Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[ohloutsider]

If they win in the Zoo today it will mean 2 out of 3 on the northern swing and I’d take that any time. So far as I’m concerned people are expecting too much this year. Im as happy. As a pig in shit the way the season has gone.any deals made should be with next year in mind.

I'm pretty comfortable knowing this is not our year. One only has to look 1 hour east to understand that. What is really bothering me is the lack of effort from a lot of our top players. It seems to have carried over from last year. And that concern is about a culture that will be carried into next year when they should be throwing all their chips in the pot. It is easier to develop a losing culture than a winning one .
This type of effort would not be excepted on other teams and players would be traded away if they refused to buy in.
Every team has a bad game but this has been the last 10 games or so. They got lucky with poor goaltending in NB and they struggled against the Pete's at home. This may be me over analyzing but I've already got the T-shirt. Don't need another. Be safe.

 

[punch1943]

Game is tomorrow

My typo….if you were as old as moi you’d find those errors repeat more frequently.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I'm pretty comfortable knowing this is not our year. One only has to look 1 hour east to understand that. What is really bothering me is the lack of effort from a lot of our top players. It seems to have carried over from last year. And that concern is about a culture that will be carried into next year when they should be throwing all their chips in the pot. It is easier to develop a losing culture than a winning one .
This type of effort would not be excepted on other teams and players would be traded away if they refused to buy in.
Every team has a bad game but this has been the last 10 games or so. They got lucky with poor goaltending in NB and they struggled against the Pete's at home. This may be me over analyzing but I've already got the T-shirt. Don't need another. Be safe.

I would agree with a lot of what you've said. This isn't you but buzzwords like "culture. " Cultures especially good ones are built through time, continuity and consistency. A culture isn't built through 16 games. It's built through 68 games of success, playoff runs, having the same coach etc.. Pete's game wasn't inspiring after the prior game against Saginaw. Agreed game was easy on Thursday due to poor goaltending. They continued poor play last night.

It would help if the Spits could get help from the USHL eg. Free lottery ticket but nobody fits the bill. Tough decisions to make based in having to move assets to mix it up. Bowler doubled down this year adding a good import, 08 draft and Gaymes. Only adding Mathurin to a D that was bad last year.

 

[OHLTG]

I get that the defence isn't perfect by any stretch but they've said that Walters' systems have helped in their own zone. It's like a light switch has been flipped. They're going to have off nights, such as the Wolves' game. However, there are currently two teams with fewer goals against and one is the Knights, who have played two fewer games. I get how horrible last season was but I'm giving credit where it's due. This has been an impressive turnaround that I hope continues.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I get that the defence isn't perfect by any stretch but they've said that Walters' systems have helped in their own zone. It's like a light switch has been flipped. They're going to have off nights, such as the Wolves' game. However, there are currently two teams with fewer goals against and one is the Knights, who have played two fewer games. I get how horrible last season was but I'm giving credit where it's due. This has been an impressive turnaround that I hope continues.

Games 1-5 12ga
Games 6-10 15ga
Games 11-15 10ga
Game 16-20 23ga

 

[OHLTG]

Games 1-5 12ga
Games 6-10 15ga
Games 11-15 10ga
Game 16-20 23ga

Yep, bad stretches are going to happen, and I've said as much a few times at the rink this season. Does that negate the overall body of work? No. I was worried about the defence at the start of the season but, if you're having a bad stretch and *still* top two or three in the league in goals against, that's pretty impressive. I don't know many who can deny that, all things considered.

 

[Kristina Hazzard]

Will they show up???

I hope not

I'm a hounds fan lol

 

[windsor7]

I get that the defence isn't perfect by any stretch but they've said that Walters' systems have helped in their own zone. It's like a light switch has been flipped. They're going to have off nights, such as the Wolves' game. However, there are currently two teams with fewer goals against and one is the Knights, who have played two fewer games. I get how horrible last season was but I'm giving credit where it's due. This has been an impressive turnaround that I hope continues.

Defense been soft for a long time..

Yep, bad stretches are going to happen, and I've said as much a few times at the rink this season. Does that negate the overall body of work? No. I was worried about the defence at the start of the season but, if you're having a bad stretch and *still* top two or three in the league in goals against, that's pretty impressive. I don't know many who can deny that, all things considered.

'Worried " doubt that

 

[ohloutsider]

I would agree with a lot of what you've said. This isn't you but buzzwords like "culture. " Cultures especially good ones are built through time, continuity and consistency. A culture isn't built through 16 games. It's built through 68 games of success, playoff runs, having the same coach etc.. Pete's game wasn't inspiring after the prior game against Saginaw. Agreed game was easy on Thursday due to poor goaltending. They continued poor play last night.

