Hamilton Bulldogs 2018-19 Season Thread

[Hammer9001]

Is Hamilton defense that bad.

It is and isn't, but mostly it is.

It isn't because the Bulldogs have been playing a very aggressive top line that is scoring all these goals. There is a reason why Kaliyev and Saigeon are two of the top point earners in the league right now, and they are playing off each other. However, this is kind of being a detriment to the other lines that just don't have that kind of offensive power and expertise, which is why a lot of Bulldogs games have been absurdly high scoring affairs.

However, fundamentally the defense is too young and we've lost too many top guys. With the loss of Stillman, Gleason, Lemcke, Hanley and Walters, it's just too big a hole to fill right away. Realistically Mattinien is the only true veteran defenceman on the team. Landry had limited time last year, Gravelle had even less time and was a call up if I'm not mistaken, Renwick and Jenkins are both rookies and while we apparently got Wainman for a steal, he still was acquired via a 10th round pick, which speaks to his capabilities and DJ King has been out as of late.

 

[digiblader]

Is Hamilton defense that bad.

Well, it was better than in Owen Sound (32 shots tonight given up)--the problem is Nick Donofrio is not an OHL starter on any team, and needs to be benched or released, as he is hurting the Bulldogs with his poor goaltending (4.38 GAA, .870 SV%, 36 GA).

They'd be better off calling up Marco Constantini (2.24 GAA, .927 SV%--unfortunately being a 16 year old, the Bulldogs are not able to call him up, considering they already have 4 2002s on the roster.) So it's basically ride with Donofrio or trade for someone.

Staios basically has his hands tied.

And yes, DJ King needs to return ASAP--because the last 2 games have shown how much of a hole he's left the defense due to his injury.

 

[Voice from the North]

The only real bad goal Donofrio let in last night was goal number three. The other ones the team defence would have been mostly to blame. That being said, McGrath is better then both of your goalies right now. Maybe there’s a trade fit here

 

[Canadian Game]

I didn't see the game last night but Donofrio gets more flack than he deserves. We've seen him win some incredible games. In fact, at one point a few people thought Donofrio might be a better starting goalie than Fulcher. Amazing how the winds can shift. The problem really is the defence, and the lack of support they give to the goalie. DJ King will hopefully have an impact when he returns, but he's only fraction of 3 defence pairings.

Think of the losses/changes since May:
Lemcke - Strong two-way dman, active stick work and strong veteran defender.
Gleason - Top puck-moving dman on the team, probably the fastest dman on the team, good defender.
Hanley - Veteran stay-at-home D, reliable in his own end. Blocked a ton of shots and played through many injuries (caused from shot blocking and defending).
Walters - Similar to Hanley, probabaly the top shot blocker on the team.

Additionally, we need to remember that Vince Laise is also learning to coach the defence. Previously, including in Erie, he was in charge of the forwards and the powerplay. When Matsos was promoted to head coach, Staios announced that Vince would now be in charge of defence because they want to help Vince develop into being a head coach. A head coach needs to know how to coach both ends of the ice.

If I were Staios, I'd be looking for one or two 18-19 year olds with sufficient OHL experience who can fill the roles of Hanley and Walters and be defensively responsible, clear pucks, and block shots. Let the blue line offence come from other dmen. If it means moving 1 or two current dmen, do it. The most valuable dmen to Hamilton right now are probably Mattinen (unless they find a longer term upgrade), the 2002 rookies, and I'd assess how King has adjusted to the OHL around Christmas. There's a reason why Guelph had to give a lot for Hanley... because he would have contributed a lot to the Bulldogs defensively.

 

[Duke Guy]

It looks like the Bulldogs have an undrafted player as their back-up goalie.

 

[digiblader]

It looks like the Bulldogs have an undrafted player as their back-up goalie.

Guessing Donofrio is injured.. though Roy was likely starting tonight anyway. He's done well so far--though the Bulldogs D is still struggling, getting well outshot by the Hounds.

 

[digiblader]

I didn't see the game last night but Donofrio gets more flack than he deserves. We've seen him win some incredible games. In fact, at one point a few people thought Donofrio might be a better starting goalie than Fulcher. Amazing how the winds can shift. The problem really is the defence, and the lack of support they give to the goalie. DJ King will hopefully have an impact when he returns, but he's only fraction of 3 defence pairings.

