Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[OHLTG]

Okay... a bunch of thoughts...

- A combined darn near 15 players out combined between the teams. It is what it is; from world juniors to injuries, you live with what you've got.
- Pre-game, I was asked what I thought... and I said "this will either be a blow-out or their goaltender is going to make 50 saves." I was closer with the latter. Ellsworth played well for them when he needed to.
- Windsor played a decent overall game. They skated, they fought for the puck, they crashed the net. What they didn't do was play "pretty" hockey. They missed a TON of chances around the goal, including missing the net entirely on multiple golden opportunities. Even I laughed at one point at how stupid it had become.
- Costanzo did his job and I appreciated it. I don't think he deserved first star; may have given that to Davis. But, he was the Joey we needed, regardless.
- The call-ups... Stewart ate some minutes, Lavigne ate some bench. I think he got one or two shifts? They were warm bodies, nothing more. It sucks to say that, but it is what it is.
- The Davis, Morneau, Abraham line was really good. They grind, they skate, they shoot, they play 200 feet. No complaints. Davis even has the Gordie, though I don't think he was looking for the tilt.
- Kind of interesting thing I noticed about Abraham... when he scored, there was zero excitement. He kind of stared up with this blank look on his face. I don't want to read anything into it, but I said at the time "It looks like he's not really with it and trying to soak all of this in." I mean, the trade deadline isn't far away. I wonder...?
- Martin with his first fight at home in ages. Topp can throw and hold his own... a better fight than I expected. Suspensions or not, I hope we see more of that from Martin.
- I laughed hard when they played WHAM! Last Christmas as soon as warmups ended. If anyone in the arena was playing Whamageddon, they lost real quick. I lost last Friday while working... and have heard it nearly daily since. It's the price I pay sometimes haha
- Someone asked about injuries. After the game, Walters said Froggett is lower body and TBD, though he's been on skates recently. Tnias and Belchetz are both back "relatively soon." Outwater is still up in the air but I haven't heard anything good on that. Nothing on Walton but it sounds like today was more precautionary for things. The holiday break comes at a pretty darn good time; get these boys healed and ready for the second half.
- One last thing - my goodness, the officiating was hilarious tonight. I don't like talking about them unless they're really noticeable and tonight was that night. Hutchison wasn't bad; he called a decent game and talked to the players. Monette comes across as "this is my game" and borderline arrogant at times. He ignores players, gives attitude, and even had Greentree rolling his eyes. When I see Monette as an official, I know we're in for a night.

I don't know what'll happen with the deadline. I can say that Windsor is involved with Konnor Smith but how far that goes is up in the air. Brampton is looking at him, too. It depends on how much OS wants in return and who's willing to pay. The holiday freeze is on until Dec. 28 or 29, though, so we don't really have to think much about it.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Okay... a bunch of thoughts...

- A combined darn near 15 players out combined between the teams. It is what it is; from world juniors to injuries, you live with what you've got.
- Pre-game, I was asked what I thought... and I said "this will either be a blow-out or their goaltender is going to make 50 saves." I was closer with the latter. Ellsworth played well for them when he needed to.
- Windsor played a decent overall game. They skated, they fought for the puck, they crashed the net. What they didn't do was play "pretty" hockey. They missed a TON of chances around the goal, including missing the net entirely on multiple golden opportunities. Even I laughed at one point at how stupid it had become.
- Costanzo did his job and I appreciated it. I don't think he deserved first star; may have given that to Davis. But, he was the Joey we needed, regardless.
- The call-ups... Stewart ate some minutes, Lavigne ate some bench. I think he got one or two shifts? They were warm bodies, nothing more. It sucks to say that, but it is what it is.
- The Davis, Morneau, Abraham line was really good. They grind, they skate, they shoot, they play 200 feet. No complaints. Davis even has the Gordie, though I don't think he was looking for the tilt.
- Kind of interesting thing I noticed about Abraham... when he scored, there was zero excitement. He kind of stared up with this blank look on his face. I don't want to read anything into it, but I said at the time "It looks like he's not really with it and trying to soak all of this in." I mean, the trade deadline isn't far away. I wonder...?
- Martin with his first fight at home in ages. Topp can throw and hold his own... a better fight than I expected. Suspensions or not, I hope we see more of that from Martin.
- I laughed hard when they played WHAM! Last Christmas as soon as warmups ended. If anyone in the arena was playing Whamageddon, they lost real quick. I lost last Friday while working... and have heard it nearly daily since. It's the price I pay sometimes haha
- Someone asked about injuries. After the game, Walters said Froggett is lower body and TBD, though he's been on skates recently. Tnias and Belchetz are both back "relatively soon." Outwater is still up in the air but I haven't heard anything good on that. Nothing on Walton but it sounds like today was more precautionary for things. The holiday break comes at a pretty darn good time; get these boys healed and ready for the second half.
- One last thing - my goodness, the officiating was hilarious tonight. I don't like talking about them unless they're really noticeable and tonight was that night. Hutchison wasn't bad; he called a decent game and talked to the players. Monette comes across as "this is my game" and borderline arrogant at times. He ignores players, gives attitude, and even had Greentree rolling his eyes. When I see Monette as an official, I know we're in for a night.