It would help if the Spits could get help from the USHL eg. Free lottery ticket but nobody fits the bill. Tough decisions to make based in having to move assets to mix it up. Bowler doubled down this year adding a good import, 08 draft and Gaymes. Only adding Mathurin to a D that was bad last year.

Well I've been around sports and hockey for a long time. If I can recognize there's an issue from my couch 7 hours away I'm sure team management can as well.
Now is it all gloom and doom? Nope. But it needs to be nipped in the bud because it will become a team culture.
Winning cures everything but you must have the will to win for that to happen. Be safe.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Well I've been around sports and hockey for a long time. If I can recognize there's an issue from my couch 7 hours away I'm sure team management can as well.
Now is it all gloom and doom? Nope. But it needs to be nipped in the bud because it will become a team culture.
Winning cures everything but you must have the will to win for that to happen. Be safe.

Agreed. It isn't doom and gloom and obviously with a hot start expectations rise as they should. I still think they need to improve on the margins. Winegard, Martin aren't providing a lot of value. Maybe you get a better backup goalie, improve the import position. I don't see Bowler rocking the boat he's extremely against that.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Yep, bad stretches are going to happen, and I've said as much a few times at the rink this season. Does that negate the overall body of work? No. I was worried about the defence at the start of the season but, if you're having a bad stretch and *still* top two or three in the league in goals against, that's pretty impressive. I don't know many who can deny that, all things considered.

You don't need to do gatekeeping on how people should feel about the season and what we have seen recently.

 

[OHLTG]

If any of us had said "by mid-November, they're going to be challenging for the first seed in the conference", I can almost guarantee we'd have been laughed at. There wasn't a chance I'd have believed it myself. But, here they are. Credit given where it's due. Like I said, there are going to be hiccups and nobody is denying that. They're in one now. However, the overall 20-game sample size is pretty large and the numbers are there to back it up. I'm going to enjoy the ride while still getting annoyed at games like last night.

 

[windsor7]

If any of us had said "by mid-November, they're going to be challenging for the first seed in the conference", I can almost guarantee we'd have been laughed at. There wasn't a chance I'd have believed it myself. But, here they are. Credit given where it's due. Like I said, there are going to be hiccups and nobody is denying that. They're in one now. However, the overall 20-game sample size is pretty large and the numbers are there to back it up. I'm going to enjoy the ride while still getting annoyed at games like last night.

Sane script different day..

 

[rve24]

If any of us had said "by mid-November, they're going to be challenging for the first seed in the conference", I can almost guarantee we'd have been laughed at. There wasn't a chance I'd have believed it myself. But, here they are. Credit given where it's due. Like I said, there are going to be hiccups and nobody is denying that. They're in one now. However, the overall 20-game sample size is pretty large and the numbers are there to back it up. I'm going to enjoy the ride while still getting annoyed at games like last night.

What were their points gained first 10 vs last 10?
What are points gained last 5 vs first 3 5 game segments?l if we break it down that way?
All well n good to include the hot start but where is it trending?
I haven't followed close enough, just a ? for you cause I know you follow closely.
Seems like some are concerned that after a hot start its trending another direction.
Totally agree thou, a season has ebbs n flows.
But the longer it goes on the less you can rely on the first 10 games

I've never put much value on the first month+ myself. It's almost like 3 seasons to evaluate teams in the O. ( but all pts count equal)
-Thru Nov 1st ( settling in, players away, introducing systems)
-Nov 1st to deadline. ( evaluating what ya got and how the team is adjusting n gelling)
-Deadline to POs. ( go Time, finalized rosters n honing in the systems n roles for POs)

 

[Cherrydon]

My biggest concerns are Greentree honesty regressing this year. Davis as well but coming off injury I was patient. Spellacy is not who I thought he would be after a stellar NHL camp and preseason. Why on the PK is Mathurin playing high slot and Cristoforo in front of the net. I've been told on here a million times on here that 44 is never going to be a physical presence so why is he guarding the gold in front of the net? PP just as combulated with Cristoforo deep with no shot threat. Everything is on the outside. We have several big body boys with hands who should be parked in front the net. All that tough physical play first dozen games is gone. 1 or 2 players having an off night is one thing. You can't tell me the win in NB felt good? We were lucky not good. Been that way since Niagara game I keep hearing speed bumps are expected. Sure. I didn't expect this young team to dominate all year but at least look like you give a shit. Systems have disappeared. Last night looked like the exact same team as last year. I can't blame the rookies or Protas Mathurin is helping but other than that. It is the same team. Joey starting to look frustrated and stressed again. Once again we can't expect Joey to be first star to be able to win a game. I honestly would take our 16 year olds and could care less if any other player was moved. Eichler last night should have sat the rest of the game after his second stupidity penalty back to back. Playing him shows the team do whatever the F you want. No worries

 

[frontsfan67]

My biggest concerns are Greentree honesty regressing this year. Davis as well but coming off injury I was patient. Spellacy is not who I thought he would be after a stellar NHL camp and preseason.

