Windsor Spitfires 2024 - 25 Season Thread, Part V

[ohloutsider]

Stayed quiet on here for the last few days but to be honest I knew how this was going to end after attending game 5. The body language in game 5 said everything, for both teams. Not naming names but alot of players for the Spits did not seem to have their playoff gear engaged and it showed.

As others have mentioned there are positives to pull from this season. Team exceeded my expectations in the regular season and getting to round 2 was not my early on prediction.
I'm ecstatic about the 08 group. Light on the 07's but Nesbitt was real good. 06's were also solid.
Costanzo stepped up for sure. Really does open the debate on whether they bring him back as an OA?

I pretty certain Greentree will be back but they might lose him to the WJT. I also think there is a chance Protas will be back but it would be after a stint in the AHL. Lots and lots of questions to be answered in the next few months but it is a discussion board so be safe.

 

[Billyjack]

Now you know why Jussi was coach of year. The reason you lost is Walters got outcoached by Jussi. Kitchener is as young a team as yours with top shelf rookies. All year Jussi rolled 4 lines , never line matching. The only time I seen him line match was Mercer /Greentree lines, good coaching. I think the Rangers also won because Walters played you're top guys too much and they ran out of gas last 4 games. It was a great series and could have gone either way. Windsor should be near the top next year as should the Rangers.

 

[nose bleed section]

Now you know why Jussi was coach of year. The reason you lost is Walters got outcoached by Jussi. Kitchener is as young a team as yours with top shelf rookies. All year Jussi rolled 4 lines , never line matching. The only time I seen him line match was Mercer /Greentree lines, good coaching. I think the Rangers also won because Walters played you're top guys too much and they ran out of gas last 4 games. It was a great series and could have gone either way. Windsor should be near the top next year as should the Rangers.

I was sitting behind the Rangers bench. I counted atleast 15 times the Ref had to send players back to the Rangers bench because Jussi did not have last change , that tells me he definitely was line matching.

 

[windsor7]

I was sitting behind the Rangers bench. I counted atleast 15 times the Ref had to send players back to the Rangers bench because Jussi did not have last change , that tells me he definitely was line matching.

He completely was.
And it worked

 

[All the Answers]

Disappointed, but it was a great season. If it wasn't for the injuries, the Spitfires win that series. Picture having Woodall, Mathurin, Belchetz, and Spellacy (played 1 game) for that series. If someone disagrees with this, please explain.

I will disagree as much as to say if Kitchener is not without Ellinas for the 1st 2 games and leading scorer Miseljevic for the series (along with some other absences - Humphreys for most of gm 1, Diraccolo for 6 and 7) the 1st 3 games are not as lobsided as they were. Given the fact Ellinas is our best 2 way player and on PK1 - where the Spits excelled early in the series, the whole thing changes. I'm not about to say the Rangers win, but not going to concede they lose healthy on healthy.

 

[LeProspector]

At the end of the day you got reverse swept. It’s frankly embarrassing no matter the excuse that can’t happen at any level.

When a no experience 16 year old Robinson is out there in the rotation in game 7 after the coaches shortened the bench shows the lack of depth this team had, even if he held his own.

It’s not a disappointing season, it was a great season all things considered but the team should feel shame with the way it ended, it’s on them and the coach for not properly adjusting until game 7.

Protas is likely gone, we need O/A help from elsewhere but we have a slew of quality returning players and our ‘08’s are frankly fantastic.

 

[windsor7]

Windsor got reversed-swept out of playoffs.
Whatever way u want to spin it, it was a bad defeat.
Rangers looked loose.
Windsor was very timid.
Nice goal by Hicks. Good move to put as a forward.
Windsor is really a 1 line pony.
Secondly scoring is scarce.
Nobody really stepped up.
Top line was tired from carrying the team and the minutes they had to play in this series.
Defensively they weren't great.
44 had a awful game. Passes were not crisp. Bad choices. Just looked lost. Bad game to decide to have that happen.
Joey played great. Saved Windsor bacon multiple times during the nite.
Good sized crowd.
I expect Greentree and Protas to be back next year. Protas will be the last one to come back.
Windsor has other holes to fill as well.
Bowler should really look into tougher guys. He memorized by offensive stats. Ignores the others.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

At the end of the day you got reverse swept. It’s frankly embarrassing no matter the excuse that can’t happen at any level.

