Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[OHLTG]

He never said take your foot off the gas or don't keep the pedal down or dont score. In fact I take the statement as 100% factual and highlights be smart, try hard and keep pushing. ( he was trying to focus a terrible D team according to all those posting here to committ, never said don't score)
He said be smart and his statement was true. If ya cant play smart situational hockey you eventually pay the price. Can't just run n gun to a 4-1 5-1 lead then try n lock it down.

Reading between the lines I take it as ya can't just play O n expect to win. Take your shot if there, bust your azz and make the smart play while also being aggressive on the forecheck.

No biggie ypu take the quote as you see it. But ask the coach next time ya see him if he meant take the foot of the gas or get off the pedal. I'll bet he didn't

Sounds like you disagree with being hard on opponents D when the right play and preach run n gun til up by 3/4 goals. Odd esp with all the comebacks the Spits were known for after last 2 years Ida thought you could see the error in pushing for a 4-1, 5-1 lead then preach D. You saw first hand how it didn't work.
Saying to players be smart, be hard on their D isn't preaching a defensive shell, it's actually promoting aggressiveness. Holding off pressuring D is a defensive shell. He adked them to be aggressive.

It's all good we see it different based on our experiences. I've heard coaches in rooms say this type thing often. It never meant be passive, and almost successful teams preach D awareness, managing the puck, being hard on the opponents.

Like I said, if a coach tells me that we don't need anymore goals, I take that as playing defensive hockey with offence if the opportunities present themselves. Others may disagree and so be it. For all I know, it could have been a communications issue between the players and the coach; it's happened before in sports and will likely happen down the road. As far as I know, the club was practicing today and we'll see how they play tomorrow.

 

[rve24]

Like I said, if a coach tells me that we don't need anymore goals, I take that as playing defensive hockey with offence if the opportunities present themselves. Others may disagree and so be it. For all I know, it could have been a communications issue between the players and the coach; it's happened before in sports and will likely happen down the road. As far as I know, the club was practicing today and we'll see how they play tomorrow.

Yes you get it lol. Play def hockey, aggressive hockey, force their D into turnovers and attack, and take opportunities when presented, when ya got a lead. No where was take the foot off the gas pedal mentioned. That was your interpretation.
Something almost every fan here has said they aren't doing is D, checking, playing hard.

Explain how being hard on D in the O zone is defensive hockey and that's what the quote you first posted said he wanted. Yes coach was right....when leading you don't NEED more Gs to win but no where did he suggest don't try n score lol. Its factual.
If the players took it that way......and according to the posts about selfish stupid play they didn't at all..aaggghhh why bother.
Yes it's a communication issue if the players took it that way as your "curious" comment suggests, but since the players didn't listen maybe they should next time?


And better yet ask the coach what he meant off the record n get back to us. You have a media pass.
No coach doesn't want a cushion, more goals a 10-0 lead. Honestly I think ya just won't accept pucks deep n be hard on D and play responsibly means dont try n score lol. It's actually the type of hockey I hear preached on here as what Windsor fans want lol.


Again you got access, ask the coach what he meant and it'll clarify it for ya. Seemed obvious.

I disagreed with W7 and TG on a topic No that's rare esp when they both sit on different sides lol.

Again all good just my interpretation of the quote.

 

[windsor7]

Like I said, if a coach tells me that we don't need anymore goals, I take that as playing defensive hockey with offence if the opportunities present themselves. Others may disagree and so be it. For all I know, it could have been a communications issue between the players and the coach; it's happened before in sports and will likely happen down the road. As far as I know, the club was practicing today and we'll see how they play tomorrow.

Hope they practiced defense...

 

[Teflon]

Matty Cooke hired to HC position in the ECHL. He was told if he was interested he could interview for AC here but not HC! He had applied here but was insulted by the offer.

 

[hockeylegend11]

First part of the game was fine . M looked solid for a young tender. The last part was a cluster… defense horrid. Sadly it’s the older players who are letting them down. But it’s very very early in the season. (Unfortunately).What I expect to see is a number of the better players quietly asking to be moved elsewhere.Attendance will suffer. The ownership has to try to figure the best way out of this and it won’t be pretty.

