Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[Cherrydon]

Just as you can have good habits you can develop bad habits. With the exception of Thursday they have had really poor starts recently. We can talk how well they started the year but if you start games poorly you don't have a lot of room for error. The 06s are talented but they need to be better and their best players night in and night out. It needs to be on guys like Spellacy and Greentree.

Absolutely

 

[northwest]

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

I could see him getting called up before Windbiel even though they both seem to be putting up decent numbers. However, what's in front of Windbiel makes his job just a bit easier.

 

[Fischhaber]

Joey with 1 point today for the team. We did play defensive as a team better but still not goid enough. Why are we not able to hold the puck in on the offensive zone 5 on 5? We have a skating play with a shot on the rush and quickly it turns around on us the other way. We were pretty good second period but little quality second chances. The 3rd and OT we looked like we were on the Pk. Many were taking damm long shifts. In OT Abraham and Cristoforo had 2 chances to change but decided they are the important players. 3 game weekend short shifts are paramount. That is on coaching to reel in that BS

Teams finishing up road trips in the Soo almost never win. Over the years it seems like they lose almost 90% of the time no matter who it is. That's a really tough trip on the players and I thought they did pretty well until they wore down in the third. Costanzo had an unbelievable game.

 

[Cherrydon]

Teams finishing up road trips in the Soo almost never win. Over the years it seems like they lose almost 90% of the time no matter who it is. That's a really tough trip on the players and I thought they did pretty well until they wore down in the third. Costanzo had an unbelievable game.

I don't disagree it's a hard road trip but have you seen the Spits play the last couple of weeks? Coming out in a coma.

 

[Teflon]

Ok everyone breath lol. If anyone would have said this team in 1st mid nov most would have laughed. We are at this point because of how well they started. Hell many of you wanted this as a “go” year…. The biggest problem is the lack of effort and the drafted guys not progressing. Thats got me angry anyway. The D is still an issue, seems it will never be fully addressed! Why arent Spell and Tree progressing? Thats an issue coaches need to fix and fast, pro teams will expect answers too. Why isnt the bench getting short when guys are messing up? Why isnt the lack of effort being taken care of?
Those questions are on the coaches, so lets see if Bowlers chosen boys have it in them to fix it. Theres no need to panic until this skid proves costly.
Bowler taking the trip might show concern or it might just be a ride along.

 

[Cherrydon]

Ok everyone breath lol. If anyone would have said this team in 1st mid nov most would have laughed. We are at this point because of how well they started. Hell many of you wanted this as a “go” year…. The biggest problem is the lack of effort and the drafted guys not progressing. Thats got me angry anyway. The D is still an issue, seems it will never be fully addressed! Why arent Spell and Tree progressing? Thats an issue coaches need to fix and fast, pro teams will expect answers too. Why isnt the bench getting short when guys are messing up? Why isnt the lack of effort being taken care of?
Those questions are on the coaches, so lets see if Bowlers chosen boys have it in them to fix it. Theres no need to panic until this skid proves costly.
Bowler taking the trip might show concern or it might just be a ride along.

Agree I didn't expect a great season this year going into it but when you saw what was possible to start, this last stretch is hard to swallow. Offense and defense both struggling. Scoring is drying up quickly by all the big guns and it is not at the cost of improving defensively. Half our are questionable as OHL worthy. The big question to start the season was concern in net wih Joey and he has been basically lights out although I have concerns he needs some breaks. It is a long season.

 

[tomschman]

Sane script different day..

Nothing sane about it.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Ok everyone breath lol. If anyone would have said this team in 1st mid nov most would have laughed. We are at this point because of how well they started. Hell many of you wanted this as a “go” year…. The biggest problem is the lack of effort and the drafted guys not progressing. Thats got me angry anyway. The D is still an issue, seems it will never be fully addressed! Why arent Spell and Tree progressing? Thats an issue coaches need to fix and fast, pro teams will expect answers too. Why isnt the bench getting short when guys are messing up? Why isnt the lack of effort being taken care of?
Those questions are on the coaches, so lets see if Bowlers chosen boys have it in them to fix it. Theres no need to panic until this skid proves costly.
Bowler taking the trip might show concern or it might just be a ride along.

I agree with a lot of this. This isn't you but with the great start that's when the team needs to get greedy and not stop. I would say it's not just Greentree and Spellacy. Nesbitt has struggled a lot lately. I guess you can bench guys but you need guys that can pick up the slack and take advantage of extra ice time. Keep in mind they're usually dressing 2 16 year old forwards, a rookie in Gaymes, Martin. Then you have guys like Outwater/Davis who can be streaky. They can survive much of the year. The question is can this group elevate during playoff hockey when games are tighter? Do they have the assets and things lined up to make a run next year? Or do they sell some now to have more assets? They don't look like they can take advantage of the NCAA rule this year or next which is unfortunate.

 

[tomschman]

I could see him getting called up before Windbiel even though they both seem to be putting up decent numbers. However, what's in front of Windbiel makes his job just a bit easier.

