Last year we basically had Hookey and Stewart plus Lawrence to an extent. I think the additions of Smith and McCue adds some edge. Burroughs can get fiery at times. Barlow has a bit of an edge at times. Still think London has an advantage but I don't think it's as extreme as it may have been last season. I would definitely expect a physical series with plenty of animosity but the Attack are much better equipped for that this season than last.
Anyone who suggests that a lack of physical play is the reason why we may not have playoff success is living in 1998, just not close to the issues that the team have. Physical play is the one thing that they have.
They are very confused and disorganized in their own zone, and as a result they give up way too many scoring chances. I believe that this new system was implemented to limit quality chances, but it's done the opposite and for whatever reason, the coaches have not or cannot change the system or find a system that will.
They relied way too heavily on a rookie goalie who now looks overworked. Votary plays a massive part in this, as he simply has not been good enough to be an OHL goalie, but that still doesn't mean that you play George as much as you do. Sometimes it feels like they are coaching for their contracts vs coaching for the best of the team. Thats why they seemed so worried about playing rookies like Smith and Either against teams like Niagara, Sarnia, etc. They treated every game like it was the superbowl.
Its been downhill all year and its all about defensive zone play and some player looking checked out and not progressing. Thats why they probably don't play well in the playoffs, not that they are not tough enough.
The big blow for this team was Hishon and Hill leaving (maybe moreso Hill as Im not sure Hishon wanted to coach long term) after LeTang left. Had they stayed, Hill would have transitioned to head coach and I have no doubt that the results would have been significantly different.
This is easily the most frustrating season in my 20 or so years following the team, they teams has been built well and the roster, while not perfect is just as good as 80 percent of the OHL, but the coaching staff has let them and us down.