Greentree is still producing the points at least. If anything this is a good thing for you guys though with him “regressing.” If he makes the nhl after this year then that’s a huge piece you lose when you go for it next year in belchetz’s draft year and greentrees dy+2

 

[Cherrydon]

What were their points gained first 10 vs last 10?
What are points gained last 5 vs first 3 5 game segments?l if we break it down that way?
All well n good to include the hot start but where is it trending?
I haven't followed close enough, just a ? for you cause I know you follow closely.
Seems like some are concerned that after a hot start its trending another direction.
Totally agree thou, a season has ebbs n flows.
But the longer it goes on the less you can rely on the first 10 games

I've never put much value on the first month+ myself. It's almost like 3 seasons to evaluate teams in the O. ( but all pts count equal)
-Thru Nov 1st ( settling in, players away, introducing systems)
-Nov 1st to deadline. ( evaluating what ya got and how the team is adjusting n gelling)
-Deadline to POs. ( go Time, finalized rosters n honing in the systems n roles for POs)

Greentree had 25 points in first 10 games. + 14 What you would expect or a little better than expected from a returning 1st round NHL pick. Last 9 games 8 points. +/- 0 Not what you would expect. That is the regressing I'm referring too. This isn't a Greentree roast or pointed at him only
Something is off in my book. Physically looks fine. Hoping there is not descension in the dressing room with each other or coaching. When the Captain struggles the cause for concern is warranted. Trying too hard himself or trying so hard to pull the team out of a funk.

 

[rve24]

Greentree had 25 points in first 10 games. + 14 What you would expect or a little better than expected from a returning 1st round NHL pick. Last 9 games 8 points. +/- 0 Not what you would expect. That is the regressing I'm referring too. This isn't a Greentree roast or pointed at him only
Something is off in my book. Physically looks fine. Hoping there is not descension in the dressing room with each other or coaching. When the Captain struggles the cause for concern is warranted. Trying too hard himself or trying so hard to pull the team out of a funk.

Sry my post was asking TG about team points.
Good insight and genuine concern. TY Lots of great posters here.
The one with freebies or agendas.......meh is what it is.

 

[ohloutsider]

Greentree had 25 points in first 10 games. + 14 What you would expect or a little better than expected from a returning 1st round NHL pick. Last 9 games 8 points. +/- 0 Not what you would expect. That is the regressing I'm referring too. This isn't a Greentree roast or pointed at him only
Something is off in my book. Physically looks fine. Hoping there is not descension in the dressing room with each other or coaching. When the Captain struggles the cause for concern is warranted. Trying too hard himself or trying so hard to pull the team out of a funk.

Greentree is trying his best. Has to work on puck distribution but that should come from coaching. I think his GAF is high but there are many others that need to work on that.
I think falling off the rankings would actually be a good thing for this team. It's been too easy so far and it's time to dial in, other teams are getting better with time so hockey games are no longer a cake walk. You have to work for it. Tough lesson but better to learn from it now then in March.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Congrats to Spitfire prospect goaltender Michelle Newlove currently playing for Georgetown Raiders in the OJHL for doing his Carter George impression for scoring an empty net goal in his team's 5-2 win today.
As aside from his goal scoring ability lol in 20GP he is averaging 2.54 goals against per game,.927 save percentage with a record of 9-5-2-2 for a 6th place team in their conference.

 

[Cherrydon]

Congrats to Spitfire prospect goaltender Michelle Newlove currently playing for Georgetown Raiders in the OJHL for doing his Carter George impression for scoring an empty net goal in his team's 5-2 win today.
As aside from his goal scoring ability lol in 20GP he is averaging 2.54 goals against per game,.927 save percentage with a record of 9-5-2-2 for a 6th place team in their conference.

Definitely a great prospect.

 

[OHLTG]

Congrats to Spitfire prospect goaltender Michelle Newlove currently playing for Georgetown Raiders in the OJHL for doing his Carter George impression for scoring an empty net goal in his team's 5-2 win today.
As aside from his goal scoring ability lol in 20GP he is averaging 2.54 goals against per game,.927 save percentage with a record of 9-5-2-2 for a 6th place team in their conference.

If he keeps this up, he may force Bowler's hand.

 

[ohloutsider]

Go Spits Go!!!

 

[windsor7]

If he keeps this up, he may force Bowler's hand.

Doubt that at all
Not a rush to do anything