Actually Michelone is 19 years old,while Joey Costanzo is 18 years old and Froggett is 17 years old.
While I thought Michelone played very well in the 1st 2 periods,and I an not blaming him solely for allowing back to back goals in the 3rd,needed a big save.
That being said I think Smith was wrong not to start Costanzo yesterday especially after he notched his and the team's 1st win of the season, his best overall performance of the short season,with something to build on,the confidence factor and that goes with a win.
Too bad game wasn't called fairly both ways 7 PP to 4 in favor of Sarnia huge reason for the loss as Sarnia scored twice on them,Windsor 0,things to clean up,will probably see Costanzo start tomorrow and rightfully so.
I would sit Jodoin and put in Winegard tomorrow, remains to be seen.

 

[windsor7]

Actually Michelone is 19 years old,while Joey Costanzo is 18 years old and Froggett is 17 years old.
While I thought Michelone played very well in the 1st 2 periods,and I an not blaming him solely for allowing back to back goals in the 3rd,needed a big save.
That being said I think Smith was wrong not to start Costanzo yesterday especially after he notched his and the team's 1st win of the season, his best overall performance of the short season,with something to build on,the confidence factor and that goes with a win.
Too bad game wasn't called fairly both ways 7 PP to 4 in favor of Sarnia huge reason for the loss as Sarnia scored twice on them,Windsor 0,things to clean up,will probably see Costanzo start tomorrow and rightfully so.
I would sit Jodoin and put in Winegard tomorrow, remains to be seen.

Actual defense would help any goalie.
Refs have been the same for long time. Excuse..

 

[OHLTG]

We can't blame the officials for the Sarnia loss. The Spits were undisciplined and they knew it. Example - someone hits a Sting player in the corner near the Spits' bench and Nesbitt gives him an extra shot right in front of the official. Hand immediately goes up. You can't do that, period.

I liked Michelone's game; he allowed five but made some monster saves and looks very comfortable in goal. Is it a small sample size? Of course. Is Joey still number one? Absolutely. However, it's a good confidence boost for Michelone, which can be good moving forward.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Could be an interesting week starting tomorrow besides 2 straight home games tomorrow vs the Sault and Thursday against Kingston before 2 on the road at Erie on Saturday and at Kitchener Sunday afternoon, with the NHL starting its regular season not sure if it's Friday or Saturday when rosters count cards wise.
I would make at least 3 changes ,by this week's roster deadline,1- forward Alex Stewart sent to Jr B,2- James Jodoin taken off active list,and goalie Ian Michelone removed and replaced by 17 yr. rookie Carter Froggett.
Froggett is playing very well with London Nationals named a star in each of his last 3 starts,London has picked up another goalie, a year older but a guy who had a 1.71 average last yr with Elmira on 26 games,so I am concerned Froggett will get the appropriate amount of ice there,imo, he is ready,was the best goalie in exhibition, now a better time then ever.
As for Jodoin, with Christopoulis a week or 2 away from returning from wrist surgery,holding on to Jodoin will count card wise,might as well exercise a move now meaning after Thursday latest.
Optioning Stewart opens up a spot for someone else to come in,plus the return of Christopoulis to fill the roster.

 

[hockeylegend11]

We can't blame the officials for the Sarnia loss. The Spits were undisciplined and they knew it. Example - someone hits a Sting player in the corner near the Spits' bench and Nesbitt gives him an extra shot right in front of the official. Hand immediately goes up. You can't do that, period.

I liked Michelone's game; he allowed five but made some monster saves and looks very comfortable in goal. Is it a small sample size? Of course. Is Joey still number one? Absolutely. However, it's a good confidence boost for Michelone, which can be good moving forward.

I saw Nesbit get crosschecked right in front of me and no call,Abraham pushes a guy and gets called for holding,like I Sarnia got way with alot and wasn't called had 4 of 5 PPs in one stretch huge reason though not only one why Sarnia won.
As for Michelone if he were 17 like Froggett reason for him stay on,but at 19 no,imo Windsor can't do worse with Froggett being brought up

 

[OHLTG]

I saw Nesbit get crosschecked right in front of me and no call,Abraham pushes a guy and gets called for holding,like I Sarnia got way with alot and wasn't called had 4 of 5 PPs in one stretch huge reason though not only one why Sarnia won.
As for Michelone if he were 17 like Froggett reason for him stay on,but at 19 no,imo Windsor can't do worse with Froggett being brought up

When the team admits they were undisciplined, it's not on the officials.

