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Post by SjRinkSideRebel on Sept 11, 2024 11:04:39 GMT -4
Been pretty quiet in the forums regarding the DOGS so let's get discussions going.
As the 2024-2025 QMJHL regular season kicks off, here’s my take on how the Saint John Sea Dogs will perform in their first 10 games. Feel free to share your thoughts!
Saint John Sea Dogs - First 10 Games Predictions
Sept 20 - vs Moncton Wildcats
Prediction: Moncton’s depth and coaching should dominate early, especially against a young Sea Dogs team. If our defense holds its ground, and goaltending is where it should be, we could get this one closer.
Outcome: 6-2 Wildcats win.
Sept 21 - vs Halifax Mooseheads
Prediction: Halifax’s rebuild will leave them vulnerable early, and Saint John can take advantage of their inexperience.
Outcome: 5-3 Sea Dogs win.
Sept 27 - @ Charlottetown Islanders
Prediction: Charlottetown’s solid core and better systems might get the job done, but a high-scoring affair is likely. Goaltenders is the key to this one and if they are both on game, scoring might be lower than anticipated.
Outcome: 5-4 Islanders win.
Sept 29 - @ Cape Breton Eagles
Prediction: Cape Breton’s defense may be exposed without Schmitt, Saint John’s offense if forecheck is on might be able to get 3 goals out of them, but veterans from Cape should dominate if SJ can't find the grit they need.
Outcome: 6-3 Eagles win
Oct 3 - @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan
Prediction: Bathurst’s lack of standout stars could see them fall behind early. Sea Dogs should be able to capitalize. Bathurst has had a strong preseason and may surprise the Dogs though on this one. It's going to be a battle.
Outcome: 5-2 Sea Dogs win.
Oct 5 - vs Charlottetown Islanders
Prediction: Charlottetown will be prepared for a rematch. Expect more goals this time as systems are still shaky early in the season.
Outcome: 4-3 Islanders win (SO).
Oct 6 - vs Acadie-Bathurst Titan
Prediction: The Sea Dogs will continue to take advantage of Titan’s lack of top-end talent.
Outcome: 5-4 Sea Dogs win.
Oct 11 - vs Sherbrooke Phoenix
Prediction: Sherbrooke’s underrated roster could lead to a high-paced game. If systems aren’t fully set, this could be a high-scoring loss for Saint John.
Outcome: 6-4 Phoenix win.
Oct 12 - vs Victoriaville Tigres
Prediction: Victoriaville’s goaltender D’Aigle could keep this closer, but early-season chaos could see both teams net several goals.
Outcome: 5-3 Sea Dogs win.
Oct 17 - @ Moncton Wildcats
Prediction: Moncton’s strength will likely overwhelm Saint John again. Expect more goals as Saint John’s defense tries to keep up.
Outcome: 6-3 Wildcats win.
With teams still finding their footing and rebuilding systems, the early season could see more high-scoring games, especially for teams like Saint John. The predictions above leave us with 4 wins and 6 losses to start the season. What do you think? Will the Sea Dogs be able to keep pace in these goal-heavy matches?
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Post by SjRinkSideRebel on Sept 18, 2024 10:07:54 GMT -4
This Weekend's Games at the Station
Sept 20 - vs Moncton Wildcats - The Saint John Sea Dogs' home opener on September 20th against the Moncton Wildcats I expect to be an exciting start to the season, especially with the intense rivalry between the two teams. Moncton will be missing a significant portion of their roster due to NHL camps, with as many as seven key players absent, which could impact their overall performance. In contrast, the Sea Dogs will also be without three of their top players, giving them a potential advantage in terms of roster strength.
While Moncton will be somewhat depleted, it’s important to note that Vidichek is expected to return, which could bolster their lineup and provide some much-needed stability. However, the home opener energy at TD Station will surely give the Sea Dogs an extra boost, as the fans will be fired up for their first glimpse of the team in regular-season action.
This game also marks the first regular season game for MacDougal as head coach of the Wildcats. Coach Mac will be looking to make a strong statement in his debut, and there’s no better way to do that than by leading his team to victory against their biggest rivals. I would expect the intensity to be high as both teams look to set the tone early in the season.
Sept 21 - vs Halifax Mooseheads -As the Dogs gear up for their upcoming game with the Mooseheads, Halifax will be without some key players from last season. Missing top scorers like Mathieu Cataford, Markus Vidicek, and Peter Reynolds leaves a big gap in the lineup. Additionally, the absence of Jordan Dumais and defenseman Jake Furlong will challenge the Mooseheads in both offense and defense.
