Seadog Games - Nov 14th to Nov 23rd - 2 away & 2 home

[SjRinkSideRebel]

November 14, 2024 – Away Game vs. Moncton Wildcats
Saint John Sea Dogs travel to face the high-flying Moncton Wildcats, who lead the league with a 15-2-2-0 record and boast a top-tier offense, averaging nearly 4.7 goals per game. This game presents a tough challenge for the Sea Dogs as they look to tighten their defense and counter Moncton's firepower.

Moncton Wildcats Key Players:
Yoan Loshing (LW, #28): Leading Moncton with 22 points (10G, 12A), Loshing is a potent offensive threat.
Etienne Morin (D, #5): Contributing with 19 points (4G, 15A), Morin is pivotal on both ends of the ice.
Caleb Desnoyers (C, #18): A dual-threat forward with 25 points (12G, 13A), providing scoring depth.
Alex Mercier (RW, #10): With 20 points (13G, 7A), Mercier is one of Moncton’s top finishers.
Julius Sumpf (C, #26): A playmaker with 23 points (8G, 15A), Sumpf is effective in all zones.

Saint John Sea Dogs Key Players:
Nate Tivey (D, #2): Leading with 22 points (3G, 19A), Tivey anchors the defense and fuels the offense.
Eriks Mateiko (LW, #9): With 15 points (11G, 4A), Mateiko’s scoring touch is crucial for the Sea Dogs.
Olivier Groulx (LW, #86): With 12 points (4G, 8A), Groulx provides stability and leadership.
Tyler Peddle (C, #15): Effective on the power play, Peddle has tallied 13 points (7G, 6A).
Zachary Morin (C, #10): With 16 points (4G, 12A), Morin’s playmaking is key to Saint John’s offense.

Game Plan:
Saint John must focus on limiting Moncton’s scoring opportunities and counterattacking through their skilled forwards. Tivey’s defensive leadership and Mateiko’s finishing will be critical to keep pace with Moncton’s dynamic offense.




November 16, 2024 – Away Game vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan
In the second game of their road trip, the Sea Dogs head to face the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. Bathurst has a mid-tier record but remains a resilient team with a strong home presence. The Sea Dogs look to bring a balanced attack to secure points on the road.

Acadie-Bathurst Titan Key Players:
Jacob Huggan (LW, #91): Top scorer with 16 points (9G, 7A).
Evan Pilgrim-Edwards (LW, #7): Consistent presence with 13 points (4G, 9A).
Ross Campbell (RW, #15): Effective playmaker with 12 points (2G, 10A).
Nathan Leek (LW, #24): Contributing 11 points (8G, 3A), Leek is a scoring threat.
Cédric Massé (G, #29): Bathurst’s reliable goaltender with a .907 save percentage.

Saint John Sea Dogs Key Players:
Nate Tivey (D, #2): Tivey’s contributions from the blue line, including power play setups, will be vital.
Eriks Mateiko (LW, #9): Mateiko’s goal-scoring ability provides the offensive push the Sea Dogs need.
Olivier Groulx (LW, #86): Groulx’s playmaking ability helps balance the Sea Dogs' attack.
Tyler Peddle (C, #15): Peddle’s power-play impact could be a game-changer.
Zachary Morin (C, #10): Morin’s vision will be key in setting up scoring chances.

Outlook:
If the Sea Dogs play a disciplined, defense-first game while capitalizing on power play opportunities, they can outmaneuver Bathurst and build momentum on this road trip.




November 22-23, 2024 – Home Doubleheader vs. Charlottetown Islanders
The Saint John Sea Dogs host the Charlottetown Islanders in a crucial back-to-back set at TD Station. This doubleheader gives Saint John an excellent opportunity to capitalize on home ice and secure valuable points against a team that has struggled this season. The Sea Dogs will aim to dominate in both matchups and continue their climb up the standings.