Think of the losses/changes since May:
Lemcke - Strong two-way dman, active stick work and strong veteran defender.
Gleason - Top puck-moving dman on the team, probably the fastest dman on the team, good defender.
Hanley - Veteran stay-at-home D, reliable in his own end. Blocked a ton of shots and played through many injuries (caused from shot blocking and defending).
Walters - Similar to Hanley, probabaly the top shot blocker on the team.

Additionally, we need to remember that Vince Laise is also learning to coach the defence. Previously, including in Erie, he was in charge of the forwards and the powerplay. When Matsos was promoted to head coach, Staios announced that Vince would now be in charge of defence because they want to help Vince develop into being a head coach. A head coach needs to know how to coach both ends of the ice.

If I were Staios, I'd be looking for one or two 18-19 year olds with sufficient OHL experience who can fill the roles of Hanley and Walters and be defensively responsible, clear pucks, and block shots. Let the blue line offence come from other dmen. If it means moving 1 or two current dmen, do it. The most valuable dmen to Hamilton right now are probably Mattinen (unless they find a longer term upgrade), the 2002 rookies, and I'd assess how King has adjusted to the OHL around Christmas. There's a reason why Guelph had to give a lot for Hanley... because he would have contributed a lot to the Bulldogs defensively.

Unfortunately, Staios also has his hands tied due to a lack of assets to make a deal for D-men, along with a pending selloff likely to start in the next month or so if the team isn't at the top of the conference--so basically, he has to ride with what he has.

 

[digiblader]

Guessing Donofrio is injured.. though Roy was likely starting tonight anyway. He's done well so far--though the Bulldogs D is still struggling, getting well outshot by the Hounds.

UPDATE--he is injured:

 

[digiblader]

Poor defense sinks the Bulldogs again, as they drop a 4-3 decision to the Soo Greyhounds. Outshot badly 39-27, Zachary Roy gave up 4 goals on 39 shots and really tried to keep Hamilton in the game--but horrible D (Kade Landry -2 tonight) sank the team.

Matt Strome had 2 G and 1A, Entwistle with a goal--and when are they going to get some secondary scoring? The lack of scoring depth beyond the top line is an issue..it's going to be ugly when Saigeon/Strome/Entwistle are gone by Christmas.

 

[Canadian Game]

Unfortunately, Staios also has his hands tied due to a lack of assets to make a deal for D-men, along with a pending selloff likely to start in the next month or so if the team isn't at the top of the conference--so basically, he has to ride with what he has.

The types of dmen Hamilton could use can be found for decent value. For example, Hamilton acquired Walters for a 5th and an 8th. Is it worth the same thing for a Walter's type player? I wouldn't give it a second thought. Meanwhile, if they bring in another dman, someone could be traded away...for draft picks. Let's not act like Hamilton's hands are tied and they're out of options.

 

[icepups]

UPDATE--he is injured:

Niagara has 5 signed goalies. Maybe a trade could be worked out.

 

[Rounder8]

Heard from a very reliable source today that Robert Thomas has been talking to his teammates and that he believes that he is going to be sent back to the Bulldogs.

At least until he is traded...

 

[Finster8]

Heard from a very reliable source today that Robert Thomas has been talking to his teammates and that he believes that he is going to be sent back to the Bulldogs.

At least until he is traded...

Yes, he would look amazing in a Spirit uniform. Thomas will be worth a bundle of picks and prospects. Worth it if you are serious about getting the right guy to lead a skilled team.

 

[dirty12]

OMG! Thomas, Strome, Entswhile, Saigeon, & Kaliyev all one year older. For a few weeks at least, bulldogs would have one heck of a top six

 

[Canadian Game]

Heard from a very reliable source today that Robert Thomas has been talking to his teammates and that he believes that he is going to be sent back to the Bulldogs.

At least until he is traded...

That wouldn't surprise me. The Blues haven't played well and have just 2 wins in 7 games. Thomas has 1 assist in 5 games and has been scratched for the last 2. For the majority of this playing time, Thomas has been on the 4th line with Oscar Sunqvist and Samuel Blais (another rookie). In the games that Thomas was scratched, Kyrou was bumped down from the 3rd line to the 4th. One comment that stood out for me from their GM Doug Armstrong during the preseason, is that Thomas can't expect to just walk onto the team and be placed with their top guys, although they picture him eventually playing with Tarasenko. The spot has to be earned.

