Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part IV

[DetSpitsFan]

STAY IN THE NET JOEY.......guy should be banned from leaving the crease. Every time he plays the puck it ends up on the opposing teams stick, a turnover in our zone. Some great goalies focus on staying in the net and stopping pucks. I believe he would be a better goalie if he stayed in the net.

I agree completely. If he wants to come out and stop it from slinging around the boards, sure. But he’s not good enough with his stick to be sitting back there, waiting for pressure and then deciding where to go with it.

It’s not the style that bugs me, it’s the execution of it.

Some goalies are great at moving the puck, he’s lucky he hasn’t been bit more than he has with the high quantity of risky plays.

 

[ohloutsider]

How they have been using the goalies is a bit baffling but it seems to be the trend for alot of teams. Kitchener backup plays maybe once a month?
You do have to take into consideration that Froggett was injured the last time he played. Also I was under the impression that Froggett was going to get a start last weekend but fell sick so that delayed him again.
There are a number of opportunities coming up in this home stand where he can be utilized.
Joey overall has played ok this year so why not stick with a hot hand? 1st overall is still within reach (not likely) so why not have them playing with a goal? 21 point lead means they could coast to the end but how does that get them playoff ready? Joey needs to play the lion share of the games and keep the foot on the gas.

Be safe.

 

[BoogieB]

I agree completely. If he wants to come out and stop it from slinging around the boards, sure. But he’s not good enough with his stick to be sitting back there, waiting for pressure and then deciding where to go with it.

It’s not the style that bugs me, it’s the execution of it.

Some goalies are great at moving the puck, he’s lucky he hasn’t been bit more than he has with the high quantity of risky plays.

From what i have seen, it is at minimum 75% of the time he handles the puck around the boards its ends up on the other teams stick and a scoring chance. Kid is a great goalie but puck movement is not his strength and that is o.k , just play goal Joey.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

From what i have seen, it is at minimum 75% of the time he handles the puck around the boards its ends up on the other teams stick and a scoring chance. Kid is a great goalie but puck movement is not his strength and that is o.k , just play goal Joey.

Absolutely. He’ll hold it too long,
Then be forced to whip it around the glass, and the majority it ends up on the stick of the opposing defensemen sitting at the blue line. If he’s coming out to play it, he needs to get it to a teammate quick.

It often feels like he’s trying to hold it when a defensemen is there ready to take it from him, followed by poor puck movement.

He’s been great this year, but you can feel the crowd tense up when he goes to play it

 

[RayzorIsDull]

There needs to be some nuance with this. His puck playing ability isn't strong. What should he do if he's the only one that can get to the puck? Stay in the net and let the opposition have the puck? This isn't just a Costanzo thing it's a D thing as well.

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

Froggett with the start, lets see how he competes. Some starters out of line up still. Hope to see a strong two way effort from the players and a win. Start this home stand off good.

Go Spits!!

 

[windsor7]

Froggett with the start, lets see how he competes. Some starters out of line up still. Hope to see a strong two way effort from the players and a win. Start this home stand off good.

Go Spits!!

He be rusty.
Hasn't played in a long time.
Who knows when he play again this season..

 

[OHLTG]

Froggett looking solid so far. Hard to find an issue. Windsor needs to hit the net more; plenty of chances just not many on target. But, 2-0 lead is nothing to be annoyed about. Onto the 2nd...

 

[ohloutsider]

Broadcast said they only had 1 practice last week on Thursday and it was a light skate practice. It will be nice when they get fully healthy and back to a full schedule. Likely this week I would assume. Be safe.