Charlottetown Islanders Key Players:
Alexis Michaud (RW, #47): Leading Charlottetown with 15 points (8G, 7A), Michaud is a threat whenever he’s on the ice.
Kyle Powers (C, #11): Known for his effectiveness in the faceoff circle, Powers contributes on offense with 7 points (3G, 4A).
Nathan Leek (LW, #24): With 11 points (8G, 3A), Leek provides additional scoring support.
Ross Campbell (RW, #15): A skilled playmaker with 12 points (2G, 10A), Campbell can set up opportunities for teammates.
Donald Hickey (G, #1): Charlottetown’s primary goalie, Hickey has a .890 save percentage and will need to be sharp to keep the Islanders competitive.

Saint John Sea Dogs Key Players:
Nate Tivey (D, #2): As the team’s top point producer with 22 points (3G, 19A), Tivey’s ability to contribute offensively while anchoring the defense will be essential.
Eriks Mateiko (LW, #9): Leading in goals with 11, Mateiko’s offensive skill makes him a key figure in creating scoring chances.
Olivier Groulx (LW, #86): With 12 points (4G, 8A) and a veteran presence, Groulx brings stability and leadership to the lineup.
Tyler Peddle (C, #15): A power-play specialist, Peddle has 13 points (7G, 6A) and will be crucial in capitalizing on Charlottetown’s penalty kill.
Zachary Morin (C, #10): Morin’s playmaking ability has generated 16 points (4G, 12A) and his vision will be key to orchestrating the offense in both games.

Game Plan: In this doubleheader, the Sea Dogs must apply relentless pressure and focus on keeping Charlottetown pinned in their own zone. A strong forecheck and disciplined backchecking will help limit the Islanders' scoring chances. Saint John’s power play, led by Tivey and Peddle, will be a critical component, particularly against Charlottetown’s inconsistent penalty kill.

Outlook:
Taking both games in this doubleheader would be a significant boost for the Sea Dogs, allowing them to regain lost position in the standings. With balanced scoring from all lines, strong defensive efforts, and effective goaltending, Saint John is well-positioned to secure back-to-back wins at home.

[SjRinkSideRebel]

Here’s a goaltending-focused breakdown for the upcoming four games.

November 14, 2024 – Away Game vs. Moncton Wildcats

This game will be a showdown of top-ranked goaltenders, as the Sea Dogs’ Charles-Édward Gravel, ranked 9th in the QMJHL with a 2.68 GAA and .913 save percentage, goes head-to-head with the league’s top goaltender, Jacob Steinman. Steinman leads the league with a 1.84 GAA and a remarkable .936 save percentage over 16 games, showcasing elite-level stability in net. To compete, Gravel will need to be at his sharpest, as Moncton’s high-caliber offense often makes opponents pay for any slip-ups. With Moncton’s top ranking and a goaltender of Steinman’s caliber, this game will demand Gravel’s best effort to keep the Sea Dogs in contention on the road.

November 16, 2024 – Away Game vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan

The Sea Dogs will face another strong goaltending performance in Joshua Fleming, who ranks 3rd in the league. Fleming has posted a 2.37 GAA and a .925 save percentage over 16 games, and his dependability in net has been a significant asset for the Titan. Gravel, holding his 9th position in the league rankings, will need to continue his consistency and avoid giving up rebounds to counteract Fleming’s solid play. Given Acadie-Bathurst’s structured defensive style, Gravel’s puck-tracking and rebound control will be essential in keeping this game tight and competitive.

November 22 and 23, 2024 – Home Doubleheader vs. Charlottetown Islanders

The back-to-back games against the Charlottetown Islanders at TD Station present an opportunity for Saint John to capitalize on their depth in net. The Islanders’ goaltender, Nicolas Ruccia, ranks 13th with a 3.27 GAA and a .896 save percentage. While Ruccia has shown resilience, he’s struggled to consistently shut down high-shot-volume games, which the Sea Dogs could exploit. For Saint John, Gravel, ranked 9th, will likely start one of these games, while backup Justin Robinson, ranked 15th with a 3.47 GAA and a .866 save percentage, may take the second. Both goaltenders will be tasked with controlling rebounds and maintaining composure under pressure, especially as back-to-back games can strain defenses and open up additional scoring chances.

