most goals, no doubt. The issues are who was it that neglected to even minimally physically take their man and reduce the scoring chance? Watching 74 an 94 make no attempts to physically check their men and then watch them develop and score off of a low risk opportunity is what frustrates me. Basically half ass efforts stops a few of Sarnia’s goals today. Did that happen? No. Tom's needs to ride the pine until the wood rots and a couple of others can do the same imo. Sure ive picked on 74 for good reason, but look also at Peer, has 44 points and is still a -15. WTF That's the problem,l. If people think scoring a bunch of points while allowing more against you at even strength is acceptable. It's not. It equates to loses. Peer has 6 points in last 5 games and is still a -3 over that stretch. Is that supposed to be impressive? 74 and 94 are too soft too play at the CHL level.
Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 3)
- Thread starter nelli27
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OHLTG
Registered User
...and yet, both are on the NHL radar. I get it; people want to see Peer and Cristoforo hit everyone. That's not their game, though. They're speed, offence, and stick work. Frankly, I'd be more worried about the guys who SHOULD be hitting everyone and aren't, like Smith, like Walton, etc. Over the last 8 games, they've allowed right around three per game, which is literally half of their pre-coaching change numbers. As I said, you're going to have good games and bad games.
Should mention Christoforo was a -22 after 21 games,but in the last 13 he is a +2
As well Peer was a -16 at the 21 game,coaching change +1 in 13 games
plus he has 20 points in those 13 games including 14 goals.
Greentree was a -16 prior to coaching change,last 13 games a+10
Maillet was a -18 after 21 games,last 13 games +10
Spits have allowed 11 empty net goals this year to date and they count against a player plus minus wise,I guarantee players listed above have had most them count against them,so I don't read much into plus minus numbers alot of distortion imo.
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Is that because it doesn't fit your usual narratives????
I would agree to get 6 of a possible 8 points in the last 4 games,with 3 of them on the road,not losing in regulation, coming from behind late in the one today,only to lose in OT on a PP,cheap call on Abraham when stuff is let go.
Last 2 games thought goaltending not as sharp then most of the previous 11,though attention to detail could have been better too,only happy neither team last night and today didn't win their games 5 on5,needed OT for both and today was on a PP.
I am sure things will get cleaned up in time for game Wednesday vs Flint,should be an interesting 1.
One thing I will add,is Colton Smith has to be moved out of the lineup 8 pts.,5 goals in 34 games,11 Pims,a high minus,last year had 47 points,22 or 23 goals,but his problem started last last yr.
Last 15 games of last season he had 1G,2A,playoffs 4 GP,0G,1A.
Wasn't there last year when needed,this season unfortunately even worse.
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OHLTG
Registered User
Like I said, in this stage of the process, you're going to have bad games. They've had a good month since the changes and the bad outings are more of an exception than a rule. Yes, there's plenty to clean up for Wednesday and they know that. They'll get back to the rink in the next day or so, work on what's needed, and get ready for Flint. Sure, it sucks losing to Sarnia after being up 3-0, but that's hockey. Live, learn, and grow.
Worth noting... the Windsor Star mentions a bit of the trade deadline. Maillet says he's not sure what's on Bowler's mind but Maillet loves this group. Torres said he told the group after Christmas that if they win these three games, it makes it harder to make deals. I'd say four points is a pretty close shot.
I don't know what's going to happen at the deadline but it's definitely "keep one tab on Twitter at all times" season. Let's hope that Bowler gets this stuff out of the way asap.
Worth noting... the Windsor Star mentions a bit of the trade deadline. Maillet says he's not sure what's on Bowler's mind but Maillet loves this group. Torres said he told the group after Christmas that if they win these three games, it makes it harder to make deals. I'd say four points is a pretty close shot.
I don't know what's going to happen at the deadline but it's definitely "keep one tab on Twitter at all times" season. Let's hope that Bowler gets this stuff out of the way asap.
ohloutsider
Registered User
For a 10th place team they had a good weekend. Played well for the first 2 games but looked off the 3rd game. Still managed points in all 3 games. Better than losing 8 in a row.
Michelone looked off as well. Couple of soft goals but on some, he had no help.
Smith has played better the last few games but his offense has been none existent.
Hutchinson seems to be hard on the Spits when they play in Windsor. Everywhere else he seems fine ( I mean ohl ref fine). I wonder if he reaches a bit to prove he is not a "homer " when he does games in Windsor? Always concerning when you see him do a game in Windsor. fWIW he didn't make the last call on Abraham.
Also IMHO Bowler will be selling, we are going to see some Spits moved out. I would think mostly picks and fill in players coming back. Not likely going to see any playoffs this year.