As for Michelone/Froggett - I'd imagine Mich gets at least one more start, esp after Saturday's effort. It wasn't on him and he made some monster saves. Releasing him now would be odd optics. Unless they trade him for decent value and bring up Froggett; that would make more sense.

 

[windsor7]

I saw Nesbit get crosschecked right in front of me and no call,Abraham pushes a guy and gets called for holding,like I Sarnia got way with alot and wasn't called had 4 of 5 PPs in one stretch huge reason though not only one why Sarnia won.
As for Michelone if he were 17 like Froggett reason for him stay on,but at 19 no,imo Windsor can't do worse with Froggett being brought up

Windsor earned the penalty. No favoratism involved. "Blind eye"

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Interesting comment from Morneau after last night's game (during the post-game interviews). He said that Jerrod Smith "between periods said we don't need any more goals to win. We gotta manage the puck, get pucks in, and work their D-men." When you're up 2-1 against a team that's proven it can score AND just made it a one-goal game, you have to press the gas pedal. Get that third goal asap to prevent the momentum from going anywhere. Preach defence when you're up 4-1 or 5-1 and there's little chance of a comeback.

I am having trouble understanding what Jerrod is talking about. Is he talking in the 2nd intermission? They were up 2-1 still having to kill 1 minute of the Sting PP. They scored 20 seconds after the penalty ended. This idea that they didn't need anymore goals is built on truth but also a fairytale. Sarnia had a goal called backing the 2nd, Sarnia had many chances when trailing as well. Playing the right was is important but my word this team isn't capable of doing that right now. Maybe he missed after they look the lead late against NB??? Jerrod doesn't have the horses but as of now he seems pretty in over his head. Nobody is throwing him a life presever either.

 

[OHLTG]

I am having trouble understanding what Jerrod is talking about. Is he talking in the 2nd intermission? They were up 2-1 still having to kill 1 minute of the Sting PP. They scored 20 seconds after the penalty ended. This idea that they didn't need anymore goals is built on truth but also a fairytale. Sarnia had a goal called backing the 2nd, Sarnia had many chances when trailing as well. Playing the right was is important but my word this team isn't capable of doing that right now. Maybe he missed after they look the lead late against NB??? Jerrod doesn't have the horses but as of now he seems pretty in over his head. Nobody is throwing him a life presever either.

Second intermission; the question was regarding a solid 40 minutes and then falling apart in the third.

I'm not sold that it's all on Smith right now. The players have said that the systems are similar to Savards but it's up to them to execute it. Maybe it's overconfidence and being bitten? Maybe it's defensive inexperience? Maybe something else and a combination of the three? Right now, they've gotta figure it out for the Soo because that club is firing well.

 

[hockeylegend11]

When the team admits they were undisciplined, it's not on the officials.

As for Michelone/Froggett - I'd imagine Mich gets at least one more start, esp after Saturday's effort. It wasn't on him and he made some mons ter saves. Releasing him now would be odd optics. Unless they trade him for decent value and bring up Froggett; that would make more sense.

You know what team admits publicly and privately re officiating is different sometimes, as for Michelone he won't get decent value has averaged high 4 or more per game,with Froggett playing well in London Jr B,but with another goalie there putting up great numbers I have concerns whether Froggett gets ice time needed,as I am sure London knows Froggett won't be there all year.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Second intermission; the question was regarding a solid 40 minutes and then falling apart in the third.

I'm not sold that it's all on Smith right now. The players have said that the systems are similar to Savards but it's up to them to execute it. Maybe it's overconfidence and being bitten? Maybe it's defensive inexperience? Maybe something else and a combination of the three? Right now, they've gotta figure it out for the Soo because that club is firing well.

Defense inexperience definitely a factor as 4 of 7 D are 17 years old as we speak,and only Christoforo has experience, while the 7th D Winegard is only 18 but a rookie.
Dionicio and Jodoin need to play better defensively in light of the inexperience on the backend .

 

[windsor7]

Defense inexperience definitely a factor as 4 of 7 D are 17 years old as we speak,and only Christoforo has experienced, while the 7th D Winegard is only 18 but a rookie.
Dionicio and Jodoin need to play better defensively in light of the inexperience on the backend .

Whole team needs to learn what defense is. Coaches should actually coach it...