However, Brady Schultz, Jan Sprynar, and Lou Lévesque will be pivotal in keeping Halifax somewhat competitive. Schultz’s leadership on defense, paired with Sprynar and Lévesque’s offensive potential, will be key in creating scoring opportunities. Liam Kilfoil and Shawn Carrier who came over from Moncton in the Vidichek deal will also be in the mix.
In net, the Mooseheads are in good hands with Mathis Rousseau, who stands at the top of the QMJHL goalie pedigree, and Jack Milner providing solid backup. With Rousseau's elite skills between the pipes, can they to hold off the Sea Dogs’ new line up?
One team entering the first stages of a rebuild while the other in the initial rebuild stages will prove to be an interesting game. With the Key forwards missing for the Dogs, it will be a battle to see who has early chemistry. The dogs should be able to push this one for a win unless goaltending is in top form for the Moose.
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Post by Briwhel on Sept 18, 2024 10:26:32 GMT -4
For the first 10, SJ will lose to Moncton handily.
I think SJ stacks up well against Halifax opening weekend (even with players out).
I like SJ's odds against Charlottetown (and by then, we may have Mateiko and Peddle back anyway).
I think SJ and Bathurst will be competitive head to head, but I think Bathurst wins the early games (because SJ will be likely be missing Mann and Bilodeau on D).
Cape Breton will beat SJ handily (again, very good team).
Sherbrooke and Victoriaville should be wins. Victoriaville's goaltending will struggle and Sherbrooke will struggle with goalscoring without Mianscum.
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Post by SjRinkSideRebel on Sept 18, 2024 10:33:50 GMT -4
For the first 10, SJ will lose to Moncton handily. I think SJ stacks up well against Halifax opening weekend (even with players out). I like SJ's odds against Charlottetown (and by then, we may have Mateiko and Peddle back anyway). I think SJ and Bathurst will be competitive head to head, but I think Bathurst wins the early games (because SJ will be likely be missing Mann and Bilodeau on D). Cape Breton will beat SJ handily (again, very good team). Sherbrooke and Victoriaville should be wins. Victoriaville's goaltending will struggle and Sherbrooke will struggle with goalscoring without Mianscum. Moncton missing a lot of players on Friday. Might keep that one close. If they can keep Vidichek, Loundsbury ..undercontrol I think this one could be closer than we think. |
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Post by ysj28 on Sept 18, 2024 10:43:32 GMT -4
I like that the team is going with a veteran 20 year old goaltender - before the season started, I did not like the idea of running with a starting goalie that only had 26 Q games under his belt.
By my count, on Friday Moncton will be missing:
Loke Johannson
Julius Sumpf
Gabe Smith
Dylan MacKinnon
Juraj Pekarcik
Saint John will be missing:
Tyler Peddle
Eriks Mateiko
Matteo Mann
Egan Beveridge
not sure if Bilodeau is still injured from the pre season game in August?
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Post by SjRinkSideRebel on Sept 18, 2024 10:47:45 GMT -4
I like that the team is going with a veteran 20 year old goaltender - before the season started, I did not like the idea of running with a starting goalie that only had 26 Q games under his belt. By my count, on Friday Moncton will be missing: Loke Johannson Julius Sumpf Gabe Smith Dylan MacKinnon Juraj Pekarcik Saint John will be missing: Tyler Peddle Eriks Mateiko Matteo Mann Egan Beveridge not sure if Bilodeau is still injured from the pre season game in August? I think Loshing is still injured for Moncton. not sure. Beverage is still on the player list, but word has it he will not be joining the team Bilodeau should be ready to go for season opener I would think. |
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Post by WHEELsnipePARTY on Sept 18, 2024 10:51:45 GMT -4
I like that the team is going with a veteran 20 year old goaltender - before the season started, I did not like the idea of running with a starting goalie that only had 26 Q games under his belt. By my count, on Friday Moncton will be missing: Loke Johannson Julius Sumpf Gabe Smith Dylan MacKinnon Juraj Pekarcik Saint John will be missing: Tyler Peddle Eriks Mateiko Matteo Mann Egan Beveridge not sure if Bilodeau is still injured from the pre season game in August? Morin is likely going to Calgary main camp as well, however it hasn’t been confirmed afaik |
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Post by Briwhel on Sept 18, 2024 11:04:21 GMT -4
