I think it's interesting I don't necessarily think it's exciting. For the longest time I have read here that Guelph and Soo aren't very good they have been playing awful hockey. Well during that time span the Spits never really opened up a big lead on them, they might not have played well but Windsor hasn't played much better. They got the bare minimum out of last night getting a point to stay ahead of teams but the fact is they didn't get a win. Over their next 4 games I think they need to win 2 of those games and grab a point in another game, we will know more after the game against Sarnia because if they don't get it done they are looking at having to win 2 of their final 3 and quite possibly having to get 5 of 6 points. Looking at the game last night it's quite obvious they need to acquire a few gifted playmakers that can put the puck in the net. The Khokhlachev loss hurts but that can only explain so much, he only plays with 2 other forwards so that can explain why a couple of them might struggle that doesn't absolve the other forwards on the team and doesn't explain their struggles and scoring 3 total goals in their last 3 games, that isn't acceptable at any level.
Dont disagree about the offence,outside the Saginaw game in the other 2 games only 3 goals allowed in reg time and 2 five on five pretty good were not outchanced in sault game outlucked
Without koko in the lineup spits
are 1-7-1,with they are 26-23-4-1
interesting
Dont disagree about the offence,outside the Saginaw game in the other 2 games only 3 goals allowed in reg time and 2 five on five pretty good were not outchanced in sault game outlucked
Without koko in the lineup spits
are 1-7-1,with they are 26-23-4-1
interesting
Just looking at some of their struggles to score goals there is this latest stint of 3 games only scoring 3 goals. There was the 0-5 streak from Oct 27-Nov 4 where they scored 11 goals in 8 games. Did some tabulating and included in those streaks mentioned above there are 24 games this year where the Spits have either been shutout or scored 2 goals or less for a total of 30 goals in 24 games which is an average of 1.25 and to no surprise in those 24 games they are a combined 3-21. No doubt in those 24 games a portion of those have to do with Khokhlachev being out of the lineup but I think this just illustrates further how many issues they have putting the puck in the net.
We definitely lack offensive creator types outside of Khokhlachev. That's what we need to look for in the upcoming draft and add one in the minor draft and one in the import draft. Our offense all season has been dump it behind the net and cycle back there to win the battle and pass it out in front of the net and hope we score in close or on a deflection.
I wonder if our offense has stunted because of that style or we have to play that style because our guys are not offensively gifted. There was some nice individual efforts last night from Vail and Ebert (from memory) and Johnson and Maletta have shown nifty puck handling capability in the past - but we're not a puck control team but rather dump and chase.
I think people need to realize that outside of Koko, Rychel and Marchese, this team is filled with rookies (Johnson, Clark, Maletta, Alonge) and guys who might as well be rookies given their lack of playing time last year (Vail, Czinder). Yes scoring is an issue right now, but I think that can be fixed in the draft and import draft. They are right where I expected them to be fighting for the 7 or 8 playoff spot.
I think people need to realize that outside of Koko, Rychel and Marchese, this team is filled with rookies (Johnson, Clark, Maletta, Alonge) and guys who might as well be rookies given their lack of playing time last year (Vail, Czinder). Yes scoring is an issue right now, but I think that can be fixed in the draft and import draft. They are right where I expected them to be fighting for the 7 or 8 playoff spot.
Good points made,I agree I do think the Spits will upgrade their offense in the off season
I would expect at least 4 forwards minimum added,the 1st rounder,the Euro,an American and an O/A
This is how I would see this to be
in no particular order line wise
I think people need to realize that outside of Koko, Rychel and Marchese, this team is filled with rookies (Johnson, Clark, Maletta, Alonge) and guys who might as well be rookies given their lack of playing time last year (Vail, Czinder).
Excellent point. I'm actually quite surprised at how many quality scoring opportunities they've generated without Koko. I don't think it's as much about needing a playmaker/assist guy as much as understanding whether the majority of players on the roster have the potential to become better finishers.
I think Clarke is the best example of this statement. I think in the Saginaw and Soo game, Clarke probably had five excellent scoring chances and ended up cashing in on one. Especially against Saginaw, if he puts the biscuit in, possibly different games.