 

[Cherrydon]

Good win. Froggett played well. Mathurin continues his recent offense. Nice to see Protas back healthy and popped a couple. 2 shorties by Protas and Greentree fantastic! Not so much was the PP. Reffing was odd with some calls missed but it is the OHL LOL

 

[hockeylegend11]

Agree with the good win comment,for the 2nd straight game allowed the opposition to get only 12 shots on goal the last 2 periods,very strong game from Froggett considering he hadn't played in almost 6 weeks due to injury and illness.
Actually his illness was stepped throat,he had to be hospitalized as a pre caution ,his last 2 starts has allowed only 2 goals in nearly 4 periods of action, injured in the 1st period last minute or so remaining at London,and didn't allow a goal there.
Mathurin continues to add an offensive element to his game 3 assists tonight, 2 goals including the game winner in OT at Sarnia on Friday,he now has 7 points in his last 5 games.
Strong showing from Protas,Greentree and Morneau tonight, 3 points each from Protas and Greentree, and a goal from Morneau.
Spits now are 18-2-0-1 at home for the
season and have not lost at home since Nov7 in a 5-4 loss to North Bay,12-0-0-1 record at home since,very impressive.
Thought the game today was the worst officiated game I have seen all season,killing off 7/8;on the PK and scoring 2 shorties to boot was icing on the cake.
Game was pretty chippy between the teams most of the night,easy to see they didn't like each other lol.
Spits still have 6 straight home games to play then go on the road for 1 then comeback for another home game,with their record I definitely like what might lie ahead these next few games.

 

[OHLTG]

I came into this one expecting either a complete shootout or a defensive battle. Well, half and half, I guess...

- Taking a 2-0 lead was important. Brampton has been struggling so get to them early and see what happens.
- Props to Brampton for coming back. The first goal was a screen, the second was a set play to Rehkopf out front. Nothing Froggett could do about either of them.
- Protas with an absolute beauty SHG; around the defender, around Ivankovic, then buries it. Then, he scores a pretty PPG top shelf short side. What more can you say? Him and Greentree with three points each.
- A very physical game; lots of stick work and rough stuff after whistles. When Cristoforo is fighting, McDonell of all people (very solid scrapper), you know it's getting weird. Not sure Eichler or Gaymes needed to get involved when they did, but I appreciate the passion.
- Froggett played very well despite all that's happened. You could tell he wasn't 100% but credit for getting the job done.
- I really like Kennedy's game. He always has a serious look on his face, very "go about his business" approach, and physical all the time. He doesn't go looking for stuff but he's more than happy to dish it out worse than he takes it.
- Brampton has so much talent, I'm shocked they're not doing more. Is it a "pieces are better than the sum" thing?
- The officiating is what it is. You know what you're getting with Monette and that's not likely to change.
- Keep building the lead on Saginaw, this homestand is a perfect chance to make a statement.

 

[windsor7]

I came into this one expecting either a complete shootout or a defensive battle. Well, half and half, I guess...

- Taking a 2-0 lead was important. Brampton has been struggling so get to them early and see what happens.
- Props to Brampton for coming back. The first goal was a screen, the second was a set play to Rehkopf out front. Nothing Froggett could do about either of them.
- Protas with an absolute beauty SHG; around the defender, around Ivankovic, then buries it. Then, he scores a pretty PPG top shelf short side. What more can you say? Him and Greentree with three points each.
- A very physical game; lots of stick work and rough stuff after whistles. When Cristoforo is fighting, McDonell of all people (very solid scrapper), you know it's getting weird. Not sure Eichler or Gaymes needed to get involved when they did, but I appreciate the passion.
- Froggett played very well despite all that's happened. You could tell he wasn't 100% but credit for getting the job done.
- I really like Kennedy's game. He always has a serious look on his face, very "go about his business" approach, and physical all the time. He doesn't go looking for stuff but he's more than happy to dish it out worse than he takes it.
- Brampton has so much talent, I'm shocked they're not doing more. Is it a "pieces are better than the sum" thing?
- The officiating is what it is. You know what you're getting with Monette and that's not likely to change.
- Keep building the lead on Saginaw, this homestand is a perfect chance to make a statement.