I don't know what'll happen with the deadline. I can say that Windsor is involved with Konnor Smith but how far that goes is up in the air. Brampton is looking at him, too. It depends on how much OS wants in return and who's willing to pay. The holiday freeze is on until Dec. 28 or 29, though, so we don't really have to think much about it.

I wonder how Allen impacted the price. Hoping the sellers are going, well, “London didn’t buy our guy”, let’s get whatever we can.

I wonder that with Abraham as well. He just kinda feels like the odd man out. Scored a goal (maybe an EN) a week or two ago and just shrugged. But the he’ll grind out some tough shifts or throw hands. It’s like he’s disinterested but then goes out there and does something quite the opposite. He also sat an entire third and went out and started the next game on the 4th line. Somethings up.

Have to imagine it’s him going out if Smith is coming in, and maybe he knows it. Overall, I’ve enjoyed his tenure here going through some super highs and super lows with the Spits. I know nothing on the insider front this deadline, but it seems as if he’s waiting for bad news or he’s already got it and is just waiting for it to be official. Or maybe he’s just a case of knowing he’s only got a couple months left of this caliber of hockey.

 

[Cherrydon]

Maybe Abraham has a NCAA offer and could just leave at the break rather than except a trade. The market would be thin for Abraham. Most of the contending teams are set for OA'S but could also see something odd like Flint did last year, looked like big sellers moved a couple of OA'S and then make the deal for Peer. Depends on a teams needs to have a market for Abraham. Otherwise it will cost us to move him and not sell to gain assets. Abraham is considered a local kid from Detroit area so Owen Sound could be like Siberia to him. Not sure either whether there are any ill feelings between managers after BB hired their coaches. Of course they may feel we did them a favor vs say a some kind of severance suit for being dismissed.

 

[cruickshankd]

Sure Owen Sound will make a deal with Windsor to improve Windsor's chances??? That may have to be thought a bit more deeply

 

[FireBall959]

Abraham usually is pretty reserved in his celebrations but I guess you didn't see smile on his face when skating by his teammates on the bench. Reading something into a whole lot of nothing.
On most nights we dress 11 forwards 7 defensemen. Do you think the best move is bringin in another defense at the expense of an experienced forward.

 

[Teflon]

Well folks here we are. Im as surprised as most at where we stand. Pretty solid season so far. But what comes next is most interesting. None of my sources hear much out of the spits, so info is rare. Lots of questions to be answered with london seemingly set to run away… few weeks up to deadline will answer most questions. Only time will tell who, what, where and why. My hopes are well known here. Much rides on the status of Protus.
Im ok if we play 60 min’s of good hockey every night. Few rounds of playoffs would help a great deal. Id love to see the guys or frankly anyone upset london!!!
Merry Christmas all!!

 

[OHLTG]

I wonder how Allen impacted the price. Hoping the sellers are going, well, “London didn’t buy our guy”, let’s get whatever we can.

... or it's "London got that much for him, so let's up the price." The price I'm hearing for Smith might be too rich for Bowler.

Have to imagine it’s him going out if Smith is coming in, and maybe he knows it.

I was talking about that last night and the consensus was... "would it be Morneau? Local kid and 200-foot producer. Nope. Mathurin? Veteran D they love. Nope. Who's left?"

It feels like something is off with Abe. He's either very into the game or very not.

Sure Owen Sound will make a deal with Windsor to improve Windsor's chances??? That may have to be thought a bit more deeply

You mean like 2021-22 when OS was higher in the standings and still made the big deal with the Spitfires? Smith is from Windsor; that's the big selling point there.

Abraham usually is pretty reserved in his celebrations but I guess you didn't see smile on his face when skating by his teammates on the bench. Reading something into a whole lot of nothing.

I've never commented on his reactions until last night. It stood out enough for me to notice at the game.

On most nights we dress 11 forwards 7 defensemen. Do you think the best move is bringin in another defense at the expense of an experienced forward.