It's up to Rychel and the coaching staff to figure out this summer who will be better with their big boy strength and who just can't improve more offensively. It is obvious that our boys currently just get shoved off the puck or end up taking the easier long shots instead of driving the net without the experience and physical maturity.
I thought Campbell was good but I don't think he stole the game. I'm not buying that shot total for the Spits. There were some good chances but it really didn't seem like they put up nearly 40 shots. They hype train rolls on for Jack.
Nice to see Maletta earn some time on the Kerby/Marchese line and was trusted out there during OT. He's definitely someone I'm curious about as he physically matures because I think his ceiling is pretty high.
I thought Boughner should have mixed up the lines by the 30 min mark of the game instead of in the 3rd. It's pretty obvious that he only does and should trust three lines. The lone shift the 4th line had found McCann/Studnicka/Bilcke pinned in their own end. Wouldn't mind seeing Bilcke get a shift or two with the top 9 forwards here and there.
With that said, rolling only three lines, I think the coaching staff should be managing length of shifts better. There are far too many instances where players have been caught out on late shifts. Again, with four coaches behind the bench, why can't one (Matsos) solely focus on details like shift length and line changes?
Overall, that seemed like a pretty even game. While the Soo should have cashed more chances by the midpoint, Windsor could have took the lead with some luck the 2nd half. Both teams looked rough in trying to score and I don't think that was from goaltending as much as offensive talent available.
For the longest time I have read here that Guelph and Soo aren't very good they have been playing awful hockey. Well during that time span the Spits never really opened up a big lead on them, they might not have played well but Windsor hasn't played much better.
I do think this is a year that injuries have been huge for the team. Koko is obvious but I'd say the most underrated injury was the shoulder of Holden. Holden was brought in to offer stability and offence. That would have been at the heart of the stretch run where they could have put some distance with the Soo and Guelph and perhaps evened up with Saginaw. As well, he still looks out of sorts with the rest of the team so instead of getting the comfort level with his surroundings in January, he's doing it now in crunch time. I just think he could have offered so much more like Braithwaite who seems to have found his groove and is a very dependable, seasons guy.
I do think this is a year that injuries have been huge for the team. Koko is obvious but I'd say the most underrated injury was the shoulder of Holden. Holden was brought in to offer stability and offence. That would have been at the heart of the stretch run where they could have put some distance with the Soo and Guelph and perhaps evened up with Saginaw. As well, he still looks out of sorts with the rest of the team so instead of getting the comfort level with his surroundings in January, he's doing it now in crunch time. I just think he could have offered so much more like Braithwaite who seems to have found his groove and is a very dependable, seasons guy.
While the injury bug has not ravaged the spits this season its the timing and to whom moreso i would say
You are correct Holdens injury hurt,Maletta's injuries have slowed his development a bit and just when the Spits were in a groove,Koko and Ebert go down
While I understand its sports etc
the realities of it all really suck
The inconsistentcies of the offfense can be attributed to youth,lack of experience and roster turnover
Once the Spits traded Kuhnhackl
I knew the offense would take a hit,I am sure management knew the potential danger of that trade short term pain for long term gain
Whether the Spits make the playoffs or not this season it will be in my opinion due to inconsistencies in all areas due mainly to youth and inexperience
If this were an older club like SSM I would really be concerned going forward,but for now I am not
I don't think we have a lack of offence as much as we have a lack of HOW to score. We've got guys who can put the puck in the net - Kerby, Vail, MacQueen, Czinder, Johnson, and Maletta can all score 20 in this league, if not more, if they desire.
What I don't like seeing is 5'6 160lb MacQueen in front of the net on the PP, being tossed around like...well, you get the picture. All it takes is one shove from anyone and he's 10 feet from the net. Put Czinder, Bilcke, Bowen, or even Kerby in front...they won't be moved easily.
Then you've got guys looking for the perfect pass instead of shooting. I like how Ebert's at least trying the last few games, but if you're in the slot with a wide open shot, take it. He made the extra move last night, trying to get into the crease, and it results in both a turn-over and an odd-man rush. Get the puck on net, have all three forwards going for it, and bang, bang, bang.
