ohloutsider
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If your only sniper is 17, this is what you get . Has to be frustrating in the dressing room.
Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)
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Wah wah wah!@ highlight Nesbitt gets his 1st. Costanzo left to hang on most of those goals which sucks as he made some great saves early. The Big disappointments. Dionicio scores and is still -3 Abraham another-3 night, Maillet -2 . Eichler ? well he better get tuned in. Signs of another import Christmas exit so far. Wish Sobolev was still here guiding the younger D. Seriously even when Christopoulis comes back we have no center who can set guys up. They were all benefited by Johnston, Maggio and Wright last couple of years. The D collapse, the lack of a #1 or #2 centers is obvious. Game only got close because Kingston warmed the bus up when 5-1. Most of our team would be all 3rd liners and 4-6 D on most teams. The lack of conpete by the usual suspects "Smith, Abraham etc " is infuriating. Most of our roster other than our 17 yr olds, Spellacy not included in that sentence would garner more than a Tim's gift card in return. Coaching can bitch and scream but if certain players don't have the will to compete, that starts to fall on the GM. Answer how do we start strong most games and slide off the cliff as time ticks? This team is soft soft soft at both ends. This can't be blamed on a "rebuild"when the lack of effort by key players is so evident. Disappointing to watch. Blue collar Spits team of past, this is not. I can handle watching rebuilds with a team that gives it everything and loses as long as the effort us there. Even the die hard fans who cheer everyone have to be cringing.
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ohloutsider
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OHLTG
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I think a road trip might do them good. Getting two points is going to be tough in two notoriously difficult rinks, but getting away from Windsor for a weekend isn't a bad idea.
Another home loss. I have to disagree with the posts about the effort. They are working hard, competing, they just don't have the goal scoring or defense. A few guys just dog it, ie. Smith, but most guys are hustling. They have no problem, generating offensive zone time just can't generate a ton of grade A scoring chances. Getting Christopoulis will help that but he's just one guy.
The goaltending has been horrendous. Just more poor goaltending tonight, I think Kingston scored two goals on shots from bad angles that snuck in. Need to get some saves. Need more from guys like Abraham and Maillet. I think Maillet has checked out, he doesn't seem as engaged as last year. I expected more from Spellacy who has zero points.
This is a rebuild year. The team isn't quite as bad as shown so far, (they're going to win more than 10 games lmao) but this team is going nowhere. The organization will finally get to make some high draft picks after picking at the end of the 1st round the last few years. Also, should net a top 15 pick in the Import draft which usually lands you an NHL drafted player.
There are some bright spots, if Greentree keeps producing at this level he'll be the highest drafted Spitfire since Vilardi. Woodall and Walton are rookies that look good and should continue to improve. It's a young defense not counting Jodoin. Basically, the D core is: four rookies, one 2nd year player, and one 3rd year player.
As I said before, what makes this rebuild difficult is the fact they did not win a playoff game in the 'go for it' year last year. That angers me a lot more than the 1-5 start to this season. If I were Bowler I would be listening to offers on someone like Dionicio who can net the strongest return.
The goaltending has been horrendous. Just more poor goaltending tonight, I think Kingston scored two goals on shots from bad angles that snuck in. Need to get some saves. Need more from guys like Abraham and Maillet. I think Maillet has checked out, he doesn't seem as engaged as last year. I expected more from Spellacy who has zero points.
This is a rebuild year. The team isn't quite as bad as shown so far, (they're going to win more than 10 games lmao) but this team is going nowhere. The organization will finally get to make some high draft picks after picking at the end of the 1st round the last few years. Also, should net a top 15 pick in the Import draft which usually lands you an NHL drafted player.
There are some bright spots, if Greentree keeps producing at this level he'll be the highest drafted Spitfire since Vilardi. Woodall and Walton are rookies that look good and should continue to improve. It's a young defense not counting Jodoin. Basically, the D core is: four rookies, one 2nd year player, and one 3rd year player.
As I said before, what makes this rebuild difficult is the fact they did not win a playoff game in the 'go for it' year last year. That angers me a lot more than the 1-5 start to this season. If I were Bowler I would be listening to offers on someone like Dionicio who can net the strongest return.
OHLTG
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Some thoughts...
Kgn goals...
1. The Fronts get behind the Windsor D, redirect a pass behind Costanzo. Blame the D.
2. Heyes skates in glove side and puts it under the crossbar. Solid accuracy but I think Costanzo wants that one back.
3. Breakaway, off post, off inside/upper bar, and out. Ruled no goal, reviewed, and it's a goal. Costanzo was furious but it's not on him.
4. Same as the second, just other end of the rink.
5. A shorty - Spits lose it in their own zone, Greentree and Dionicio at the point. They head back 2-on-2, shot on Costanzo, but the rebound sees both Frontenacs alone after Greentree swipes and misses. Dionicio was behind the net, anticipating heading the other way. Nope... easy goal. That's all on the coverage and sloppy play.
6. EN
- This team can't keep giving up three or four in a row and expect to win. It's just not feasible.