Until a decision is make, it's all speculative, but I've been wondering if he will be sent back to the OHL. Kyrou on the other hand, can be sent to the AHL.

 

[Hammer9001]

Heard from a very reliable source today that Robert Thomas has been talking to his teammates and that he believes that he is going to be sent back to the Bulldogs.

At least until he is traded...

That's really it, and that's probably why Satios may be a bit hesitant to trade for some new defence. Despite having some of the top goal scorers, the team still should end up selling this year. You can't buy 5+ new defencemen with the cupboard we have right now. You need to give them ice time an expect they will need to develop.

Anyways, if Thomas does come back, I would expect at least 2 2nd round picks and something else thrown in.

 

[digiblader]

The only positive of Thomas possibly returning is that it gives the Bulldogs another piece to trade when the inevitable selloff starts by Christmas along with Strome/Entwistle/Saigeon, and maybe Donofrio (though his value right now is really low). Gotta restock that cupboard so that they have a shot to build their next Memorial Cup contender, hopefully around 2020-21 when the OHL's turn to bid comes around.

 

[dirty12]

That's really it, and that's probably why Satios may be a bit hesitant to trade for some new defence. Despite having some of the top goal scorers, the team still should end up selling this year. You can't buy 5+ new defencemen with the cupboard we have right now. You need to give them ice time an expect they will need to develop.

Anyways, if Thomas does come back, I would expect at least 2 2nd round picks and something else thrown in.

At least. Hamilton owes London 2-2nds if Thomas is sent back

 

[digiblader]

At least. Hamilton owes London 2-2nds if Thomas is sent back

You can imagine Staios is hoping Thomas stays in St. Louis--because there's no chance Hamilton gets anything close to those picks back in a trade, especially for a rental who'll be in the AHL or NHL next season.

 

[Generalsupdates]

You can imagine Staios is hoping Thomas stays in St. Louis--because there's no chance Hamilton gets anything close to those picks back in a trade, especially for a rental who'll be in the AHL or NHL next season.

They'd definitely get more than 2 2nds for Thomas....

Last year elite 1 year rentals went for:

-Taylor Raddysh (and Sambrook) for '01 rookie, 5 2nds, 2 3rds, 2 6ths

-Logan Brown (and McEneny) for '01 rookie, 2 2nds, 3rd, 5th

-Aaron Luchuk for good '00 player, 2 2nds, 3rd

Thomas should fetch '02 rookie and 2/3 2nds+ 1/2 3rds. Won't be many better guys than him moved. Probably him/Frost/Robertson as the top 3?

 

[dirty12]

You can imagine Staios is hoping Thomas stays in St. Louis--because there's no chance Hamilton gets anything close to those picks back in a trade, especially for a rental who'll be in the AHL or NHL next season.

Raddysh, Pu, Brown, Dineen, Ang all returned better than two 2nds last season

 

[Canadian Game]

You can imagine Staios is hoping Thomas stays in St. Louis--because there's no chance Hamilton gets anything close to those picks back in a trade, especially for a rental who'll be in the AHL or NHL next season.

What?! If a GM thought like that, it would be fireable in my opinion. Now they didn't want him to return because they thought he belongs in the NHL and would be best for his development, that's completely different.

It makes zero sense to not want to recoup value from a large asset. And you think they wouldn't want him because no return is better than some return for Hamilton's rebuild? Remember what Staios got for OA Jack Hanley(2nd, 3rd, and 4th), and no offense to Hanley, but Thomas is a much higher calibre player.

This just sounds so ironic as you've posted many times about Hamilton having to rebuild and how important it will be to recoup picks since Hamilton decided to go all in and make a run for the championship.

 

[AttackSound]

Headed down to Steel city for the Hamilton vs. Owen Sound game via booster club trip.

Looking forward to seeing a game at FirstOntario Centre. Wonder if there will be any posters in attendance for the game?? We should be easy to spot as will have a big group of Attack colors in attendance.

Wonder if any posters will stop by and say hi. PM if will be in attendance

 

[Duke Guy]

Game Day: Any line-up changes for tonight?

 

[digiblader]

No Donofrio. Roy starting, Jr. C goalie from Grimsby, Riley Maskell backing up. No Morrison, Burnell, D'Agastino, Jenkins, or Murray.