I’s also suggest Niagara was the team that needed a defensive upgrade. They get flustered a lot by speed and Ottawa is the type of team that will expose that. Brassard is OK but it’s not like he’s had success this year with Ottawa. He was getting undressed by 16 year old Jr A players last game. The more interesting question is to ask Niagara fans how they will stop the 67’s with that defense....
You won’t find any Niagara’s fans on this board, but, as an observer of many games, they seem to struggle with speed teams, backchecking issues from, #44, #13 and #19. Roberts would be their fasted D-man, and does a fair share trying to break up the odd man rushes. They have two very tall defencemen in Paquette and Bukac and have very long sticks, but, in my opinion they are not the fastest of skaters, and, those little swift and fast forwards they seem to struggle against. Dhillon handles the first shot well, and then it’s a collapse to defend in front of their net. Quick releases high glove on Dhillon is the way, that and obviously making that accurate pass shot into the empty net on the two on ones, he is a big boy and covers the net will in tight, especially up high when on his knees, his lateral movement is sluggish at best. He will give up a bad goal in most games so, it’s like starting the game 1-0.
They have added a shooter on the point now in Brassard on their power play, prior to that Burke didn’t trust any of his D to man the PP and threw up 5 forwards which cause for many short handed attempts, DH is good 1-1. You will need to limit their PP chances, or, take someone with you like #13 for example, he can be a bit knumb in the brain and can be goatee on a retaliation penalty. He is by far the easiest to throw off his game, Jones can be the same way as well, but, they can come back and put the puck in the net once they’d get back on the ice.
They have all the stars, now it’s time for the coaching to put it all together. The coach is the owners son, so, just making a point, as I feel the players don’t really respect him or his lack of experience as I believe he is a softy, good place to finish your OHL career.
Let me know if you need any more thoughts. We are all 67’s fans this year, except for this afternoon. Lol
Enjoy the game.
