Windsor Spitfires 2024 - 25 Season Thread, Part V

[tomschman]

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.

McNamara was benched last night and replaced by a 16yo Dman. That tells me about McNara's chances of coming back as an OA.

 

[Oryx05]

Coming from Kitchener to say great series! From a purely entertainment perspective, this series had it all.

Of course Kitchener saved their 2 worst games of the entire year for games 1-2 of the series, game 3 wasn't much better for us, and seemingly the reverse for you guys, not playing up to par in games 4-6.

Injuries may have factored in, I'm not as intent on that as some posters are, when you look back at the regular season it was 2-2, we didn't have Humphries of Pridham for the first 2, were sick, etc. In the post season, some forget Kitchener didn't have Stark in the line-up due to long standing injuries removing him from most of the year, Dirracolo didn't play game 4 onwards, Grisolia was out half the series and limited when he played, Bilecki didn't play, Missle our TOP scorer out.

Windsor wasn't the only team missing players. 51 goal scorer Protas played the entire series. Greentree played 5 games.

Really this series shook down to coaching decisions and goaltending. The best two players in the series didn't score a goal following game 3. That was the difference.

You'll have a great team next year seemingly. Robinson and Xu for Kitchener, wow do both teams have a bright future with those two d-men who were quite frankly studly players despite not having played all season with these team.

Really like Hicks for you as well. Hard to win when the only goal came from a rookie d-man playing forward.

Anyways, no hate or shade from me, enjoy the offseason, looking forward to the first game next season between both squads.

Cheers

 

[frontsfan67]

McNamara was benched last night and replaced by a 16yo Dman. That tells me about McNara's chances of coming back as an OA.

I wonder with the new OHL if rather than him coming back and maybe getting traded/getting washed out to the OJHL if this summer he would try and get signed by some NCAA team

Gotta think someone will look at him doesn’t have to be Boston university. Has 2 NHL camps under his belt

 

[spits]

Not sure how anyone can doubt the coaching. At the end of the day, we lost this series because our best players did nothing in the last few games.

Anyways, the development from all these players has been huge. It was evident early Hicks was going to be a great player, but he was our best player last night, gonna be a star player and a 1st round NHL pick. Next year the continued development from the 6 08's will continue.

 

[spits]

Coming from Kitchener to say great series! From a purely entertainment perspective, this series had it all.

Of course Kitchener saved their 2 worst games of the entire year for games 1-2 of the series, game 3 wasn't much better for us, and seemingly the reverse for you guys, not playing up to par in games 4-6.

Injuries may have factored in, I'm not as intent on that as some posters are, when you look back at the regular season it was 2-2, we didn't have Humphries of Pridham for the first 2, were sick, etc. In the post season, some forget Kitchener didn't have Stark in the line-up due to long standing injuries removing him from most of the year, Dirracolo didn't play game 4 onwards, Grisolia was out half the series and limited when he played, Bilecki didn't play, Missle our TOP scorer out.

Windsor wasn't the only team missing players. 51 goal scorer Protas played the entire series. Greentree played 5 games.

Really this series shook down to coaching decisions and goaltending. The best two players in the series didn't score a goal following game 3. That was the difference.

You'll have a great team next year seemingly. Robinson and Xu for Kitchener, wow do both teams have a bright future with those two d-men who were quite frankly studly players despite not having played all season with these team.

Really like Hicks for you as well. Hard to win when the only goal came from a rookie d-man playing forward.

Anyways, no hate or shade from me, enjoy the offseason, looking forward to the first game next season between both squads.

Cheers

Credit to your squad, they displayed great character, obviously a great team. We can respectfully agree to disagree on the injuries, though. I think it definitely had a major impact on the outcome. Played the whole series without #4 d-man Woodall and best d-man Mathurin.

Having two players out for the 1st two games and one player out the rest of the series is nothing compared to having 5-8 regulars out the entire series, not to mention Greentree and Nesbitt played through an illness in the second half of the series. Not the only reason the Spitfires lost, the 1st line was silenced. Kudos.

 

[All the Answers]

Credit to your squad, they displayed great character, obviously a great team. We can respectfully agree to disagree on the injuries, though. I think it definitely had a major impact on the outcome. Played the whole series without #4 d-man Woodall and best d-man Mathurin.

