Sudbury Wolves 2018-19 Season Thread (Part 5)

[Lycanthrope]

Stillman and his staff are very good. Yes UPL make them look even better and I'm not sure how much you have seen this year, but I would say every player on the team has improved. And it's no accident. It's not happening "just because."

I feel this is a negative post on a positive topic. Let's face it...good players make coaches look good, but good coaching make the players better. The Wolves have a combination of those things right now and to say it's one thing or another that is making this team successful is foolish.

UPL has stolen games, no question, but there have been times when he hasn't even been noticed in a good way (two wins vs. NB prior to last night).
And even last night, he was solid, but didn't have to be outstanding.

The Wolves defence and D-zone coverage as well as transition have been excellent and it's no accident.

Very good coaching, improving and good players...it adds up to a very, very good team.

Absolutely agree on all points. Saved me the effort. I too was unsure of Stillman but as you said Ukko aside he’s done a hell of a job. In fact the Wolves have been relying on Ukko less and less for some time now.

 

[Lycanthrope]

WIll do! Safer on the 69 in April than in Feb wouldn’t you say?
Wolves playing in April sounds real nice.
Wolves vs. Ice Dogs in April and we will be sharing a pint.
Drops Mic

Ha nice

 

[Lycanthrope]

Last night was a fun game. I know there are alot of Candella supporters out there but Defensively I see him as our Biggest weakness. Simple fundamental plays that Dmen learn at a young age he does not do. And I'm starting to wonder just how coachable he is. On 3 plays where he tried to carry the puck in but failed to get it deep I watched him go to the bench and get reamed by Stillman to "Just get the puck deep" The one assist he got I concede was a nice play in which he directed towards the net to be tipped in (Carson I believe...but now I'm second guessing) This is an extremely rare event...4 of 5 times the puck makes it to his stick hes taking a futile shot towards the net or racking it off a Forwards Shin pads or into an overly comfortable Goalies glove, goal tenders know the shot is coming , He needs to move the puck around or like he did last night put it in a place where it can be tipped or worst case scenario send it into the corner.

I find Obonswin has not really been able to shine on the 4th line wing and wonder if he's a better fit back on the blue line where his natural position is, while moving Candella up to the wing... Don't start on me...I realize major changes like this will never happen as long the team is winning. It's just and idea I see. I think Candy could do some damage on the wing the same way that Patrick Murphy became productive being moved to offense 3 or4 yrs ago.

Candela does make puzzling decisions at times but for me he more than makes up for it in other ways, such as carrying the puck. He does need to focus on cleaning that up though.
I thought North Bay came to play in the first and the Wolves maybe we’re caught a little off guard. From the second on though they seemed to realize they’d have to put forth more effort and just pulled away as the game went on as they’re clearly the better team.

 

[WolvesFanSudbury]

We’re almost mathematically confirmed in the playoffs . Im pretty excited to see that “X” after all these years haha

 

[Generalsupdates]

We’re almost mathematically confirmed in the playoffs . Im pretty excited to see that “X” after all these years haha

They literally made the playoffs 2 years ago.....

 

[WaW]

They literally made the playoffs 2 years ago.....

He's talking about it based on how early it is.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Levin is out until playoffs at least

You were told this?

 

[Lycanthrope]

He's talking about it based on how early it is.

Right and we missed three out of four years!

 

[Generalsupdates]

You were told this?

FWIW, I was told by a Sudubry staffer (albeit not the coach or GM or anything so it can't be 100%) that Levin's season was in jeopardy based on his last doctors visit

 

[Lycanthrope]

FWIW, I was told by a Sudubry staffer (albeit not the coach or GM or anything so it can't be 100%) that Levin's season was in jeopardy based on his last doctors visit

Ya not surprised, I was told something similar. Can hope for the playoff I guess. I’ll try to ask him myself tomorrow, see what he says.

 

[WolvesFanSudbury]

They literally made the playoffs 2 years ago.....

Just in generals ffs . This organization has had lots of problems and the fans have been through it all . Let me enjoy this . And enjoy writing that poem

 

[WaW]

Battalion beat SSM. As of now its Wolves #2 Troops #7. Let's keep that shape!

 

[hockieguy]

Way to be a good sport, haha.

First off I agree with UPL being the biggest reason for our success and that he should be OHL MVP. I also think we can go on a run and I'm starting to believe we could be a 3rd round team this year.

