Erie Otters 2018-19 Season Thread (Part 2)

[NOA]

Boy this team is crushing it in extra time this season, big reason they're close to a playoff spot. 7-2 in OT, now 5-1 in the SO. One point behind Windsor with 2 games in hand.

Makes up for last year when we were well below .500 in those same categories

Have to find ways to win the close games because we aren’t going to be blowing out teams

Hoffman has been amazing lately. MacDougall contributing. And wow it’s nice to have Golod back.

Would love to see this team with a healthy Fowler..

 

[aresknights]

Glad to hear Hoffman has done well lately!

 

[WolvesFanSudbury]

I'm hoping to see you guys slip into the playoffs . I'm a big fan of Jamie Drysdale

 

[buzzworthy]

Hoffman has, in my opinion, been the most improved player since the beginning of the season. Sproule is close behind, followed by Jamie Drysdale. Keep in mind that Drysdale was already a beast. I have been critical (rightly so) as have others on this thread of issues with the team. Having said that, I feel that the Otters have two attributes that top any OHL team. The first is the compete level. Every team has a stinker or 2, but overall, these Otter Pups play like a 2 year old who has chugged several cups of Espresso. Another attribute is the closeness of the team. You can see it in their behavior on and off the ice. There are no Prima Donnas or selfishness that I can see. This bodes well for next year. Should they make the playoffs, they will most certainly lose, but whoever plays them will expend a ton of energy beating them.

 

[EON]

Makes up for last year when we were well below .500 in those same categories

Have to find ways to win the close games because we aren’t going to be blowing out teams

Hoffman has been amazing lately. MacDougall contributing. And wow it’s nice to have Golod back.

Would love to see this team with a healthy Fowler..

The talent is clearly there up front and they should have no issue scoring next season, especially if they land Swankler (I don't expect Alexander but who knows) and hit their import pick again (assuming Poddubnyi leaves).

I'm not sure if I want them in the playoffs or not. If they make it as the 8th seed, London will obviously crush them, 5 games at most, and it lowers their draft pick. But on the other hand, I kind of feel like it's a positive just to say you made the playoffs, might be a moral booster going into next season. Either way I'm glad the team is at least competitive this season the potential is there to turn the corner next season.

 

[buzzworthy]

EON, I feel the same way. I guess you could say it is a win-win situation for us.

 

[the dog]

anyone know is singer hurt?

 

[itsahemi]

Hey Buzz - I'm going to want your autograph Saturday night. Great interview on NBCSN last night!

 

[buzzworthy]

Thanks! Had a terrific time in the Burg. Katheryn Tappen is a really, really nice lady. It was one of those right place at the right time moments.

 

[buzzworthy]

Any word on Fowler's return to the lineup? This is going to be a tough 3 games in 3 days scenario, and what with the Spits winning last night, they really need him in the lineup if they expect to leap Windsor.

 

[NOA]

Any word on Fowler's return to the lineup? This is going to be a tough 3 games in 3 days scenario, and what with the Spits winning last night, they really need him in the lineup if they expect to leap Windsor.

No way to know. A broken collarbone is typically a 12 week thing. Based on Fowler getting his injury in early November, he was due back the first week of February. I have heard nothing about him practicing or that he is close to returning.
If he doesn’t return the next 1/2 weeks, expect that means we just are shutting him down for the year. No need to rush him back when after missing 35-40 games and 3-4 months, he will just be out of game shape and rusty

 

[7D442]

3 very tough games in the next 3 days .. I’m guessing Murphy today and Sunday - Ceci on Sat ??

 

[OttersFan]

Cole Ceci gets the call tonight. Murphy get back to back starts at home?

 

[OttersFan]

Otters up 3-1 on 8 shots midway through the first! There's no quit in this team.

 

[Buttsy]

Not just because he scored the winner but Drysdale looks very good back on the point for you all! I think the announcers said he is 16 wow he looks like a keeper, nice pick!

 

[OttersFan]

Not just because he scored the winner but Drysdale looks very good back on the point for you all! I think the announcers said he is 16 wow he looks like a keeper, nice pick!

He's been sharp all year. Definitely good for Erie that he picked us. Would have went 2nd overall but loved Erie's atmosphere. He's fast and always gets in the rush. My guess is he's our captain next year.

 

[Buttsy]

He's been sharp all year. Definitely good for Erie that he picked us. Would have went 2nd overall but loved Erie's atmosphere. He's fast and always gets in the rush. My guess is he's our captain next year.

No doubt he outplayed some "big name" defenseman" tonight. Wow is all I got and a 16 year old?

 

[buzzworthy]

Yes, and to be honest with you Buttsy, his speed, skill, and hockey sense is every bit as good as McDavid at 16. Obviously, he is a defenseman, but I believe you are looking at a generational defenseman. This club is going to be a special group, maybe as soon as next year.

 

[buzzworthy]

Kudos to Joe Mack, who has improved his game since last season. He has some size, grit, and he is beginning to get more confidence every game.

 

[NOA]

Last year Erie was 0-11-1 against the top 4 teams in the league

This year we are currently 5-7-0-0 vs the top 4 teams in the league

 

[OttersFan]

Windsor is off today and tomorrow. If we could manage to get 2/3 points the rest of the weekend, it would be a huge success.

 

[NOA]

Windsor is off today and tomorrow. If we could manage to get 2/3 points the rest of the weekend, it would be a huge success.

If we even get 1 more point and manage to go 1-1-1 vs Ldn, niagara, Ldn... that’s as good as you can hope. Honestly happy they managed to even get 1 win vs a top team. Would be nice to get another but I surely won’t expect it and definitely won’t expect 3 points the rest of the weekend

 

[OttersFan]

If we even get 1 more point and manage to go 1-1-1 vs Ldn, niagara, Ldn... that’s as good as you can hope. Honestly happy they managed to even get 1 win vs a top team. Would be nice to get another but I surely won’t expect it and definitely won’t expect 3 points the rest of the weekend

Wishful thinking of course. Realistically, we go into OT with either team and thats it. I thought this weekend we had a chance at a point or two and that would be it. The rest of just bonus the rest of the weekend.

Kinda tough having 7, 3-in-3 weekends on the year. Is it standard to have 7? I guess I really never paid attention until Cooney mentioned it on air last night. Erie's were all back to back last month which made for a long month.

 

[buzzworthy]

I am not sure, but I can't complain about their effort. They could beat the Dogs who don't seem to be a top tier team to me. If they do that, pure adrenaline could get them another win against London. Big crowds could help. As I have said many times, the compete level of these guys is unmatched by any team I have seen so far. It seems like the chemistry is top notch, which is a very important attribute which often gets overlooked.

 

[OttersFan]

They series with Niagara is split 2-2. I really think they can get two points tonight. What's interesting is do they go with Murphy tonight? He didn't play last night and is rested. Or do they play CeCi who comes off a big win?

Either one could get the start tonight as they're only as good as the team in front of them wants to play as we have witnessed all season.

I think Erie has a very strong chance of getting the 8th seed.