They have 13 forwards who dress regularly; with Outwater on the sidelines, Gaymes has been in more. They were short last night because they were missing multiple.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Well folks here we are. Im as surprised as most at where we stand. Pretty solid season so far. But what comes next is most interesting. None of my sources hear much out of the spits, so info is rare. Lots of questions to be answered with london seemingly set to run away… few weeks up to deadline will answer most questions. Only time will tell who, what, where and why. My hopes are well known here. Much rides on the status of Protus.
Im ok if we play 60 min’s of good hockey every night. Few rounds of playoffs would help a great deal. Id love to see the guys or frankly anyone upset london!!!
Merry Christmas all!!

I am surprised as most as well for this season so far though admittedly during exhibition a different vibe,dominating performances,averaging 5 plus closer to 6 goals a game,5-0 record and despite all that Costanzo averaging 4.80 in 2 games,though admittedly his past 3 years in exhibition prior to this one he was over 5 per game,in fact in 10 exhibitions career wise he is over 5.20 per game,regular season career wise he is 3.78.
Last night's game good to see the top 6 scoring forwards pick up at least a point,plus top dman offensively get a point too.
Was shocked Cole Davis didn't get any of the 3 stars leading the team with 3 points,most hard body checks and a fight to boot.
My three stars would been Davis,Morneau and Hicks who I thought was very solid with Mathurin and Walton out.
Costanzo would have been 4th on my list was very good as improved his home record to 12-2-0-1 and overall record to 20-5-1-1.
It was mentioned on the post game show that Windsor now has the most home wins in the entire CHL with 14.
Sources tell me injury to Belchetz not serious could be back in time for the 2 games at the Soo after Xmas break.
Injuries to Walton and Mathurin not believed to be serious, expect both plus Spellacy back for the games with the aforementioned Hounds next weekend.

 

[OHLTG]

Was shocked Cole Davis didn't get any of the 3 stars leading the team with 3 points,most hard body checks and a fight to boot.

Them: "Your first star... #33, Joey Costanzo."

Me: (turns head quick)... "What?? Davis?!"

 

[hockeylegend11]

With the Spits 1 game away from the half way mark in the schedule 33GP I did a deep dive goals for wise across the league,with every team,how many double digit goal scorers per each time ,also each teams 9 scorers to date.
Now Windsor and London have both scored 138 goals this season,while Saginaw and Niagara have scored 139 goals.

So here is the list 10 + goals and 9 goal scorers.
Windsor 7+1 Sud 4+0
Barrie 7+0 Brant 4+0
London 6+1 Ott 3+1
Saginaw 6 +0 Soo 3 +1
Erie 5+1 North B-3+0
King 5+1 Sarn 2+2
Bramp 5+0 Owen 2+1
Osh 5+0 Peter 1+1
NF 5+0 Flint 1+1
Kitch 4+1 Guelph 1+2

Should note Guelph actually had 1 player with 11 Vilmer Alfrickkson but he was traded to Brampton ,I didn't include him scoring for Brampton so now Guelph has 0

 

[ohloutsider]

So the 16 point spread for the division means 9 games behind for Saginaw and 10 for Flint and Soo. Not insurmountable but Windsor would really have to stumble for that gap to be closed. Lots of head to head games that will probably decide it. Sure a different vibe from last year. Nice to see the total about face for the Spits.

For what it's worth I don't think any of the Spits OA's are going anywhere. A retool towards next year is all this team needs and no use wasting picks and players that don't answer to that philosophy.
And of course Bowler may think otherwise but I don't think he will. Be safe.

 

[OHLTG]

For what it's worth I don't think any of the Spits OA's are going anywhere. A retool towards next year is all this team needs and no use wasting picks and players that don't answer to that philosophy.
And of course Bowler may think otherwise but I don't think he will. Be safe.

I think it'll be all about the price. If you can get an upgrade at a reasonable cost, he'll do it. He won't break the bank when that's the likely target next season.

 

[OHL4Life]

smith is not going to windsor, they bowed out a few days ago.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

So the 16 point spread for the division means 9 games behind for Saginaw and 10 for Flint and Soo. Not insurmountable but Windsor would really have to stumble for that gap to be closed. Lots of head to head games that will probably decide it. Sure a different vibe from last year. Nice to see the total about face for the Spits.

For what it's worth I don't think any of the Spits OA's are going anywhere. A retool towards next year is all this team needs and no use wasting picks and players that don't answer to that philosophy.
And of course Bowler may think otherwise but I don't think he will. Be safe.

If the west division repeats the first half, Windsors winning the division by 16 games. We can start resting guys and dusting off room in the rafters for our West Division by Valentine’s Day lol

I’m sure Smith would be nice, but I kinda hope we don’t spend on anything that doesn’t return. He’d help us now, sure. BUT.