I think you're undercutting the rest of the squad a bit though, as well as Stillman's impact on it. I dont think UPL is the difference between us being say 2nd 9th. I think if we didnt have him we'd be in that 5-8 mix right now.

It's important to recognize how much better the guys like Bulitka, Robinson, Hutcheson, McConville, the Pilons, and Gilhula are this year compared to last and the numbers they've put up to contribute have reflected that. I think we've always had plenty players like this, but Stillman has done a better job coaching these kind of guys up to their potential better than anyone we've had since Bert Templeton. The pain we went through last year was largely to get these guys to where they are now. I expect most of them to take another step forward next year too.

That leads me to my next point. I think we'll be a top team next season except it won't be because of goaltending. I think we've had such poor goaltending for so long that we tend to get lost in the assumption that if it isnt Ukko, we'll get McGrath level goaltending. Lemaire and Weeks have shown me enough to have confidence that at least one of them can play a bigger role next year, plus I think we can always make a trade to address the goaltending if need be. The rest of the guys I mentioned above, plus the big offensive guys and the entire D core should be quite a bit better next season. Remember we're bringing back most of this core. If we fall back to mediocrity then I'll question Stillman, but he hasn't done anything IMO to suggest thay we should worry about that.

I think what UPL has done for us is beyond all expectations. Most of us were saying pre season that 2019-20 was our year. UPL is so good that he has given us a puncher's chance this season as well. Recognizing that, I think we need to revert back to the original plan and thinking, and recognize him as a luxury for this season, not his departure as a detriment next season.

Next season will be a tougher season than this season IMO. There are several glaring holes that the Wolves need to address before any prediction can really be made on next season.

1. There will be a HUGE hole in net next year, plain and simple. If a quality goal tender is not picked up, it will be a tough year.
2. The Pilon twins age out, Candella ages out. That leaves seven 99s to fill three OA spots. Who are they? DeMeo, Levin, Lukkonen (if he returns) are shoe ins and Ruzicka (if he returns), pick three out of those four names. So that leaves Carson, O' Basowin, Bulitka, all looking in from the outside. Either way, the Wolves loose at least four of the names mentioned.
3. Defence- Lukkonen makes the defence better than they actually are, with the exception of Philips who I believe will be a star in this league in two seasons, minus a significant injury.

It will be very interesting to see who this team drafts, which direction they go and how much Papineau is willing to give up for the players the team needs to fill the holes in the lineup. I do not envy his job.

Time will tell, but fans will get a chance to enjoy some playoff hockey...…

 

[hockieguy]

Absolutely agree on all points. Saved me the effort. I too was unsure of Stillman but as you said Ukko aside he’s done a hell of a job. In fact the Wolves have been relying on Ukko less and less for some time now.

Then why are they not giving games to Lemaire?

 

[hockieguy]

You were told this?

Yes

 

[billoink]

Then why are they not giving games to Lemaire?

The Wolves want to be in control of who they will play in the first round. The case in point is finishing second in the division may not be as good a fit as finishing third as you would still have home ice. Example, would you rather play the Petes or NB. The final few games you may very well see Lamaire depending on the standings. Ukko gives you a better chance to remain in the position to make that choice.

 

[WE ARE WOLVES]

Next season will be a tougher season than this season IMO. There are several glaring holes that the Wolves need to address before any prediction can really be made on next season.

1. There will be a HUGE hole in net next year, plain and simple. If a quality goal tender is not picked up, it will be a tough year.
2. The Pilon twins age out, Candella ages out. That leaves seven 99s to fill three OA spots. Who are they? DeMeo, Levin, Lukkonen (if he returns) are shoe ins and Ruzicka (if he returns), pick three out of those four names. So that leaves Carson, O' Basowin, Bulitka, all looking in from the outside. Either way, the Wolves loose at least four of the names mentioned.
3. Defence- Lukkonen makes the defence better than they actually are, with the exception of Philips who I believe will be a star in this league in two seasons, minus a significant injury.

It will be very interesting to see who this team drafts, which direction they go and how much Papineau is willing to give up for the players the team needs to fill the holes in the lineup. I do not envy his job.