Goaltending Summary and Key to Success

Throughout these four games, the Sea Dogs will need to rely heavily on Gravel’s experience and consistency, as his 9th overall ranking demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure. The quality of goaltending will be particularly crucial against the high-powered offense of Moncton and the stability of Acadie-Bathurst’s Fleming, ranked 3rd. In the Charlottetown doubleheader, rotating Gravel and Robinson could be beneficial, especially with Robinson’s need to reinforce his confidence and Gravel’s potential fatigue in back-to-back scenarios.

For Saint John, managing rebounds, controlling high-danger areas, and staying focused through heavy offensive shifts will be paramount. With opponents’ goalies like Steinman and Fleming in the top ranks, the Sea Dogs’ goaltenders will need to be consistently sharp, as any lapse could tip the game’s balance.

[quispammer]

Our Power Play is terrible why are we keeping Cross on the 1st unit. The 2nd unit passes the puck better.

[scotiahockey]

What’s up with Coen Miller’s drop in production this year, I thought coming off a fairly successful 2nd half of the year after the trade he’d build upon that but he’s really seemed to struggle this year.

[SjRinkSideRebel]

Nov 14, 2024 21:41:08 GMT -4 scotiahockey said:

What’s up with Coen Miller’s drop in production this year, I thought coming off a fairly successful 2nd half of the year after the trade he’d build upon that but he’s really seemed to struggle this year.

Last season, Coen spent much of his time on the top lines, benefiting from playing alongside more offensively skilled wingers. This year, his performance has seen him relegated to the 3rd and 4th lines, where opportunities are fewer. He was also injured for a few games and sat a few games as a healthy scratch. But, as the saying goes, "the cream rises to the top," and players must earn those coveted top-line roles.

Miller is a good player and has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly last year in some games where his faceoff abilities stood out. However, his overall faceoff percentage hovers between 35% and 40%, which falls short of what's expected from a top-line center. He will need more upper body strength and practice to improve on that. 

At just 167 pounds and with a slender frame, Miller faces challenges in reaching and competing effectively in the high-danger scoring areas. Unless he possesses elite skating ability, his current size limits his effectiveness in a league that's increasingly big and fast. To take the next step, Miller needs to add at least 20 pounds of muscle and significantly improve his skating to consistently get into the tough areas where goals are scored.

Another factor to consider is the role he's been given this season, which appears to be less offensive compared to last year. While external factors like coaching decisions play a part, the ultimate responsibility lies with the player to elevate his game and prove he belongs at a higher level.

[puckstopper]

Nov 14, 2024 20:54:48 GMT -4 quispammer said:

Our Power Play is terrible why are we keeping Cross on the 1st unit. The 2nd unit passes the puck better.

Yes it does. They need to try something else as it’s not working they are to predicable on what is going on. I feel like the coaches need to try some new blood.

[SjRinkSideRebel]

Moncton / Seadogs Nov 14th Game RUNDOWN


1. Offensive Execution

The Sea Dogs capitalized on their offensive opportunities, particularly in the 3rd period, where they scored 4 goals, pulling away decisively. Key contributors included:
• Eriks Mateiko: With 2 goals and 2 assists, Mateiko was the offensive engine, involved in critical plays that helped swing the game.
• Added depth to the attack with a multiline goals, showcasing the team’s ability to score from multiple lines.
• Dylan Rozzi's game-winning goal: Early in the 3rd period, Rozzi scored a pivotal goal, putting the Sea Dogs ahead and setting the tone for their dominant final period.
Why it mattered: While Moncton managed to score first, Saint John’s offensive depth allowed them to sustain pressure, gradually breaking down Moncton’s defense.
________________________________________