I think I’d rather have Hicks, Manzo and Walton getting extra minutes of experience, rather than bringing in a D that could “guide them” but also cutting into their ice time.

Eichler’s probably got little value as a rental and doesn’t have the skill to hold the OA/Import spot next year. But it seems he’s sliding down the depth chart, although playing solid hockey and avoiding dumb penalties for the most part. If we can improve our import spot for next season via trade with Eichler, I think it’s worth entertaining. That way if/when Protas leaves we have one spot to fill instead of 2.

Hell of a first half though. I was expecting us to be around Saginaw’s numbers by now, pleasantly surprised.

Seems like the most serious injuries are Froggett then Outwater with a lot of precautions taken before the full week off. Froggett on skates again already is a great sign.

 

[OHL4Life]

If the west division repeats the first half, Windsors winning the division by 16 games. We can start resting guys and dusting off room in the rafters for our West Division by Valentine’s Day lol

I’m sure Smith would be nice, but I kinda hope we don’t spend on anything that doesn’t return. He’d help us now, sure. BUT.

I think I’d rather have Hicks, Manzo and Walton getting extra minutes of experience, rather than bringing in a D that could “guide them” but also cutting into their ice time.

Eichler’s probably got little value as a rental and doesn’t have the skill to hold the OA/Import spot next year. But it seems he’s sliding down the depth chart, although playing solid hockey and avoiding dumb penalties for the most part. If we can improve our import spot for next season via trade with Eichler, I think it’s worth entertaining. That way if/when Protas leaves we have one spot to fill instead of 2.

Hell of a first half though. I was expecting us to be around Saginaw’s numbers by now, pleasantly surprised.

Seems like the most serious injuries are Froggett then Outwater with a lot of precautions taken before the full week off. Froggett on skates again already is a great sign.

i think outwater is out for the year

 

[OHLTG]

i think outwater is out for the year

Yep, any time the topic has come up over the last week, it's been a "hoping for the best" and topic gets changed. I feel for the kid; that's two rather ordinary plays where the injury just happened.

 

[windsor7]

i think outwater is out for the year

Time to move on.
Injury prone.

 

[three dog night]

Looking forward to the Januaruy5 game in Niagara.

 

[Cherrydon]

i think outwater is out for the year

Feel bad for him but it's time to remove him from consideration for a possible OA spot next year. Most agree already that it is Joey and 2 new players. Nothing against Outwater but he hasn't played worthy of an OA spot candidate to date, even when he's been healthy. Too much risk. Martin I like but again not worthy of an OA spot in a go year. Maybe some return value off season to a team rebuilding and has OA assests to sell before next season starts.

 

[OHLTG]

Feel bad for him but it's time to remove him from consideration for a possible OA spot next year. Most agree already that it is Joey and 2 new players. Nothing against Outwater but he hasn't played worthy of an OA spot candidate to date, even when he's been healthy. Too much risk. Martin I like but again not worthy of an OA spot in a go year. Maybe some return value off season to a team rebuilding and has OA assests to sell before next season starts.

I hope he's able to get back this season but, if he's not, you have to wonder if he starts to look at options outside of hockey. I realize that might be a big leap but health comes first and three injuries to the same areas becomes priority.

Looking forward to the Januaruy5 game in Niagara.

Outside of the annoying weather on the way back from Niagara last season, I had a blast on that trip. Parking was a breeze, downtown was inviting, and the arena was beautiful. The score... not so much LOL but I can only do so much.

 

[windsor7]

Feel bad for him but it's time to remove him from consideration for a possible OA spot next year. Most agree already that it is Joey and 2 new players. Nothing against Outwater but he hasn't played worthy of an OA spot candidate to date, even when he's been healthy. Too much risk. Martin I like but again not worthy of an OA spot in a go year. Maybe some return value off season to a team rebuilding and has OA assests to sell before next season starts.

Agree both not on team.
Move on to both for starters.

 

[ohloutsider]

Feel bad for him but it's time to remove him from consideration for a possible OA spot next year. Most agree already that it is Joey and 2 new players. Nothing against Outwater but he hasn't played worthy of an OA spot candidate to date, even when he's been healthy. Too much risk. Martin I like but again not worthy of an OA spot in a go year. Maybe some return value off season to a team rebuilding and has OA assests to sell before next season starts.

I agree with most of this but I can see Martin staying until other moves are made. There really isn't any other internal options so until somebody is brought in he will be on the roster. Now if it happens early it saves a card so I would say penciled in for now.