Time will tell, but fans will get a chance to enjoy some playoff hockey...…

Good post. Although I think the Defense is getting better and I do not necessarily think that it is Just Ukko making them better. Agree Phillips ia stud and I think will be a 2nd rd pick in next years draft...this story get better because I think Thompson as just as much upside. I think both of these guys get drafted relatively early next season.
Candella will be gone and I think this actually helps the team defensively. Demeo is Solid and makes Ross considerably better than he was before Demeo got there. Startis will be back and is solid. Serensits to me was a beter player last season but I think he can hold the 6th spot. 7th Dman spot is up for grabs. Next years Defense is going to be Special i think.

The Pilon's are a role that will be difficult to replace, I don't think there are many teams in the league that have a Shutdown combination like that

 

[WolvesFanInNorthBay]

I'm excited for tonight's game! Should be a good tilt between two solid teams. Greyhounds are 5-3-2 in their last ten while the Wolves are 9-1-0. The last Wolves loss was a 7-4 decision to the Greyhounds on home ice.

Sault Ste Marie is coming off a tough overtime loss last night against the Battalion while the Wolves have enjoyed a couple days off.

Hope to see more bodies in attendance than what I've been hearing and seeing on the livecast.

I heard there was going to be a few former Leafs players in attendance tonight.

 

[Voice from the North]

Next season will be a tougher season than this season IMO. There are several glaring holes that the Wolves need to address before any prediction can really be made on next season.

1. There will be a HUGE hole in net next year, plain and simple. If a quality goal tender is not picked up, it will be a tough year.
2. The Pilon twins age out, Candella ages out. That leaves seven 99s to fill three OA spots. Who are they? DeMeo, Levin, Lukkonen (if he returns) are shoe ins and Ruzicka (if he returns), pick three out of those four names. So that leaves Carson, O' Basowin, Bulitka, all looking in from the outside. Either way, the Wolves loose at least four of the names mentioned.
3. Defence- Lukkonen makes the defence better than they actually are, with the exception of Philips who I believe will be a star in this league in two seasons, minus a significant injury.

It will be very interesting to see who this team drafts, which direction they go and how much Papineau is willing to give up for the players the team needs to fill the holes in the lineup. I do not envy his job.

Time will tell, but fans will get a chance to enjoy some playoff hockey...…

1. Agreed but I'm sure there is a plan. The team thats in front of Luukkonen now is much better then the one in September. An above average goalie will do.

2. Why is Demeo a shoo-in? You have five returning defenseman as opposed to maybe 7 returning forwards. UPL and Ruzicka wont be back as they willplay pro next year. O'Bonsawin wont be back for obvious reasons which leaves Levin, Carson, Bulitka and Demeo. You can make a case for all four depending on the direction GM Papineau wants to go. I am worried about the toughness and grit being lost next year, that I agree on.

3. UPL does indeed make a defense look good but the group has greatly improved especially the younger defensemen like Ross,Phillips and Thompson who will be given more responsibility next year.

For the most part, our better players are back next year and a lot of teams can't say that, especially in the Central division. This year and next will be very good years in Sudbury

 

[WolvesFan]

1. Agreed but I'm sure there is a plan. The team thats in front of Luukkonen now is much better then the one in September. An above average goalie will do.

2. Why is Demeo a shoo-in? You have five returning defenseman as opposed to maybe 7 returning forwards. UPL and Ruzicka wont be back as they willplay pro next year. O'Bonsawin wont be back for obvious reasons which leaves Levin, Carson, Bulitka and Demeo. You can make a case for all four depending on the direction GM Papineau wants to go. I am worried about the toughness and grit being lost next year, that I agree on.

3. UPL does indeed make a defense look good but the group has greatly improved especially the younger defensemen like Ross,Phillips and Thompson who will be given more responsibility next year.

For the most part, our better players are back next year and a lot of teams can't say that, especially in the Central division. This year and next will be very good years in Sudbury

Agreed! Excellent Post!

 

[three dog night]

Any Sudbury fans coming Sunday if so welcome to Niagara.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Any Sudbury fans coming Sunday if so welcome to Niagara.

Wish I could. Definitely will down the road.

 

[WolvesFanSudbury]

Niagara caught player tampering . Loses their first this year and in 2021 and 250K fine . With how bad their gonna be in 2020 and 2021 that hurts alot

 

[three dog night]

Niagara caught player tampering . Loses their first this year and in 2021 and 250K fine . With how bad their gonna be in 2020 and 2021 that hurts alot

Yes it does but I am sure they are appealing

 

[Wisdom]

Player tampering?...I wonder what the details are