Lastly I'm not convinced Torres is the guy. Way too quiet and now that Bowler has stepped away from the bench team is starting to slip back into some bad habits. He has draw a short straw with the odds of having a depleted lineup after next week. He's going to have to make a bologna sandwich look exciting. Good luck to him.
Michelone looked off as well. Couple of soft goals but on some, he had no help.
Smith has played better the last few games but his offense has been none existent.
Hutchinson seems to be hard on the Spits when they play in Windsor. Everywhere else he seems fine ( I mean ohl ref fine). I wonder if he reaches a bit to prove he is not a "homer " when he does games in Windsor? Always concerning when you see him do a game in Windsor. fWIW he didn't make the last call on Abraham.
Also IMHO Bowler will be selling, we are going to see some Spits moved out. I would think mostly picks and fill in players coming back. Not likely going to see any playoffs this year.
Lastly I'm not convinced Torres is the guy. Way too quiet and now that Bowler has stepped away from the bench team is starting to slip back into some bad habits. He has draw a short straw with the odds of having a depleted lineup after next week. He's going to have to make a bologna sandwich look exciting. Good luck to him.
punch1943
Registered User
“He’s going to have to make a bologna sandwich look exciting” (a great line)….. My guess is that Bowler wants to make more trades than he’ll be able to complete. I’m thinking he’ll try to deal his 3 O/A. No point in keeping them in a fight for a playoff spot. Some of the 8 returnees who might be able to make next years team will be kept, others waived I’d not traded. If he can deal Michelone he will if not he’ll keep him as backup.
Only 1 home game left this Thursday and 2 road games before the trade deadlines on the 9th and 10th. Every year I ask this lol. Is the Christmas trade freeze lifted now for all non WJC players?
ohloutsider
Registered User
I can’t imagine the Spits moving all three OAs, or even two of them. With limited cards, I’d be surprised to see a new OA acquired and I can’t picture them finishing with no one from the 03’ group.
While Smith has improved play lately (good for him) it’s still not good enough for us. I’d love to see him moved but I don’t know who would want him. His numbers aren’t impressive, when he looks interested, he still looks slow, and he’s an 04’, playing in the 4th line of a 10th place team.
I don’t have high praise for Castle or Struthers, but I know Castle could at least add a bit more speed into the lineup than Smith does.
Also if someone is looking for a physical, underperforming forward, just go sign O’Flaherty. He’d add more physicality, more speed, more upside, younger birthday and cost less than what you’d be paying Windsor for Smith.
I don’t think it was a bad weekend, 4/6 has us trending up. It was more so the 2nd period collapse that caused me worry. Then again, it was the back half of game 3 on the weekend, so maybe lack of conditioning led to some sloppy ness.
While Smith has improved play lately (good for him) it’s still not good enough for us. I’d love to see him moved but I don’t know who would want him. His numbers aren’t impressive, when he looks interested, he still looks slow, and he’s an 04’, playing in the 4th line of a 10th place team.
I don’t have high praise for Castle or Struthers, but I know Castle could at least add a bit more speed into the lineup than Smith does.
Also if someone is looking for a physical, underperforming forward, just go sign O’Flaherty. He’d add more physicality, more speed, more upside, younger birthday and cost less than what you’d be paying Windsor for Smith.
I don’t think it was a bad weekend, 4/6 has us trending up. It was more so the 2nd period collapse that caused me worry. Then again, it was the back half of game 3 on the weekend, so maybe lack of conditioning led to some sloppy ness.
and here i thought someone suggested struthers could be the next peer
peer will get alot of interest, i think mancini is very good but as an overage may not be worth much, zhigin as well, he would have value to a team that has 1 import.
punch1943
Registered User
and here i thought someone suggested struthers could be the next peer
peer will get alot of interest, i think mancini is very good but as an overage may not be worth much, zhigin as well, he would have value to a team that has 1 import.
Personally I’d expect all 3 o/a to be offered in trade. Not expecting huge returns for any of them but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As for the others the Waiver wire will be busy for a lot of teams. My guess is we may see draft picks coming our way 3-4 years out.and here i thought someone suggested struthers could be the next peer
peer will get alot of interest, i think mancini is very good but as an overage may not be worth much, zhigin as well, he would have value to a team that has 1 import.
only so many teams need an oa, you cant move them if there is no room for them.
ohloutsider
Registered User
I could see all three available but likely only going to get an offer on 1 of them worth taking. Has to be an OA that will upgrade a roster.
100 percent. they should offer anyone who isnt back next year. zhugin actually probably has move value then the mancini and mallett becuase theres more room for imports on teams.
ohloutsider
Registered User
Zhugin is a name I've heard in some discussions. I could see interest there. Kitchener for example.
OHLTG
Registered User
If the price isn't right, Bowler doesn't need to do anything. He's already made three bigger deals so far (not including Toms) and there's no dire need to give up an OA or an 04 if the price isn't where he wants it.
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