Having two players out for the 1st two games and one player out the rest of the series is nothing compared to having 5-8 regulars out the entire series, not to mention Greentree and Nesbitt played through an illness in the second half of the series. Not the only reason the Spitfires lost, the 1st line was silenced. Kudos.

Outside of Mathurin (and I think it's a saw-off) Miseljevic is a bigger loss than anyone Windsor had out. I think the argument can be made given his play once back that Ellinas was the biggest difference maker missing a game outside of Greentree's one.

A bunch of Windsor posters have continually discredited Kitchener's top 6. I would make the argument that after Windsor's top 2, the next best 5 forwards play for Kitchener. I'd put Ellinas #1 of those 5 and Miseljevic somewhere in the middle of the bunch.

 

[windsor7]

Not sure how anyone can doubt the coaching. At the end of the day, we lost this series because our best players did nothing in the last few games.

Anyways, the development from all these players has been huge. It was evident early Hicks was going to be a great player, but he was our best player last night, gonna be a star player and a 1st round NHL pick. Next year the continued development from the 6 08's will continue.

As long as stay healthy.
Lots of injuries to Windsor.
Need better strengthening coaching.

 

[OHLTG]

Outside of Mathurin (and I think it's a saw-off) Miseljevic is a bigger loss than anyone Windsor had out. I think the argument can be made given his play once back that Ellinas was the biggest difference maker missing a game outside of Greentree's one.

Misel was a big loss for Kitchener, without question. I believe he was their leading scorer and would have played a major role/factor had he been in. However, when you include Greentree, Spellacy, Davis, Costello, Lemieux, Belchetz, and Mathurin (I won't include Outwater since he's been out since Christmas), it really does add up for Windsor. I would have loved if both lineups were fully healthy; would have seen a true 2 v. 3. But that's not how it worked out.

 

[windsor7]

Misel was a big loss for Kitchener, without question. I believe he was their leading scorer and would have played a major role/factor had he been in. However, when you include Greentree, Spellacy, Davis, Costello, Lemieux, Belchetz, and Mathurin (I won't include Outwater since he's been out since Christmas), it really does add up for Windsor. I would have loved if both lineups were fully healthy; would have seen a true 2 v. 3. But that's not how it worked out.

It's and butt's..

 

[nose bleed section]

According to the Windsor paper it says Greentree joins Ontairo Reign , Protas joins Hersey Bears, Spellacy joins Rockford Ice Hogs . Their NHL teams farm clubs in the AHL. Plus Nesbit joins the U18 Team Canada team at the championship tournament in Dallas. Good luck boys.

 

[LeProspector]

What a defender Andonovski is BTW, might not put up the points but he is one of the single best defenders I’ve seen in the OHL.

 

[bobber]

Kitcheners coach Jussi Ahokas in a post game interview last night that he thinks Protas is the best player in the OHL. What do Spits posters think?

 

[LeProspector]

Kitcheners coach Jussi Ahokas in a post game interview last night that he thinks Protas is the best player in the OHL. What do Spits posters think?

Best player on this team, was one of the best in the league. If he was a little more physical then absolutely 100%

 

[OHLTG]

Kitcheners coach Jussi Ahokas in a post game interview last night that he thinks Protas is the best player in the OHL. What do Spits posters think?

When he's on his game, there are few that can stop him. While it takes a bit to get him going, speed-wise, he thinks the game at a high level. He's smart, he's got a pro shot, and he uses his size well to get the puck along the boards. Do I think he's the best in the league, period? Not necessarily. But, I could see arguments for top three or top five.

 

[Oryx05]

Credit to your squad, they displayed great character, obviously a great team. We can respectfully agree to disagree on the injuries, though. I think it definitely had a major impact on the outcome. Played the whole series without #4 d-man Woodall and best d-man Mathurin.

Having two players out for the 1st two games and one player out the rest of the series is nothing compared to having 5-8 regulars out the entire series, not to mention Greentree and Nesbitt played through an illness in the second half of the series. Not the only reason the Spitfires lost, the 1st line was silenced. Kudos.

Oh I'm not debating whether injuries played a part, but you're not acknowledging Kitchener's missing players. Let me remind you that Kitchener was dressing 8 16-17 year olds compared to Windsor's 6. You weren't the only one missing guys. Spellacy had 30 something points in 60 games.

I'm afraid it wasn't who was out that lost the series, but who was in, and didn't perform.

