Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part IV

[RayzorIsDull]

Brutal game all around! D was definitely a huge issue but as others have mentioned so was everything else. Even Protas was off and hes never off lol. Thats 2 off games in the last 3 Flint pretty much did the same to us.

I am not saying this is the reason but winning a game like Sunday can get teenagers fall into the trap thinking they can turn it on and off. Consider yourself fortunate to pull your goalie in 2 straight games and actually win one game.

Say what you want about the guy and he only had 1 point but Parekh dominated the game all night, fighting off bigger players for the puck, skating and starting transition, great first pass. Send a thank you card to Dave Cameron for that one. If Parekh continues to play like this I can see Saginaw making a run.

 

[Billyjack]

Protas arguably the frontrunner for league MVP, and I don't take pleasure in saying that. Lol!

Parson's might have something to say about that

 

[Kingpin794]

Parson's might have something to say about that

Misa, Parsons, Lardis. Any of those three.

 

[donjohnson]

Send a thank you card to Dave Cameron for that one. If Parekh continues to play like this I can see Saginaw making a run.

Parekh's Stats:

35pts in 25 games - Prior to the World Jr selection (and looked disinterested most of the time)

33pts in 18 games - After the final roster was announced

I've said it over and over, I'm not a huge Parekh fan but when he's motivated, he's really hard to keep off the scoresheet.

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

Half hearted effort, definitely holes and lapses in this team that need attention. I hope Walter's and staff fix these lingering issues and nip it before playoff. Better effort needed Tomorrow & I hope Joey comes prepared for battle. I was expecting more after a big win last Sunday and it was a let down forsure.

Dig in Boys!
Go Spitfires!!

 

[Cherrydon]

Division teams by this stage have already found the secret to stand behind our D in front and sides of crease. Pretty much free space zone. Some pushback from Mathurin and Walton taking 1 of 2 left alone but that still leaves another player wide open. When our D covers a forward and chases with them back to the point, a forward has to rotate and take coverage of left loose player out front or side of crease. Some of our "big" offense players seem to forget the assignment. It's not just 1 it is several. If I'm the opposition I play power vs power because Protas Greentree are high in the zone waiting for a break. People say their off but hard to score from your own end. Watch the replays closely, 3 Spits looking at the puck carrier like flies to s---t and free reign for others. Like being shorthanded when equal strength. Our PP last 8 games is only 16%!!! And Windsor has the most PP opportunities behind only Sarnia by 1 opportunity. 201. Kingston leads PP at 27.4% and has the second least opportunities at 168. Need to clean this up.

 

[Teflon]

Lots to clean up, we need to see they know how and will commit to doing it. Been playing fancy, loosey goosey hockey of late (other than 30 min against ldn) that shit will bite you. Maybe Greg is letting them learn the hard way because we know they can play solid hockey… i hope thats the situation lol. You know its bad when the wife asks, what changed?!!!!!

 

[ohloutsider]

So an interesting stat/number I looked up and according to 2 different data bases ( thanks Google) teams that score the 1st goal win 67% of the time by 1 site and the other had that number at 70%. Both said that number goes up slightly during the playoffs. The moral of my story is how important it is to get off to a good start in a game. Not counting on a 2nd or 3rd period comeback. I think for myself and likely others it is concerning on 2 fronts. 1 is not coming out early with energy to score and # 2 is can our goalies keep them in the game to not go down early? Hoping the coaching staff is concerned as well.

My other random concern is in net. If Costanzo struggles down the stretch and into the playoffs do the Spits consider not keeping him as a OA? They have younger goalies in the wings I'm sure want to be here but are they what the Spits need for hopefully another strong year next year? I've always considered next year as the " Go" year so having concerns in net is not the way to head into next season. Anyway let's hope starting tonight my concerns can be put to rest for another day. Be safe.

 

[tomschman]

If Froggett or Newlove play like the could be a number 1, yes, I would trade Costanzo and bring in Solid OA skater in his place.

 

[tomschman]

The way this team plays, they can beat a Kitchener in the 2nd round, London in the 3rd round, and the best of the East in the final.

However, Flint, Sarnia or whomever in the 1st Round definately scares me. This team in reminescent of 2 years ago.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

So an interesting stat/number I looked up and according to 2 different data bases ( thanks Google) teams that score the 1st goal win 67% of the time by 1 site and the other had that number at 70%. Both said that number goes up slightly during the playoffs. The moral of my story is how important it is to get off to a good start in a game. Not counting on a 2nd or 3rd period comeback. I think for myself and likely others it is concerning on 2 fronts. 1 is not coming out early with energy to score and # 2 is can our goalies keep them in the game to not go down early? Hoping the coaching staff is concerned as well.

My other random concern is in net. If Costanzo struggles down the stretch and into the playoffs do the Spits consider not keeping him as a OA? They have younger goalies in the wings I'm sure want to be here but are they what the Spits need for hopefully another strong year next year? I've always considered next year as the " Go" year so having concerns in net is not the way to head into next season. Anyway let's hope starting tonight my concerns can be put to rest for another day. Be safe.

Goaltending debate is interesting because Newlove is on NHL draft radar they have a 08 in LaSalle. Froggett is pretty average/below average and is an 06. I can't see Froggett being around next year since it would be at the expense of Newlove or Windbiel. They most likely aren't moving Costanzo. Still think a go for it year we are still talking about too many variables. That's not exactly a great position. Look at the 09 Spits a run year they still didn't even have Bailey that year. That team building process is going much better than this.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

The way this team plays, they can beat a Kitchener in the 2nd round, London in the 3rd round, and the best of the East in the final.