When a no experience 16 year old Robinson is out there in the rotation in game 7 after the coaches shortened the bench shows the lack of depth this team had, even if he held his own.

It’s not a disappointing season, it was a great season all things considered but the team should feel shame with the way it ended, it’s on them and the coach for not properly adjusting until game 7.

Protas is likely gone, we need O/A help from elsewhere but we have a slew of quality returning players and our ‘08’s are frankly fantastic.

Eichler (with import expansion), Costanzo and Kennedy I imagine are the 05 OA Group. I’d shop for a forward upgrade addition on Eichler. These 08’s are special and it’s the waiting game on the 06’s. Mainly Protas.

Definitely think Protas starts the season in Hershey, but I could see him being sent back, if he looks like games 4-7 vs the first 70ish we saw him in, but I think that’s unlikely.

How Greentree and Protas do without eachother is a question as well. I do believe they had incredible chemistry, and their stats were inflated spending so much time on the ice together.

Another run in the OHL for both is too dominant and unnecessary for their production. But I could see struggles at the next level if they don’t have the same chemistry with new linemates.

Can’t imagine any other 06’s move up, including Spellacy.

We’ve been without Mathurin for months. Abraham and Morneau will be missed. Otherwise the quantity of remaining guys is optimistic. And they all should feel the need to prove something

 

[Teflon]

Ok ive sat on this so lets see how it goes. Pretty damn good season, they overachieved and were successful. I really like the rookie crop. Coaches did an admirable job as well.

But no im not happy with the ending. That cant happen, its not acceptable. Coaching, did not adapt to kitcheners adjustments at all. You must have other plans in place to counter. Injuries were decimating, that said why did they happen? Im looking for a new strength and conditioning coach asap. Players, so a few excelled and played playoff hockey. Far to many did not, some due to injury many just dont have it in them it seems. Protus should be back here, he still needs to work on his speed and D coverages. As well as being a bit to cute. Tree i have to believe is hurt because he has fallen way off. Im gonna disagree about nesbitt, he was nearly invisible as were a few other forwards. My issues with the D got way better as the season ended. Still lots to clean up tho. The biggest is the inability to clear the zone, that lost the game last night.
I pretty optimistic about next year, alot rides on protus coming back and who we hit on for euro guys.
To summarize, we had a pretty good season but when you know the team can play better than they did it’s disappointing!! When the coaching doesnt do what it should be able to do it’s frustrating to watch. Those with coaching experience can attest, adjustments needed to happen after game 4, they adjusted and we didnt. Thats a problem.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

At the end of the day you got reverse swept. It’s frankly embarrassing no matter the excuse that can’t happen at any level.

When a no experience 16 year old Robinson is out there in the rotation in game 7 after the coaches shortened the bench shows the lack of depth this team had, even if he held his own.

It’s not a disappointing season, it was a great season all things considered but the team should feel shame with the way it ended, it’s on them and the coach for not properly adjusting until game 7.

Protas is likely gone, we need O/A help from elsewhere but we have a slew of quality returning players and our ‘08’s are frankly fantastic.

I would agree with a lot of this. I would need some convincing that Kennedy and McNamara should return. If you're in with Cristoforo/Woodall/Walton you should be giving Hicks and Robinson bigger roles. Spits haven't done a good job of developing and getting D drafted. Those two are your best chances.

Injuries obviously played a role it doesn't do much use to guess to what extent. If you're going to promote Brocklehurst, play McLaughlin/Inskip and 08 Harvey or even 2 of the last 3. You don't need to keep Gaymes/Costello in your 12. Protas probably won't be back or under go with the idea he won't be back. He won't impact the bottom 6 they need more talent as a whole if you want to hunt for a title.

 

[ohloutsider]

Ok ive sat on this so lets see how it goes. Pretty damn good season, they overachieved and were successful. I really like the rookie crop. Coaches did an admirable job as well.