 

[spits]

Oh I'm not debating whether injuries played a part, but you're not acknowledging Kitchener's missing players. Let me remind you that Kitchener was dressing 8 16-17 year olds compared to Windsor's 6. You weren't the only one missing guys. Spellacy had 30 something points in 60 games.

I'm afraid it wasn't who was out that lost the series, but who was in, and didn't perform.

Yes I acknowledge Kitchener was missing Elinas for 2 games and Miseljevic. So in the first two games, you had a combined 106 points out of action and 69 points for the rest of the series.

The Spitfires had 280 points worth of points out for game 5 and had 182 points worth of players out for 5 games in the series. Huge difference. I also said that's not the only reason they didn't win the series. Anyways, it's a moot point now.

 

[Cherrydon]

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

IIMO. I still don't think Eichler should take an OA spot besides the increase in import players to 3. The rookue D looked better and a good overage D would help grooming the younger D. I am still mixed towards Kennedy as well. There was talk he wanted to pursue the NCAA knowing progression to a pro career is unlikely. Joey yes.

 

[OHL4Life]

IIMO. I still don't think Eichler should take an OA spot besides the increase in import players to 3. The rookue D looked better and a good overage D would help grooming the younger D. I am still mixed towards Kennedy as well. There was talk he wanted to pursue the NCAA knowing progression to a pro career is unlikely. Joey yes.

struggle always is they dont really put a ton of work into finding imports (unless they pick top 5). i dont think your wrong, they just may not find better and there will be so few 05s in the league next year.

 

[LeProspector]

Sounds like Joey could be exempt from O/A rule next year

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Sounds like Joey could be exempt from O/A rule next year

That would be good. Gives them more flexibility just hope Bowler doesn't fall in love with Kennedy and McNamara.

 

[spits]

Having goalies exempt from OA status is huge. Constanzo has to be the #1 goalie if you want to make a championship run. He showed in the playoffs how good he can be. There is plenty of depth though with Newlove, Frogget and Windbiel. A good problem to have I guess.

The only secured OA spot is Kennedy unless he goes NCAA. I would acquire a solid OA forward who can score. Maybe Paquette or Jack Dever.

Import draft could be interesting, I would take a big swing on someone and hope the NHL squad sends them here, especially considering there is an extra import spot this year. It's always helpful to attract talented imports when you are expected to be a contender.

Greentree is expected to be back, so I expect this squad to be competing for the top spot in the conference with London and Kitchener, regardless of whether Protas is back or not.

London won't be as dominant, they could have 8-10 players graduating. Kitchener is losing some key pieces, but they has a slew of good young players.

 

[East Avenue Bully]

The only secured OA spot is Kennedy unless
Greentree is expected to be back, so I expect this squad to be competing for the top spot in the conference with London and Kitchener, regardless of whether Protas is back or not.

London won't be as dominant, they could have 8-10 players graduating. Kitchener is losing some key pieces, but they has a slew of good young players.

This year was supposed to be a sell year for the Rangers. The goal was/is a Memorial Cup bid and push next year. So ya, a lot of the cards are set up in Kitchener for a strong push next year.

 

[ohloutsider]

That would be good. Gives them more flexibility just hope Bowler doesn't fall in love with Kennedy and McNamara.

Kennedy will be fine as an OA if he choses to stay. He was solid on the back end for the Spits.

 

[OHL4Life]

Having goalies exempt from OA status is huge. Constanzo has to be the #1 goalie if you want to make a championship run. He showed in the playoffs how good he can be. There is plenty of depth though with Newlove, Frogget and Windbiel. A good problem to have I guess.

The only secured OA spot is Kennedy unless he goes NCAA. I would acquire a solid OA forward who can score. Maybe Paquette or Jack Dever.

Import draft could be interesting, I would take a big swing on someone and hope the NHL squad sends them here, especially considering there is an extra import spot this year. It's always helpful to attract talented imports when you are expected to be a contender.

Greentree is expected to be back, so I expect this squad to be competing for the top spot in the conference with London and Kitchener, regardless of whether Protas is back or not.

London won't be as dominant, they could have 8-10 players graduating. Kitchener is losing some key pieces, but they has a slew of good young players.

wouldn’t you want someone like Carter George instead?

 

[windsor7]

Kennedy will be fine as an OA if he choses to stay. He was solid on the back end for the Spits.

There was other issues with the d..