- Costanzo looks frustrated; he gave up (what I thought was) a couple of weaker goals and doesn't look like the calm/collected Joey we saw last season. At one point, I thought he was going to pull a Kuchmey.
- Where is Maillet? Where is Smith? Where is Abraham? Where is Spellacy? Maybe my expectations are too high but I shouldn't have to wonder if they're scratched in the middle of a game. The veterans need to lead, whether it's offensively or defensively, and aside from Peer and maybe Dionicio, it's not happening. (I'm not counting the 06's as "veterans" in that comment)
- On a related note - Greentree, Peer, Struthers, Martin, Davis... those guys are either putting up the points or making their presence known on every shift. I like what the Struthers/Martin/Davis trio has done, even though they get rare shifts.
- I wondered out loud tonight how this team would have been with Holmes as an OA instead of Jodoin. I'm pulling for JJ to do something; fight, score, level someone, something that makes me go "THAT'S why they kept him!" It hasn't happened yet and I'm kind of disappointed. I know I'm not the only one who's leaning this way, either.
- Nesbitt's first OHL goal - he crashes the net, sees the bouncing puck, bats it in from a tough angle. It's not pretty but it's the kind of goal I expect from him. Those dirty, power forward-esque goals. If he can dangle down the road, all the better.
- Overall, the effort is getting better; they outshot the Frontenacs by a fair margin at one point. However, they get into those second period slumps and, try as they might, can't recover. A 40 min game isn't going to win in this league. Mind you, Vaccari played very well for the Fronts, but, again... four-straight goals. Not acceptable, even with a solid effort.
- This road trip comes at a good time. I know they're looking forward to getting away and doing some team bonding. Whether it works, who knows, but when it seems to be a collective "let's do this...", that's a good thing.
Kgn goals...
1. The Fronts get behind the Windsor D, redirect a pass behind Costanzo. Blame the D.
2. Heyes skates in glove side and puts it under the crossbar. Solid accuracy but I think Costanzo wants that one back.
3. Breakaway, off post, off inside/upper bar, and out. Ruled no goal, reviewed, and it's a goal. Costanzo was furious but it's not on him.
4. Same as the second, just other end of the rink.
5. A shorty - Spits lose it in their own zone, Greentree and Dionicio at the point. They head back 2-on-2, shot on Costanzo, but the rebound sees both Frontenacs alone after Greentree swipes and misses. Dionicio was behind the net, anticipating heading the other way. Nope... easy goal. That's all on the coverage and sloppy play.
6. EN
- This team can't keep giving up three or four in a row and expect to win. It's just not feasible.
- Costanzo looks frustrated; he gave up (what I thought was) a couple of weaker goals and doesn't look like the calm/collected Joey we saw last season. At one point, I thought he was going to pull a Kuchmey.
- Where is Maillet? Where is Smith? Where is Abraham? Where is Spellacy? Maybe my expectations are too high but I shouldn't have to wonder if they're scratched in the middle of a game. The veterans need to lead, whether it's offensively or defensively, and aside from Peer and maybe Dionicio, it's not happening. (I'm not counting the 06's as "veterans" in that comment)
- On a related note - Greentree, Peer, Struthers, Martin, Davis... those guys are either putting up the points or making their presence known on every shift. I like what the Struthers/Martin/Davis trio has done, even though they get rare shifts.
- I wondered out loud tonight how this team would have been with Holmes as an OA instead of Jodoin. I'm pulling for JJ to do something; fight, score, level someone, something that makes me go "THAT'S why they kept him!" It hasn't happened yet and I'm kind of disappointed. I know I'm not the only one who's leaning this way, either.
- Nesbitt's first OHL goal - he crashes the net, sees the bouncing puck, bats it in from a tough angle. It's not pretty but it's the kind of goal I expect from him. Those dirty, power forward-esque goals. If he can dangle down the road, all the better.
- Overall, the effort is getting better; they outshot the Frontenacs by a fair margin at one point. However, they get into those second period slumps and, try as they might, can't recover. A 40 min game isn't going to win in this league. Mind you, Vaccari played very well for the Fronts, but, again... four-straight goals. Not acceptable, even with a solid effort.
- This road trip comes at a good time. I know they're looking forward to getting away and doing some team bonding. Whether it works, who knows, but when it seems to be a collective "let's do this...", that's a good thing.
sorry, your disapointed with jodoin now? hes an 03? he rarely played d before this year. he was a bad pick, not a big deal it happens but lets just call it what it is. hes 20, not 17
LDN
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- Sep 29, 2017
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Greentree is the lone bright spot. Losing 4 of 5 at home not great. So the Spits should call up Froggett at some point. That doesn't answer the question what they do with Costanzo though.
I figured that comment would be uttered. They have trailed or been tied 90% of their games. This team needs a large injection of talent. Just having players say they have talent means nothing.
ohloutsider
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No calvary coming to save the day. If anything they will likely get younger and less experienced.
I'm not jumping off of the Joey bandwagon. He has made some crazy good saves so you know it is there. The 2/3 on 1's has got to be demoralizing for him. Can't do it all himself. The shorthanded goal was the game in a capsule.