 

[rve24]

Windsor earned the penalty. No favoratism involved. "Blind eye"

Officiating is a one way street. Always Spits disadvantage. Always, at least to one poster.
I challenge anyone to find a single post over last 5 years that they said Spits got a break from that poster.......but its easy to find one where they got burnt in every other post game post win or lose.
You should know better 7.

 

[OHLTG]

Here's the weird thing - we all knew this season was going to be rough, at least defensively. You don't have a team ranked 14th or something lose three major veterans, plus now DeAngelis, and suddenly get better. There are things to work on; they know it, we knows it, everyone knows it. This is part of the rebuild/retooling/whatever. There are growing pains and will take time.

 

[rve24]

Here's the weird thing - we all knew this season was going to be rough, at least defensively. You don't have a team ranked 14th or something lose three major veterans, plus now DeAngelis, and suddenly get better. There are things to work on; they know it, we knows it, everyone knows it. This is part of the rebuild/retooling/whatever. There are growing pains and will take time.

Here's the other weird thing....when the coach is quoted by a player after a L to do exactly what you mention here as a potential team weakness, or try n make the players at least aware in a teachable moment of how to play, you call it "curious"
I guess if you always take both sides......

 

[nelli27]

Actually Michelone is 19 years old,while Joey Costanzo is 18 years old and Froggett is 17 years old.
While I thought Michelone played very well in the 1st 2 periods,and I an not blaming him solely for allowing back to back goals in the 3rd,needed a big save.
That being said I think Smith was wrong not to start Costanzo yesterday especially after he notched his and the team's 1st win of the season, his best overall performance of the short season,with something to build on,the confidence factor and that goes with a win.
Too bad game wasn't called fairly both ways 7 PP to 4 in favor of Sarnia huge reason for the loss as Sarnia scored twice on them,Windsor 0,things to clean up,will probably see Costanzo start tomorrow and rightfully so.
I would sit Jodoin and put in Winegard tomorrow, remains to be seen.

"Fairness" doesn't equate to the NUMBER of penalties called, but to whether they were DESERVED. Make a case that the calls against the Spits were "unfair", undeserved.

 

[hockeylegend11]

"Fairness" doesn't equate to the NUMBER of penalties called, but to whether they were DESERVED. Make a case that the calls against the Spits were "unfair", undeserved.

A couple were unfair like the one to Abraham and also Nesbitt.
As well similar things occurred to Windsor players that Windsor players got called for.
The crowd was more hostile towards the refs then usual reflective with the imbalance and consistency displayed, the disparity in one side getting called with more then the other,for similar plays especially from the 2nd period and 3rd was noticeable more so then the 1st.

 

[nelli27]

A couple were unfair like the one to Abraham and also Nesbitt.
As well similar things occurred to Windsor players that Windsor players got called for.
The crowd was more hostile towards the refs then usual reflective with the imbalance and consistency displayed, the disparity in one side getting called with more then the other,for similar plays especially from the 2nd period and 3rd was noticeable more so then the 1st.

Don't know if that's true, but I appreciate the explanation.

 

[windsor7]

A couple were unfair like the one to Abraham and also Nesbitt.
As well similar things occurred to Windsor players that Windsor players got called for.
The crowd was more hostile towards the refs then usual reflective with the imbalance and consistency displayed, the disparity in one side getting called with more then the other,for similar plays especially from the 2nd period and 3rd was noticeable more so then the 1st.

Refs seem to be a crutch.
They were bad both teams and usually around the league.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Here's the weird thing - we all knew this season was going to be rough, at least defensively. You don't have a team ranked 14th or something lose three major veterans, plus now DeAngelis, and suddenly get better. There are things to work on; they know it, we knows it, everyone knows it. This is part of the rebuild/retooling/whatever. There are growing pains and will take time.

We can say this if 2 years or so from now these same D are still on the roster. If they aren't then it was poor talent evaluation and development. Looking at the D right now only 1 maybe 2 have that future. Still means you're probably flipping 5 of the current D in 1-2 years.

 

[punch1943]

"Fairness" doesn't equate to the NUMBER of penalties called, but to whether they were DESERVED. Make a case that the calls against the Spits were "unfair", undeserved.

Just my humble opinion but as for penalties called or not called. Over the course of the season it all comes out in the wash. Todays game might be a different story..The Spits might seem to be getting less calls against them or not. Funny thing is the team that wins rarely complains about poor calls against them while the losing side often does…