However, Flint, Sarnia or whomever in the 1st Round definately scares me. This team in reminescent of 2 years ago.

They have 4 more games left with Sarnia starting tonight. That means the Spits can truly dictate if they want to play Sarnia in round 1. They take 3 of 4 or sweep them you see them round 1. The prior 2 games have both been real tight.

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

Turn around win is needed tonight after a stinker. Joey needs to come and play the way he is capable of. Players have to play the right way for a full 60 minutes. Playoffs are right on the verge and it's time to cross t's and dot i's out there, pay attention to detail and start getting those bad habits out now. Figure out the things that need fixing and these players got to be consistent in their effort and have to buy in.

Sarnia always give us a good battle and I would expect nothing else in tonight's tilt. Let's see what spitfires team we are going to watch on the ice tonight. Hope it's the one that comes in prepared for puck drop and dominates the play, two way effort and play the full game.

Go Spits Go!

 

[ohloutsider]

Costanzo with the start. Lemieux and Gaymes sit. Wingard draws back in. Davis in for his second Game . And as usual I probably missed something.

 

[Cherrydon]

I'd like to see Costello back in for Winegard. He is part of the future where Winegard a defenseman playing forward is not liklely. Costello just as tough and played well when he was in the line-up as bigger spark. Gaymes and Lemieux were both brutal last game and deserve a look from the sidelines to tighten things up on the 4th line

 

[windsor7]

11 forwards again tonight.
12 if u count how many times 44 is not on defense..

 

[windsor7]

Streak over..

 

[ohloutsider]

Nice win by the Spits. Still concerned with Joey. Seems to be handling the puck like a hand grenade. Wondering how many games Beltchz gets? I'm assuming the 2 minimum?
Both Saginaw and Flint lose so Spits gain back the gap before Wednesday's lose. Now the Spits have a tough one against Brantford tomorrow. Wonder who starts in net? I would go back to Costanzo so he can back into form again ( hopefully).

 

[Cherrydon]

Nice win by the Spits. Still concerned with Joey. Seems to be handling the puck like a hand grenade. Wondering how many games Beltchz gets? I'm assuming the 2 minimum?
Both Saginaw and Flint lose so Spits gain back the gap before Wednesday's lose. Now the Spits have a tough one against Brantford tomorrow. Wonder who starts in net? I would go back to Costanzo so he can back into form again ( hopefully).

Good victory. Bit of a soft slewfoot call but it us what it is. They have been cracking on this all season when even questionable.

 

[davewheeler]

What a turn around it's been for WSR.... I'm really hoping you guys knock off LDN.... Being from Sarnia I'm hoping for good things for Nesbitt.. He seems to be playing with a lot of confidence and rightfully so. Wish the Buzz took him but oh well.

 

[OHLTG]

Wondering how many games Beltchz gets? I'm assuming the 2 minimum?

My guess is 1-2 games, likely out tomorrow and then review ASAP after. Belchetz looked confused after like "that was a penalty??"

 

[Knownothing]

He did bring his leg through so technically that call is right. Right against the boards though so the Sarnia player was pinned somewhat and not nearly as dangerous as an open ice SF. I’m sure he’ll get the automatic 2 games.

 

[StingUpdates]

When you guys are on we cant handle y'all. not with so much youth haha. Doesn't help we looked flat all night, but that's not your problem lol.

Major respect to Greentree! Not many have been willing to fight Franceschetti let alone a "skill guy" like Greentree. Didn't think the hit was dirty, but he saw his linemate go down & immediately dropped them. That's some elite leadership, captain like stuff. How could the team not wanna follow him into the battle after that.

See ya again & again & again in the coming weeks lol!

 

[Cherrydon]

It appeared more like the Sarnia player tried to move out of the crush zone and Belts leg was behind him visually making it appear slew like but firmly believe that wax not his intent. Big boys will get called closely because ic the obvious size advantage so need to be extra careful especially in the offensive zone. Hoping for only 1 game based on iffy call. We'll see. Hell of a game by Abraham and Davis. Really going Morneau stellar. Need to get Protas back jn the scoresheet with goals. A hiccup not a slump yet. Tomorrow Lardis good grief 51 goals already. Been a long while since someone hit 50 in this league this early

Ps they got all 3 stars correct for a change

 

[DetSpitsFan]

The most dominant win in quite some time. Sarnia looked off, Windsor looked on.

What’s the crackdown on this slewfoot for? Sure, an intentional slewfoot is a dirty play, but it’s to cut down on uncontrolled falls/head injuries right?

Franschetti went high on Protas, Davis went high later in the game. Both of which, I thought, and apparently someone on the ice thought, was a much bigger deal than the … slewfoot call. I see a bit how they came to the conclusion, but I’d rather them crack down on more direct, intentional to injure plays, where there’s INTENT to deliver a high hit, or a nasty slash, rather than a “when he hit him, his foot got behind him” or a player that plays with his head down gets lit up, or a player turns his back as he’s about to be hit in order to draw a big boarding call.

I didn’t think the officiating was terrible tonight, but after venturing out and watching a few other leagues, it seems more of a whole system thing with OHL refs. There’s a few good refs, a few bad refs, but in general I wish they stopped rewarding those guys that put themselves in injury prone positions in order to draw calls.

Aside from the first 60 seconds after that weird Belchetz call, Spits controlled that one. Good to get some momentum back heading into what should be a competitive game tomorrow.