Speaking of all three forwards, how many times last night were all three on the one wing, puck comes around to the opposite wing, and nobody, including the d-man, is there to cover?
Yes, we're struggling without Koko, but one man does not make a team. This is certainly cliche and I hate being like this, but everyone has to step up. Kerby could have had 50 goals, but now I'll be happy to see him score 40. Vail has gone quiet, too. Mind you, he's putting everyone into next week with hits, but that's not really his job.
In the last three games, we've had a total of two goals. Not to say this is a reason for it, but have you noticed we haven't dropped the mitts since the Sudbury game? Maybe fighting really does help (crowd gets going, players get going, etc).
Last night Vail did a great job on Cousins,held him pointless and becoming one of the better 2 way forwards in the league
The improvements by Vail,Rychel,Marchese,Clarke,as well as the impressive debuts by Johnson bode well for the future
Hopefully Ebert continues to get better,as well I expect Bateman and Maletta to improve much like vail and rychel have
I fully expect the spits to enhance their talent as result of the drafts,entry and euro,trades and a surprise signing or two.whether the spits make the playoffs or not
Recently an article appeared on Yahoo sports re Spits and Petes,regarding the benefits of not making the playoffs vis-a vis entry draft
In the past I have said its very important for the spits to make the playoffs for reasons i wont get back into,however my view has changed somewhat since the start of the year
The competetive part wants to be in the playoffs every year,however I must say I agree with the article getting a high pick going forward may be more beneficial then making the playoffs
In the spits case picking 4th as opposed to 6th or 7th could prove delightful,a generational type player is nothing to sneeze at and should Macdavid get exceptional status the spits have a great chance at getting the best player potentially since Taylor Hall
The spits have 4 picks in the 1st 50 players chosen in the entry draft and would get a higher euro pick should they fail to make the playoffs,this coupled with some fine young talent in all areas and the teams future will be bright
I still want this team to make the playoffs because the experience gained is invaluable but if they play like they did last nite and realize the battle they are in,the experience gained will be important
as well
Before I thought i would be bummed if windsor does not get in,now while i would not like it I am realizing the pain will be worth it by not getting in
Just my thoughts,I am sure most will disagree,but management has a plan,they won before twice,thats earned my trust
I am not giving up just being prepared going forward
^I'm going in the opposite direction and want the playoff spot now after wanting the better pick for most of this season. I figure if we make the play-offs we're the 8th seed and finishing behind Gennies in points mean we pick fifth. If we missed the play-offs we'd likely finish ahead of the Petes anyways meaning we're locked into 4th or 5th pick. You'd know much better than me what that would mean in regards to our draft pick pool. McDavid and Ho-Sang go 1-2 to Erie and Kingston respectively. Does Fabbri and McCann go next two in whichever order? I assume we'd pass on McKeown if he was on the board given he's a defenceman. Would Petes or Soo be looking to possibly take McKeown allowing one of Fabbri or McCann to drop to us at #5? If Roland does go 3/4, we'd essentially be getting the same player at five that we'd have picked at four.
Also I'd look at packaging our late second and one of the early thirds to move up into the early second. We need quality over quantity and I don't think we'd have the room for more than a couple rookies next season anyways. I guess it would depend on who WR and staff would have an eye on heading into the draft and if the 23-27 range is much better than the 35-45 range.
Also a bit of a digression, but Kenny Ryan would have been much better off playing his OA year with us rather than playing one in every four games with the Marlies before being sent to the ECHL no man's land. Team Captain, top line winger with Khokhlachev, lead the team to the play-offs or traded to London or Plymouth at the deadline for another deep playoff run instead his career stalled out in the ECHL after playing sparingly with the Marlies.
SSM was up on Sarnia 3-1 going into the third, but Sarnia scored four goals to take a 5-3 lead. London is beating Guelph 5-0 as well. So we're 1 point up now all played 64 games.
SSM was up 3-0... gave up a late 2nd period goal. Then our two great OA's Schwindt and Rogalski both take delay of games with 10 seconds of each other..... Said it since day 1, any team with our OA's Schwindt and Rogalski would have a tough time making the playoffs.....