But no im not happy with the ending. That cant happen, its not acceptable. Coaching, did not adapt to kitcheners adjustments at all. You must have other plans in place to counter. Injuries were decimating, that said why did they happen? Im looking for a new strength and conditioning coach asap. Players, so a few excelled and played playoff hockey. Far to many did not, some due to injury many just dont have it in them it seems. Protus should be back here, he still needs to work on his speed and D coverages. As well as being a bit to cute. Tree i have to believe is hurt because he has fallen way off. Im gonna disagree about nesbitt, he was nearly invisible as were a few other forwards. My issues with the D got way better as the season ended. Still lots to clean up tho. The biggest is the inability to clear the zone, that lost the game last night.
I pretty optimistic about next year, alot rides on protus coming back and who we hit on for euro guys.
To summarize, we had a pretty good season but when you know the team can play better than they did it’s disappointing!! When the coaching doesnt do what it should be able to do it’s frustrating to watch. Those with coaching experience can attest, adjustments needed to happen after game 4, they adjusted and we didnt. Thats a problem.

Agree with some of this.

Because of injuries Nesbitt was playing above his pay grade. Should have been 3rd line centre but was 2nd line most nights. But the experience gained was huge ( we can hope) .

Maggio is their conditioning coach. Nice guy but too easy going to drive this level of player.

I always had questions about the 2 assistants and not being prepared is not just on the head coach. The bench boss has the final say and takes the lumps when things go wrong but it is not all on him.

Greentree was never going to be at full tilt into this week or next week if they played on. It just shows how much the Spits leaned on him to lead the team and drive the play. Without him team looked lost ( especially Protas).

 

[ShooterMcGGGG]

Agree with some of this.

Because of injuries Nesbitt was playing above his pay grade. Should have been 3rd line centre but was 2nd line most nights. But the experience gained was huge ( we can hope) .

Maggio is their conditioning coach. Nice guy but too easy going to drive this level of player.

I always had questions about the 2 assistants and not being prepared is not just on the head coach. The bench boss has the final say and takes the lumps when things go wrong but it is not all on him.

Greentree was never going to be at full tilt into this week or next week if they played on. It just shows how much the Spits leaned on him to lead the team and drive the play. Without him team looked lost ( especially Protas).

Greentree will be gone next season, Protas as well and without those two it will be a tougher season

 

[BoogieB]

I would like to congratulate each of every single one of the Windsor Spitfire players that soldiered along and brought the city a super entertaining year. They were not expected to anywhere near where they finished. They were the only team to hand the might Knights 3 losses. They totally exceeded anyone's expectations. The two OA's Morneau and Abraham played with a lot of heart , leadership and did all we could have asked as OA's. The veteran boys lead the charge all year . The young guns stepped up and played well beyond their years. There is not one player on this team that needs to hang their head. Thank you boys for a very entertaining year. You made the city proud. I firmly believe all the credit goes to the players 100 %

I must admit I was a bit skeptical of our coaching however. As mentioned by another poster Greentree and Protas developed amazing chemistry simply by playing together all year. We never once seemed to develop solid and consistent 2nd , 3rd , and 4th lines. We just simply tossed out various players all season long with no rhythm or consistency. I think this really hurt us in the end as we relied on those two top guys to perform. One could argue well look at well they did , but just imagine how well they COULD HAVE DONE if they were handled and developed properly ? What if we could have developed another tandem or line that was equally effective on offense and created a couple solid checking lines ? Why was our team weak on the road ? Where they not prepared properly ? Why no adjustments vs Kitchener ? Why did our PP suddenly get cut right off ?
As a former player and coach, I scratched my head all year witnessing this.

The name Dale Mitchell was floated around last year as a possible coach for the team. I know the former Spitfire and Memorial cup winner is busy right now leading his club to their third championship but maybe in the off season he might be worth a chat. He works some real magic with these teenagers.

Congratulations to the Players of the 24-25 Windsor Spitfires.

 

[OHLTG]

Okay, some thoughts now that I have time...