2. Defensive Structure and Goaltending

• Charles-Édward Gravel (Sea Dogs’ goalie):
o Performance: 37 saves on 39 shots.
o Impact: Gravel’s stellar performance in the first period, where he stopped 17 of 18 shots, kept the Sea Dogs in the game despite being outplayed early.
o Clutch Saves: His ability to handle sustained pressure in the opening period ensured Moncton couldn’t build a significant lead.
• Defensive Contributions:
o Players like Elliot Dubé and Olivier Duhamel were defensively solid, contributing at both ends of the ice. Duhamel also added an empty-net goal, highlighting their defensive transition into offense.
Why it mattered: By limiting Moncton to just 1 goal in the last 40 minutes, the Sea Dogs created space for their offense to operate without fear of a comeback.
________________________________________

3. Game-Changing Moments

• Momentum Shift in the 2nd Period: (LADY MO)
o Saint John scored two goals in the middle frame to take control of the game. The goals came at critical junctures, especially Mateiko’s at 1:47, which tied the game and deflated Moncton’s early lead.
o Riley Sampson’s 5-minute major and game misconduct for Moncton was a turning point. Although Saint John didn’t score on the extended power play, it disrupted Moncton’s rhythm, depleted their bench, and left them vulnerable for the remainder of the game.
• Third Period Surge: ( LADY MO PART II)
o The Sea Dogs came out aggressive, taking the lead and never looking back. They demonstrated superior conditioning and execution late in the game, capitalizing on Moncton’s mistakes.
________________________________________

4. Special Teams

• Power Play:
o Neither team scored on the power play (Saint John: 0/5, Moncton: 0/3), but the Sea Dogs drew more penalties, demonstrating discipline and forcing Moncton to spend critical time killing penalties rather than mounting an offensive push.
• Face-Off Wins:
o Moncton dominated the face-off circle (36-20), which gave them an early edge. However, the Sea Dogs’ ability to win critical face-offs in the offensive zone during the 3rd period allowed them to convert scoring chances into goals.
Why it mattered: Moncton’s inability to capitalize on their face-off and power-play advantage neutralized potential momentum shifts.
________________________________________

5. Depth and Balanced Contributions

• Scoring was spread across multiple players, with 6 different Sea Dogs earning goals or assists.
• Defensive players stepped up in critical moments, such as Elliot Dubé assisting the game-winning goal and contributing a +1 rating.
Why it mattered: The Sea Dogs' depth prevented Moncton from focusing on a single line, making it harder to shut them down.
________________________________________

6. Moncton Wildcats’ Weaknesses

• Inefficient Scoring:
o Despite outshooting the Sea Dogs (37-28), Moncton struggled to finish. Gravel’s strong performance was a factor, but Moncton also missed high-quality chances.
• Defensive Collapse in the 3rd Period:
o Moncton’s defense, particularly in transition, failed to handle the Sea Dogs’ speed and puck movement late in the game.
o Players like Etienne Morin and Vincent Collard, key defensive contributors, were a combined -6 in plus-minus.
Why it mattered: Even with possession and pressure, Moncton couldn’t sustain their early momentum and fell apart defensively when the game was on the line.
________________________________________

7. Coaching and Discipline

• Travis Crickard (Sea Dogs Head Coach):
o Adjustments after the first period allowed the Sea Dogs to neutralize Moncton’s early dominance. The second-period surge was a testament to effective coaching during intermission.
Why it mattered: Good coaching ensured the Sea Dogs stayed composed and executed their strategy when it mattered most.
________________________________________

Conclusion

The Saint John Sea Dogs won because they combined stellar goaltending, disciplined play, and a balanced offensive attack. Moncton’s inability to convert their early dominance into a sustainable lead, coupled with defensive breakdowns in the final period, sealed their fate. The Sea Dogs’ ability to capitalize on key moments and dominate late-game play was the deciding factor.

[j3e4]

I know he's only 17 but it's disappointing to see our fairly high import pick Schenk be a healthy scratch yet again. I hope he can turn things around. Imagine how much better we'd be this season if we just kept Simek instead of using our pick. And yes I know that means we'd need 2 new ones next season. But unless Schenk manages to turn things around, we may be picking 2 for next season anyway.