I really don't see Windbiel being called up this year because they would have to sit another 08. I also see either Newlove or Windbiel being traded at the begining of next season.

Whichever is traded should bring in a huge return. The other will be Costanzo's backup and be the Number 1 in 2 years.

 

[ohloutsider]

So watched the 3rd and OT last night after getting home. 3rd wasn't bad but it just looked like they couldn't find second gear much less any kinda push back. Got them the point at least.
OT was brutal. Soo jumped into overdrive and wanted that win bad. Spits had no answer. What really stood out for me was the zero faceoff wins in their own end. That was the killer. If your not controlling the puck in OT you have little to zero chance to win and that was the result.
I looked it up and nobody was higher than 50% yesterday and both Abraham and Morneau were 2 for 9. OA's not winning draws is not a good look.
You can sugar coat this as a loss on the road but they had 2 days between games and plenty of time to rest. Being tired is not an excuse for this game.
Now they head into one of the toughest weekends on their schedule this year. Let's see what type of response they have. Be safe.

Go Spits Go!!!

Apparently the good luck has worn off, lol.

 

[Fastpace]

So watched the 3rd and OT last night after getting home. 3rd wasn't bad but it just looked like they couldn't find second gear much less any kinda push back. Got them the point at least.
OT was brutal. Soo jumped into overdrive and wanted that win bad. Spits had no answer. What really stood out for me was the zero faceoff wins in their own end. That was the killer. If your not controlling the puck in OT you have little to zero chance to win and that was the result.
I looked it up and nobody was higher than 50% yesterday and both Abraham and Morneau were 2 for 9. OA's not winning draws is not a good look.
You can sugar coat this as a loss on the road but they had 2 days between games and plenty of time to rest. Being tired is not an excuse for this game.
Now they head into one of the toughest weekends on their schedule this year. Let's see what type of response they have. Be safe.


Apparently the good luck has worn off, lol.

If you don't mine! Every team goes through a down period, no exception for the Spitfires. They now had a little taste of winning tradition, for how long will it take to get that feeling back, it all depends on the players, and more specifically on the leaderships to take commands in and out of the dressing room.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

So watched the 3rd and OT last night after getting home. 3rd wasn't bad but it just looked like they couldn't find second gear much less any kinda push back. Got them the point at least.
OT was brutal. Soo jumped into overdrive and wanted that win bad. Spits had no answer. What really stood out for me was the zero faceoff wins in their own end. That was the killer. If your not controlling the puck in OT you have little to zero chance to win and that was the result.
I looked it up and nobody was higher than 50% yesterday and both Abraham and Morneau were 2 for 9. OA's not winning draws is not a good look.
You can sugar coat this as a loss on the road but they had 2 days between games and plenty of time to rest. Being tired is not an excuse for this game.
Now they head into one of the toughest weekends on their schedule this year. Let's see what type of response they have. Be safe.


Apparently the good luck has worn off, lol.

The one thing that's humorous about it's so tough to play in the Soo on Sunday. They should have lots of energy after mailing it in on Friday.

 

[Cherrydon]

The worst is Walters saying they "defended well and played hard" in the paper today. Really!! Hate to be in Sudbury and North Bay and the Soo where every road trip for them is a long haul. Was he watching the same games lol. Joey has been and still excellent. Defense is down .5 GAA the past 10 games but goals for down also 1.6 goals for per game. If they straighten out the offense, less shots against if you are playing more in the other teams end. Yes, our defense sucks when they are in thier own zone all night. Team really needs a complete overhaul on the back end. Keep Mathurin and Hicks, maybe Walton although he and Woodall have been taking a whipping recently. The rest could go and I would help them pack. None that should go have a sny type of dangerous shot we would miss. Teams collapse knowing they will accept the odd wobble, over the net wrist, not on target shots that our D musters. Walters can't improve their shot skill but Bowler can. He can't institute a tough physical presence in front of our own net. Skill set the D does not possess other than 3 D.

 

[Cherrydon]

Even if this year is out as a serious run, next year will not be any easier unless D is overhauled. Mathurin won't be back so you know what that leaves us. Add a 1 year import D through draft? Can't go too too young if next year is a run. Need to make big changes on the back end so might as wel get busy this year trading. Offense should be good next 1-2 years with who we already have.

 

[Teflon]

Exactly the reason im asking for a solid 2 year D man! It seems so obvious but our GM has always been offensive focused….

 

[windsor7]

Exactly the reason im asking for a solid 2 year D man! It seems so obvious but our GM has always been offensive focused….

For many years...