44 didn't fight.
He did a slash like he was cutting down a tree. Brampton player came at him 44 turtled in a few seconds later.
Wouldn't call that a fight.
Eichler with a absolutely dumb play gets the penalty which he deserved and didn't play many shifts after that.
Smart move my coaching staff.

 

[OHLTG]

From what I can tell, Protas needs three goals and three points to pass Khokhlachev as the best season by a Spitfire Import since the Import Draft started.

 

[spits]

A solid win against a roster that is stacked on paper, no idea how that squad doesn't win games. They should be atop the Eastern Conference.

Belchetz didn't get a point but I thought he had one of his better games, had a few great chances and made a ton of big hits. His speed appears to be improving.

Solid goaltending by Froggett , was calm in the net. McNamara is solid on the 3rd line, he's big and can hit and skate.

I think it's safe to say Protas is back to 100%. Elite vision and a great scorer, whether it's deking or his accurate shot. One of the nicest goals of the season, shorthanded.

3 years ago it was Cuylle and Johnston, this year it's Greentree and Protas, which is more dangerous? Johnston and Protas are playing at the same pts/game pace.

 

[OHLTG]

A solid win against a roster that is stacked on paper, no idea how that squad doesn't win games. They should be atop the Eastern Conference.

It feels like the parts are better than the sum. If you have eight NHL picks, including Rehkopf and Martone, you should be dominating offensively. Add in Smith and Ivankovic? Something about them feels like it's not cohesive. I don't know but I hope they figure it out.

 

[StingUpdates]

3 years ago it was Cuylle and Johnston, this year it's Greentree and Protas, which is more dangerous? Johnston and Protas are playing at the same pts/game pace.

Even tho this Q isn't for non Spits fans thought I'd say my opinion lol.

Interesting "debate" to have between the 4. Think I'd rank it Johnston - Protas - Greentree - Cuylle in that order.

Johnston was one of the better players I've seen in the last 10-15 years. Such an incredibly high IQ, do it all C. Don't find many like him. Cuylle was such a perfect winger for him since he was big, strong, imposing.

In saying that I think this duo might be better as a line. They can take control of a game in every way. With their size/physicality or their skills/scoring which at this level is pretty rare & damn near impossible to stop unless you have a team built to defend it (big, rangy, good skating D)

They would appear like guys & a line that'll thrive in playoff hockey when it gets more mucky/grindy/rough around the net.

Add in they are both 18 & not even at the peak of their JR careers (if both are back) & the sky is the limit for them in this league. As a non Wsr fan hoping Protas turns pro so Sarnia doesn't have to deal with those 2 together at 19 next yr

 

[OHLTG]

Even tho this Q isn't for non Spits fans thought I'd say my opinion lol.

Interesting "debate" to have between the 4. Think I'd rank it Johnston - Protas - Greentree - Cuylle in that order.

Johnston was one of the better players I've seen in the last 10-15 years. Such an incredibly high IQ, do it all C. Don't find many like him. Cuylle was such a perfect winger for him since he was big, strong, imposing.

In saying that I think this duo might be better as a line. They can take control of a game in every way. With their size/physicality or their skills/scoring which at this level is pretty rare & damn near impossible to stop unless you have a team built to defend it (big, rangy, good skating D)

They would appear like guys & a line that'll thrive in playoff hockey when it gets more mucky/grindy/rough around the net.

Add in they are both 18 & not even at the peak of their JR careers (if both are back) & the sky is the limit for them in this league. As a non Wsr fan hoping Protas turns pro so Sarnia doesn't have to deal with those 2 together at 19 next yr

To me, the difference between Johnston and Protas is simply the skating. Both are wizards with the puck and can create/produce in a phone booth. Johnston got me out of my seat a few times and the Protas SHG today was arguably a goal-of-the-year candidate. However, Johnston was a quicker skater while Protas is a bit of a locomotive. He takes a bit to get going but, once he does, good luck.

Greentree is quicker than Cuylle and a better playmaker, I think. Cuylle was more physical and tougher with a better shot, at times.