Also I'd look at packaging our late second and one of the early thirds to move up into the early second. We need quality over quantity and I don't think we'd have the room for more than a couple rookies next season anyways. I guess it would depend on who WR and staff would have an eye on heading into the draft and if the 23-27 range is much better than the 35-45 range.
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This is a fatal flaw that bites teams big time. Giving away any pics to move a few spots is almost suicide unless that player coming back makes it big to not notice those lost pics. Any top team must build from draft and the best teams do it with players taken in rounds 3 through 7 with good scouting. A couple of high end picks are nice but those mid round guys who are solid are what separates a lot of OHL teams. ( scouting the right players ) Anyone can pick a player in round one and probably have some success but look at that teams draft record in rounds 3 through 7 and see how many are on their rosters today.
SSM was up 3-0... gave up a late 2nd period goal. Then our two great OA's Schwindt and Rogalski both take delay of games with 10 seconds of each other..... Said it since day 1, any team with our OA's Schwindt and Rogalski would have a tough time making the playoffs.....
That's the second game now in the last month or so that the Soo had a multi goal lead in the third against Sarnia and crapped it away. No one seems to want those last two playoff spots.
Sarnia will come into Windsor playing it's third game in two and a half days. They play Owen Sound tonight in a huge game for them as OS and Sarnia are tied in the standings with 73 points each and locked in a battle for home ice in the first rounder against each other.
Could we potential steal one here?
They just have too much offense for us. We might be able to grind it out with similarly offensively challenged teams, but we're not putting up more than a couple goals and I can't see us holding the Sting to less than four.
In the last few games it comes down to whether teams start resting players. London is still trying to fight off Plymouth for the top seed, so they'll keep dressing their full roster. Saginaw on the other hand is pretty much locked into 6th seed - do they rest Saad, Trocheck types for the last couple of games? Or do they try to bury us as the teams don't seem to like each other.
Could really come down to Windsor vs Soo - In the Soo, where Boughner won't get the Vail vs Cousins match-up he wants all the time. Also Soo would have another game still, the next day against Kitchener - and Kitchener is locked into 3rd place in the division and will probably look to rest folks. I don't think the Soo beats Kitchener even with key players resting for the Rangers.
Guelph should beat Erie at least once out of the two games. What's the deal with the three home and aways ending the season anyways? Something they always do or something? Schedule glitch? If Guelph wins both, than they lock up 7th seed. They win one and it's still up in the air.
I read an interesting article about the OHL draft on the Hockey News website. http://www.thehockeynews.com/article...OHL-draft.html
Normally I avoid Campbell's articles like the plague, because all he ever does is pick scabs I don't want picked like collective bargaining mumbo jumbo and his anti fighting agenda. However this time he was picking a scab that might be interesting to us, the entry of Connor MacDavid into the OHL and its impact on the draft. At the end he mentions Al MacInnis' kid, a defenceman who is a US prospect in St Louis who hasn't committed to the leauge. I would suspect he would be worthy of one of our picks, we probably still need a top power play defenceman going forward. I know nothing about this MacInnis kid as a prospect, but I would suspect he might have some of those qualities.
I think if they are smart they will capitalize on a full 2 days rest and come out of the gate Guns A Blazing to challenge Sarnia as they have 4 D and 9 Forwards who do not have Nagging Injuries. It looks like going forward that Pavelka i the guy who will be are #1 the rest of the season but i hope that Cullen gets in 1 more game before his OHL days are done because a goalie cant play every night
Sarnia is leading Owen Sound 4-0 midway though the third.
Sag now only 3 points behind OS.
Saginaw cliched a playoff spot tonight so its down to Windsor, SSM and Guelph for the final 2 spots with 4 Games left for both us and Guelph while SSM has 3 left but with 1 game against us, if we tie Guelph holds the Tie breaker over us
Yakupov is out for the Sting today, and given daylight savings, Sting lose an hour of recuperation/rest after their game last night with Owen Sound. It's really a one o'clock game today, 14 hours and a bus ride after their game finished last night.
I think we can win this one, and basically clinch a play-off berth because it would put us three points up on the Hounds and they're not winning another game other than potentially against us which would leave them a point behind us.
No one seems to want those last two playoff spots.