 

[RayzorIsDull]

The worst is Walters saying they "defended well and played hard" in the paper today. Really!! Hate to be in Sudbury and North Bay and the Soo where every road trip for them is a long haul. Was he watching the same games lol. Joey has been and still excellent. Defense is down .5 GAA the past 10 games but goals for down also 1.6 goals for per game. If they straighten out the offense, less shots against if you are playing more in the other teams end. Yes, our defense sucks when they are in thier own zone all night. Team really needs a complete overhaul on the back end. Keep Mathurin and Hicks, maybe Walton although he and Woodall have been taking a whipping recently. The rest could go and I would help them pack. None that should go have a sny type of dangerous shot we would miss. Teams collapse knowing they will accept the odd wobble, over the net wrist, not on target shots that our D musters. Walters can't improve their shot skill but Bowler can. He can't institute a tough physical presence in front of our own net. Skill set the D does not possess other than 3 D.

I understand why you would feel that way. I can't help but think this is what the public hears and not necessarily what they hear privately. Consider this Walters being appropriate based upon past behavior. They need to get back to how they played at Guelph and Owen Sound. Commit to D first, capitalize on turnovers and get 2 points. Hot start made some think they're some unstoppable team but they are far from that.

Exactly the reason im asking for a solid 2 year D man! It seems so obvious but our GM has always been offensive focused….

Easiest move would be Newlove in and Froggett demoted. No assets needing to be moved and try and develop a goalie.

 

[ohloutsider]

I understand why you would feel that way. I can't help but think this is what the public hears and not necessarily what they hear privately. Consider this Walters being appropriate based upon past behavior. They need to get back to how they played at Guelph and Owen Sound. Commit to D first, capitalize on turnovers and get 2 points. Hot start made some think they're some unstoppable team but they are far from that.


Easiest move would be Newlove in and Froggett demoted. No assets needing to be moved and try and develop a goalie.

Not thinking bringing in an JrB goalie with no OHL experience midseason to replace another is really a good decision. I've said it as well as most a 2 year D is the biggest need. That is really the only move they need this year. Next year a different story.

 

[Cherrydon]

Not thinking bringing in an JrB goalie with no OHL experience midseason to replace another is really a good decision. I've said it as well as most a 2 year D is the biggest need. That is really the only move they need this year. Next year a different story.

I think move on 2 D and not expose a young Windbiel or Newlove to the lack of support. Joey was frustrated and until this year found the skin required to play with it is what it is D. We've gone through a few young touted goalies since DiPietro playing under offense first mentality.

 

[OHLTG]

Easiest move would be Newlove in and Froggett demoted. No assets needing to be moved and try and develop a goalie.

I've been thinking about this for a while. Something has to happen with Froggett; either he gets more ice time to figure out what he really has, or Newlove comes in. I've liked Froggett's potential since they drafted him and it's been a waiting game. He should have been around last season instead of Michelone (no disrespect to him), but here we are.

That said, they need an 05 or 06 D who is back next season. The higher in the depth charts, the better. Who's available, though? Guys like Cam Allen, Konnor Smith (04), Andrew Gibson in the West would be ideal, but none are around next season and you'd have to move Abraham (I'd imagine) to get Smith. Do you go after a Parekh? He's not likely in the NHL next season. Josh Glavin? Bronson Ride? I'm not really sure right now.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Not thinking bringing in an JrB goalie with no OHL experience midseason to replace another is really a good decision. I've said it as well as most a 2 year D is the biggest need. That is really the only move they need this year. Next year a different story.

Playing Froggett 1 out of every 5 games and the occasional stop the bleeding game isn't going to help anyone either. Newlove could be the perfect example of a guy on NHL radar to jump to the NCAA he ever got drafted this year.

 

[windsor7]

Playing Froggett 1 out of every 5 games and the occasional stop the bleeding gamd isn't going to help anyone either. Newlove could be the perfect example of a guy on NHL radar to jump to the NCAA he ever got drafted this year.

Defense needs to actually play defense.
They haven't learned that

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I've been thinking about this for a while. Something has to happen with Froggett; either he gets more ice time to figure out what he really has, or Newlove comes in. I've liked Froggett's potential since they drafted him and it's been a waiting game. He should have been around last season instead of Michelone (no disrespect to him), but here we are.

That said, they need an 05 or 06 D who is back next season. The higher in the depth charts, the better. Who's available, though? Guys like Cam Allen, Konnor Smith (04), Andrew Gibson in the West would be ideal, but none are around next season and you'd have to move Abraham (I'd imagine) to get Smith. Do you go after a Parekh? He's not likely in the NHL next season. Josh Glavin? Bronson Ride? I'm not really sure right now.

Henry Mews with Ottawa but plays he from there as well would cost a bundle. Would he ever want to leave?

 

[ohloutsider]

Henry Mews with Ottawa but plays he from there as well would cost a bundle. Would he ever want to leave?

He is more an offensive style D. Not really what Spits need more of and especially with the expected cost.

 

[OHLTG]

Henry Mews with Ottawa but plays he from there as well would cost a bundle. Would he ever want to leave?

I didn't include Mews on purpose; that's not happening, which I respect. Heck, I'm not even sold that Saginaw would deal Parekh to Windsor. That would be... Nesbitt, Manzo, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 5th? I'm not sure that's enough.