The bad:

- Yep, this sucks. A lot. It's heartbreaking and losing in a reverse sweep is an awful feeling. It shouldn't have happened.
- The Rangers' defence was lights-out, as was Parsons. I'm going to give credit where it's due; whenever the Spitfires had an offensive chance, it got snuffed out or was downgraded to something routine for Parsons. He did make some impressive saves, though.
- Windsor had no energy by the third period. They looked tired, worn down, and were running on fumes. Protas, Morneau, and Greentree had bursts but nothing sustained.
- Ending the game like that is shocking. A deflection and rebound that Joey couldn't do a thing about.
- From the post-game stuff, looks like Greentree was still quite sick and others shouldn't have been playing (under normal circumstances)
- The final games for Abraham, Morneau, and Mathurin is tough. The first two gave everything to the organization for multiple seasons and were well-liked off the ice. Mathurin was a beast on it and appears to have been great in the room, from all I heard. Ending your career with an injury is a rough way to go out.

The good:

- Hicks and Robinson are going to be studs. They've played so far above expectations.
- Costanzo was lights-out in crucial situations. I've been very back-and-forth with him for next season but, if nothing else, this game made a case for next season. I'm not saying I'm 100% "bring him back as an OA!!" but it's higher than it was in, say, February?
- They were physical, driving the net, and showed character. When Davis got called for crashing into Parsons, the official looked at him and said something to the effect of "I have to call something, I don't have a choice." The first penalties of the game coming that late was wild.

I won't blame this series on injuries or illnesses. Kitchener played extremely well when they needed to and showed why they were a 100-point team. Their coaches found a way to keep Windsor's stars and depth at bay, which felt like it got easier as the series went along. With that said, when you have that many regulars out of a lineup, "next man up" becomes more and more difficult. You can't take that many contributors out of a lineup and expect the same production night-in and night-out from the depth guys, especially when you're facing a team as good as the Rangers.

Is it frustrating now? Absolutely. Will changes be needed? Absolutely. I wouldn't be shocked if Windsor returns *zero* of their current possible OAs. McNamara is 50/50 at best, Kennedy is likely unless that NCAA rumour happens, Costanzo is a toss-up, Outwater is 25/75 at best (I can't rule it out). We'll have to see what Bowler's got planned. I'd love if Protas returned but who knows what Washington will want.

In the long run, they'll be better for the two playoff rounds. There's a ton of youth on this team that got more than they bargained for and it should help down the road. Now, I'll sit back and watch Kitchener try to solve the Knights.

 

[windsor7]

Ok ive sat on this so lets see how it goes. Pretty damn good season, they overachieved and were successful. I really like the rookie crop. Coaches did an admirable job as well.

But no im not happy with the ending. That cant happen, its not acceptable. Coaching, did not adapt to kitcheners adjustments at all. You must have other plans in place to counter. Injuries were decimating, that said why did they happen? Im looking for a new strength and conditioning coach asap. Players, so a few excelled and played playoff hockey. Far to many did not, some due to injury many just dont have it in them it seems. Protus should be back here, he still needs to work on his speed and D coverages. As well as being a bit to cute. Tree i have to believe is hurt because he has fallen way off. Im gonna disagree about nesbitt, he was nearly invisible as were a few other forwards. My issues with the D got way better as the season ended. Still lots to clean up tho. The biggest is the inability to clear the zone, that lost the game last night.
I pretty optimistic about next year, alot rides on protus coming back and who we hit on for euro guys.
To summarize, we had a pretty good season but when you know the team can play better than they did it’s disappointing!! When the coaching doesnt do what it should be able to do it’s frustrating to watch. Those with coaching experience can attest, adjustments needed to happen after game 4, they adjusted and we didnt. Thats a problem.

Agreed completely

 

[spits]

Greentree will be gone next season, Protas as well and without those two it will be a tougher season

Greentree is not making the NHL next season. Remember, he can't play in the AHL. He is a pure scorer but pretty much every other part of his game needs work. There is a reason only 1% of the players in the NHL are under the age of 20. Protas is 50/50. He did nothing in the second half of the series. Elite player but if he struggles in the AHL like he did at the end here, he could be sent here. Kitchener is a young team and he wasn't able to break out, AHL he is playing with men.

 

[windsor7]

Agree with some of this.

Because of injuries Nesbitt was playing above his pay grade. Should have been 3rd line centre but was 2nd line most nights. But the experience gained was huge ( we can hope) .

Maggio is their conditioning coach. Nice guy but too easy going to drive this level of player.

I always had questions about the 2 assistants and not being prepared is not just on the head coach. The bench boss has the final say and takes the lumps when things go wrong but it is not all on him.