Peer in his interview talked about having 4 breakaways so far this year and scoring 0 times. Not a good look for an OA.
Team D is young for the most part and it shows. I wonder if the do move an OA or 2 up front that they might take an OA D back in return. Won't get a stud but at least someone that can settle the D down and eat some of the pressure minutes. I think that would really help the learning curve for this group.
Greentree and Christoforo are the real deal. Nesbitt and Walton look good as well. There is something to build from but man oh man they need some finish up front and more stability in their own zone.
Team is 2-13 in their last 15. That makes it hard to keep them focused. Baptism by fire for JS.
Go Spits!!!
I'm not jumping off of the Joey bandwagon. He has made some crazy good saves so you know it is there. The 2/3 on 1's has got to be demoralizing for him. Can't do it all himself. The shorthanded goal was the game in a capsule.
Peer in his interview talked about having 4 breakaways so far this year and scoring 0 times. Not a good look for an OA.
Team D is young for the most part and it shows. I wonder if the do move an OA or 2 up front that they might take an OA D back in return. Won't get a stud but at least someone that can settle the D down and eat some of the pressure minutes. I think that would really help the learning curve for this group.
Greentree and Christoforo are the real deal. Nesbitt and Walton look good as well. There is something to build from but man oh man they need some finish up front and more stability in their own zone.
Team is 2-13 in their last 15. That makes it hard to keep them focused. Baptism by fire for JS.
Go Spits!!!
LDN
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i get that they got swept last year in the first but this entire team was about last year, i think everyone needs to see that they will be selling and expect them to be fighting for 6 - 10 in the conference. that part is fine and to be expected, it sucks for fans that they didnt get anywhere last year, but thats what the focus was, they knew they would be awful this year and the trades to start the season suggest as much.
ohloutsider
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I think most understand this. I'm basically saying the same thing but my wording is not always the best. I did pick them at 7th in the prediction thread.
What I am hoping for is some older players to lead the way. Can't leave 16/17 year old players hung out to dry. They need some mentoring. I'm not sure we are seeing that . Either way it is a rebuild/retool/ reset year. This cannot and should not be avoided.
I think what Razor said earlier that rebuilding should not automatically mean losing holds weight. We know they will struggle but some winning needs to be mixed in there as well.
Spitfire Spotlight: Interview with GM Bill Bowler - In Play! magazine
In the first instalment of SPITFIRE SPOTLIGHT John Humphrey interviews Spitfire general manager Bill Bowler.
inplaymagazine.com
Teflon
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- Jan 6, 2018
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Maybe those guys dogging it dont wanna be here?! Maybe they know this coach isnt the right guy?! Maybe the GM has pissed them off like hes been known to do?! Theres deeper issues here and i think some may boil over this year. No team can sustain such poor effort and results, something MUST change. This isnt poor goaltending folks, Joey getting hung out to dry. No wonder they are worried about Frogget coming up!
no thats fair just in a season that there will be loses i think we just have to expect it. we cant expect 45 wins, 30 if we are lucky but maybe even closer to 25 this year. i think last years team protected the goalie alot, the mass losses is why guys like martin and struthers are here.
i posted it at the time but the import d isnt very good, he wasnt good last year, would have personally prefered a better guy but at least he takes a spot and gives kids a bit more time.
i dont think they got the best coach and i think they have the worst d in the league and a very average starter and very poor backup. i just dont think its a great mix for this year.
I agree with a lot of this. My only question is that was it always destined to be like this? The only players they lost with eligibility (non 03s) were Miedema/O'Flaherty/Ride. Would they be better with those 3? Probably but I am not even sure if you add those 3 that's an actual playoff team, maybe 7th or 8th seed. We can view things in a vaccuum of this year. I guess the macro view I don't see it getting a lot better a year or two from now and these are all Bowler guys now.
they would be much better and would have quality 07s as well if they didnt go all way in. would also still have deandgelis and perhaps work harder for a better import.
goalie would still be a question but at least better protected. havent recovered from the miss on downey, i think foggett could be something but hes not here so how could you ever know.
punch1943
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Momma said if you have nothing good to say, say nothing………”nothing”.
Forgot about DeAngelis. I agree to an extent I am just concerned that some of the vets aren't exactly setting a good example for the young players. I haven't liked what I have seen from Abraham, he seems to be more about being a pest and not contributing. Lots of time left in the season and he can turn it around I see Spellacy and he doesn't look anything like the player he was last year.
This is the problem with going for it last season. They created their own destiny and probably screwed the 06 class at having a chance of making a run too. It's not just about the players lost in trades but about the players that were not gained as well. Smart teams like Hamilton and Mississauga capitalized on last season's deadline to add high-potential pieces like Lardis, Testa, Martone, Van Volsen, MacDonnell. Of course when your top players age out (Maggio, Harrison, Wright) and move on and the rest of the team stays basically the exact same without additions there will not be a good team. Not to mention all the draft picks they traded that could have put higher caliber players on the team this season.
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