For the first 10, SJ will lose to Moncton handily. I think SJ stacks up well against Halifax opening weekend (even with players out). I like SJ's odds against Charlottetown (and by then, we may have Mateiko and Peddle back anyway). I think SJ and Bathurst will be competitive head to head, but I think Bathurst wins the early games (because SJ will be likely be missing Mann and Bilodeau on D). Cape Breton will beat SJ handily (again, very good team). Sherbrooke and Victoriaville should be wins. Victoriaville's goaltending will struggle and Sherbrooke will struggle with goalscoring without Mianscum. Moncton missing a lot of players on Friday. Might keep that one close. If they can keep Vidichek, Loundsbury ..undercontrol I think this one could be closer than we think. Without a bunch of players, Moncton is still clearly the better team. They still have Vidicek, Desnoyers, Collard, Lounsbury, Mercier, and one of Loshing/Auger up front. On D, they have AFG, Grenier with Mullen and Hackett as older depth guys. Compare that to SJ who has Tivey then  on D and whose 16 yo forwards are likely the 3rd and 4th best offensive players available for this game. |
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Post by davo1997 on Sept 18, 2024 11:14:55 GMT -4
For the first 10, SJ will lose to Moncton handily. I think SJ stacks up well against Halifax opening weekend (even with players out). I like SJ's odds against Charlottetown (and by then, we may have Mateiko and Peddle back anyway). I think SJ and Bathurst will be competitive head to head, but I think Bathurst wins the early games (because SJ will be likely be missing Mann and Bilodeau on D). Cape Breton will beat SJ handily (again, very good team). Sherbrooke and Victoriaville should be wins. Victoriaville's goaltending will struggle and Sherbrooke will struggle with goalscoring without Mianscum. I wouldnt underestimate Victo They still have some quality scorers in Gendorn, Larose, Henneberry Bourque could have a decent year this year aswell but when it comes to defense SJ Will bully them i think SJ can still fight hard and beat them though. |
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Post by qfan24 on Sept 18, 2024 14:50:54 GMT -4
Moncton missing a lot of players on Friday. Might keep that one close. If they can keep Vidichek, Loundsbury ..undercontrol I think this one could be closer than we think. Without a bunch of players, Moncton is still clearly the better team. They still have Vidicek, Desnoyers, Collard, Lounsbury, Mercier, and one of Loshing/Auger up front. On D, they have AFG, Grenier with Mullen and Hackett as older depth guys. Compare that to SJ who has Tivey then on D and whose 16 yo forwards are likely the 3rd and 4th best offensive players available for this game. Curious to see your weekend "best" forwards as your 3rd and 4th are questionable as we haven't seen much in pre season from them...which is normal they are getting to know the Q level more and more. Will they be 3rd and 4th best at a later time, sure hope so. More room once Mateiko and peddle are traded to a team going all in for the cup. I just don't see how we can rank players based on pre-season games and expectations (and hope) . Desnoyer only played 1 pre-season game, is he injured maybe? Not like he had to attend NHL camp or anything yet. |
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Post by j3e4 on Sept 18, 2024 14:53:22 GMT -4
Don't be surprised if the fan support is pretty even Friday night. It's the season opener for the Wildcats and there's a lot of excitement for their team this year, and of course they won't have far to travel. Meanwhile, not a whole lot of buzz around town for the Sea Dogs.
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Post by Briwhel on Sept 18, 2024 14:55:43 GMT -4
Without a bunch of players, Moncton is still clearly the better team. They still have Vidicek, Desnoyers, Collard, Lounsbury, Mercier, and one of Loshing/Auger up front. On D, they have AFG, Grenier with Mullen and Hackett as older depth guys. Compare that to SJ who has Tivey then on D and whose 16 yo forwards are likely the 3rd and 4th best offensive players available for this game. Curious to see your weekend "best" forwards as your 3rd and 4th are questionable as we haven't seen much in pre season from them...which is normal they are getting to know the Q level more and more. Will they be 3rd and 4th best at a later time, sure hope so. More room once Mateiko and peddle are traded to a team going all in for the cup. I just don't see how we can rank players based on pre-season games and expectations (and hope) . Desnoyer only played 1 pre-season game, is he injured maybe? Not like he had to attend NHL camp or anything yet. Schenk and Miller are 1-2. Yared and Rozzi likely slot in behind them. After that, the next best forwards are some combo of Groulx, Reynolds and Lominac, most likely. |
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Post by SjRinkSideRebel on Sept 19, 2024 12:10:23 GMT -4
Be interesting to see what both coaches do with their line ups.
Gonna try and sit behind the bench Friday and see what transpires.
Would not miss this game... gonna be a good one.
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on D and whose 16 yo forwards are likely the 3rd and 4th best offensive players available for this game.