Greentree was never going to be at full tilt into this week or next week if they played on. It just shows how much the Spits leaned on him to lead the team and drive the play. Without him team looked lost ( especially Protas).

Need a new strengthening coach for next season

 

[windsor7]

Greentree will be gone next season, Protas as well and without those two it will be a tougher season

Doubt it

 

[ohloutsider]

Greentree will be gone next season, Protas as well and without those two it will be a tougher season

Greentree is NHL or OHL. He will likely get some looks in the NHL but I see him returned to the ohl at some point. Protas can play in the AHL so less likely he returns but I think there is still a possibility, although slight.

 

[windsor7]

Okay, some thoughts now that I have time...

The bad:

- Yep, this sucks. A lot. It's heartbreaking and losing in a reverse sweep is an awful feeling. It shouldn't have happened.
- The Rangers' defence was lights-out, as was Parsons. I'm going to give credit where it's due; whenever the Spitfires had an offensive chance, it got snuffed out or was downgraded to something routine for Parsons. He did make some impressive saves, though.
- Windsor had no energy by the third period. They looked tired, worn down, and were running on fumes. Protas, Morneau, and Greentree had bursts but nothing sustained.
- Ending the game like that is shocking. A deflection and rebound that Joey couldn't do a thing about.
- From the post-game stuff, looks like Greentree was still quite sick and others shouldn't have been playing (under normal circumstances)
- The final games for Abraham, Morneau, and Mathurin is tough. The first two gave everything to the organization for multiple seasons and were well-liked off the ice. Mathurin was a beast on it and appears to have been great in the room, from all I heard. Ending your career with an injury is a rough way to go out.

The good:

- Hicks and Robinson are going to be studs. They've played so far above expectations.
- Costanzo was lights-out in crucial situations. I've been very back-and-forth with him for next season but, if nothing else, this game made a case for next season. I'm not saying I'm 100% "bring him back as an OA!!" but it's higher than it was in, say, February?
- They were physical, driving the net, and showed character. When Davis got called for crashing into Parsons, the official looked at him and said something to the effect of "I have to call something, I don't have a choice." The first penalties of the game coming that late was wild.

I won't blame this series on injuries or illnesses. Kitchener played extremely well when they needed to and showed why they were a 100-point team. Their coaches found a way to keep Windsor's stars and depth at bay, which felt like it got easier as the series went along. With that said, when you have that many regulars out of a lineup, "next man up" becomes more and more difficult. You can't take that many contributors out of a lineup and expect the same production night-in and night-out from the depth guys, especially when you're facing a team as good as the Rangers.

Is it frustrating now? Absolutely. Will changes be needed? Absolutely. I wouldn't be shocked if Windsor returns *zero* of their current possible OAs. McNamara is 50/50 at best, Kennedy is likely unless that NCAA rumour happens, Costanzo is a toss-up, Outwater is 25/75 at best (I can't rule it out). We'll have to see what Bowler's got planned. I'd love if Protas returned but who knows what Washington will want.

In the long run, they'll be better for the two playoff rounds. There's a ton of youth on this team that got more than they bargained for and it should help down the road. Now, I'll sit back and watch Kitchener try to solve the Knights.

44 would actuality play defense and not just let the opposition players go around him it help out goalies a lot more.

 

[tjziel]

Greentree will be gone next season, Protas as well and without those two it will be a tougher season

Greentree should be back, Protas is as good as gone. When you destroy the league in the regular season and destroy the playoffs in scoring. He has nothing to learn in the OHL.

It’s too bad, because you guys would be monsters in the West if Protas were to come back, But Belchez will fill in some of that production and Nesbitt should take another step and so I think you guys will be fine. Not to mention who you guys acquire at the Trade Deadline next year. Still gonna be beasts in the West next year!

 

[tomschman]

DiPietro voted top Goaltender in the AHL. Hopefully his time is coming soon.

 

[tomschman]

It will be interesting this week to see if Protas, Greentree and Spellacy get called up to the AHL for the playoff run.

 

[OHLTG]

 

[ohloutsider]

It will be interesting this week to see if Protas, Greentree and Spellacy get called up to the AHL for the playoff run.

Yes but not sure about Greentree . Needs some rest/ cure time first.