[SjRinkSideRebel]

Nov 15, 2024 11:41:00 GMT -4 j3e4 said:

I know he's only 17 but it's disappointing to see our fairly high import pick Schenk be a healthy scratch yet again. I hope he can turn things around. Imagine how much better we'd be this season if we just kept Simek instead of using our pick. And yes I know that means we'd need 2 new ones next season. But unless Schenk manages to turn things around, we may be picking 2 for next season anyway.

I understand your frustration. It’s tough to see a high import pick like Schenk struggle to find his place, especially when expectations are high, and he’s already being made a healthy scratch at just 17. Imagine how he feels being new and in a totally new environment. It's natural to think about how things might look if the team had stuck with Simek instead. However, as far as I know, Simek did not want to return—though I can't say that with 100% certainty.

As for Schenk, it’s important to remember that transitioning to a new league, culture, and level of play at such a young age is incredibly difficult. For many first-year players, it really is a sink-or-swim situation. Schenk does need guidance and coaching to help him navigate these challenges. While he showed flashes of potential in the preseason, the regular season has clearly been more difficult for him to adjust to.

That said, players in Schenk’s position often need time and patience. Development isn't always a straight path—it’s common for young players to take two steps back before they can take four steps forward. Consistent play and proper support from the coaching staff can help him rebuild his confidence and find his footing. The key will be whether he can make the adjustments needed to be a regular contributor. If he does, he still has a chance to turn things around and justify the pick. But it’s fair to say the clock is ticking.

[wheelhouse99]

Nov 15, 2024 10:41:50 GMT -4 puckstopper said:

Nov 14, 2024 20:54:48 GMT -4 quispammer said:

Our Power Play is terrible why are we keeping Cross on the 1st unit. The 2nd unit passes the puck better.

Yes it does. They need to try something else as it’s not working they are to predicable on what is going on. I feel like the coaches need to try some new blood.

It’s called win a face off !

[wheelhouse99]

Nov 16, 2024 22:39:24 GMT -4 wheelhouse99 said:

Nov 15, 2024 10:41:50 GMT -4 puckstopper said:

Yes it does. They need to try something else as it’s not working they are to predicable on what is going on. I feel like the coaches need to try some new blood.

It’s called win a face off !

Cross was the 3rd assist in Moncton on a PP that just expired. We need to win face offs vs chasing the puck on a lost draw. Thats the issue - look at the stats !!!

[SjRinkSideRebel]

Faceoffs definitely a major concern at this point as the games get a goal away from a win or a loss.

Here are the detailed faceoff statistics for the game between the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Acadie-Bathurst Titan:

Saint John Sea Dogs - Faceoff Stats
Player              Faceoffs Won    Faceoffs Taken     Win Percentage
Eriks Mateiko          9                     21                     42.9%
Egan Beveridge       2                      3                      66.7%
William Yared          1                      4                      25.0%
Olivier Groulx          5                     13                     38.5%
Total                      17                   41                      41.4%

Acadie-Bathurst Titan - Faceoff Stats
Player                Faceoffs Won   Faceoffs Taken        Win Percentage
Tyson Goguen           13                  19                      68.4%
Mathieu St-Onge       16                  18                      88.9%
Louis-F Bélanger         6                   9                       66.7%
Dawson Sharkey         2                   6                       33.3%
Total                          37                 52                     71.2%

Overall Faceoff Summary
Team                             Faceoffs Won   Faceoffs Taken     Win Percentage
Saint John Sea Dogs           17                    41                    41.4%
Acadie-Bathurst Titan         37                     52                    71.2%

Key Insights
The Sea Dogs were heavily outmatched in the faceoff circle, winning only 41.4% of their draws compared to the Titan's 71.2%.

[elementz]

How did the Tits take 11 more faceoffs than SJ?

[SjRinkSideRebel]

Nov 18, 2024 9:36:53 GMT -4 elementz said:

How did the Tits take 11 more faceoffs than SJ?

I just have the main faceoff guys in there.

Did not put in the guys who took 1 two or 3 faceoffs.  (data grabbed off the post game sheet)