If you had Johnston/Cuylle on the ice with Greentree/Protas, it'd be pretty split.

I'll go one further....

Johnston/Maggio/Cuylle (2021-22), Maggio/Maillet/Christopoulos (22-23), or Protas/Greentree/Belchetz (24-25)?

 

[RayzorIsDull]

A solid win against a roster that is stacked on paper, no idea how that squad doesn't win games. They should be atop the Eastern Conference.

Belchetz didn't get a point but I thought he had one of his better games, had a few great chances and made a ton of big hits. His speed appears to be improving.

Solid goaltending by Froggett , was calm in the net. McNamara is solid on the 3rd line, he's big and can hit and skate.

I think it's safe to say Protas is back to 100%. Elite vision and a great scorer, whether it's deking or his accurate shot. One of the nicest goals of the season, shorthanded.

3 years ago it was Cuylle and Johnston, this year it's Greentree and Protas, which is more dangerous? Johnston and Protas are playing at the same pts/game pace.

Brampton hasn't been healthy and they missed 5 guys due to WJs.

Rehkopf/Martone 9 games missed
McDonnell 22 games missed
Zidlicky 13 games missed
Zebeski 10 games missed
Karmiris 19 games missed
Fibigr 9 games missed
Leskovar 33 games missed
Dragusica 42 games missed

Ivankovic has only played in 28 games as well

37 different players have played in games this year. Tough to get traction when players are in and out of the lineup.

 

[ohloutsider]

I was impressed with the Froggett start. He seemed solid, no rust considering the long layoff. Hopefully his injury has healed and he can get some starts over the final stretch. Maybe start him Thursday against Flint and let Joey rest until Sunday?

Mathurin's interview at the end of the game he mentioned that there are still some players trying to get over the flue. I wondered that as skating seemed sluggish from some throughout the game. Abraham hardly played in the 3rd. Wonder if he is one of those affected?

Davis not playing again. Did anyone hear why as nothing was mentioned last night that I'm aware of?

Bs safe.

 

[dirty12]

Brampton hasn't been healthy and they missed 5 guys due to WJs.

Rehkopf/Martone 9 games missed
McDonnell 22 games missed
Zidlicky 13 games missed
Zebeski 10 games missed
Karmiris 19 games missed
Fibigr 9 games missed
Leskovar 33 games missed
Dragusica 42 games missed

Ivankovic has only played in 28 games as well

37 different players have played in games this year. Tough to get traction when players are in and out of the lineup.

Brampton is 7th in the eastern conference because their forwards are defensively and physically challenged; and expected to contend a season premature, I think.
Releasing LeFebvre in favour of Leskovar was a big mistake imo.

 

[hockeylegend11]

I was impressed with the Froggett start. He seemed solid, no rust considering the long layoff. Hopefully his injury has healed and he can get some starts over the final stretch. Maybe start him Thursday against Flint and let Joey rest until Sunday?

Mathurin's interview at the end of the game he mentioned that there are still some players trying to get over the flue. I wondered that as skating seemed sluggish from some throughout the game. Abraham hardly played in the 3rd. Wonder if he is one of those affected?

Davis not playing again. Did anyone hear why as nothing was mentioned last night that I'm aware of?

Bs safe.

Re Davis upper body injury suffered in the 1st period at Sarnia though he played the rest of the game.

 

[windsor7]

Windsor with another win.
Windsor was the better team basically
Froggett played well for seeing no action for 6 weeks. Who knows when he get another start.
Pp was awful again.
2 short handed goals turned this game. Without that who knows the outcome.
Some d played better. Others still soft.
Windsor top line with most the production as usual.
Refs let game get out of hand. If they would of just started giving out 10 min misconduct in 2nd period to both teams it probably would of stopped the crsp.

 

[ohloutsider]

Re Davis upper body injury suffered in the 1st period at Sarnia though he played the rest of the game.

Thanks - kid can't seem to catch a break.