Task 1 (1 TPE + .5 TPE for each correct) - Predictions
Done

Task 2(2 TPE) - Word Scramble
Sent

Task 3(2 TPE) - Trivia
Sent

Task 4(3 TPE) - Championship Banner


Task 5(3 TPE) - Biggest Game

The biggest game for Montreal was undoubtedly game 7 of their series against Detroit. In a series that, I think, most people favored the Falcons, Montreal came out on top in what was probably the best game of the SMJHL playoffs so far. Detroit’s power play gave them two goals in the first, putting them ahead by one at the end of the period. Detroit scored with less than a minute left in the second, putting them up by two. Montreal scored one of their own off a late penalty, cutting the lead back to one in the closing seconds of the period. In the third, Montreal completely took over. They scored four goals, while Detroit could only manage one of their own. Lord Pretty Flacko scored the go ahead goal, and Buster Killington added another to solidify the Impact’s two goal victory.

Vancouver’s biggest game is less about the game itself and more about the result. Vancouver was the worst team in the league in the regular season. Despite heating up towards the end of the season, they were still considered heavy underdogs against the Kelowna Knights. In game five, Kelowna struck first, but Vancouver answered back quickly and took a one goal lead. The Knights brought the game back even at 2-2 before the end of the first period. In the second period, the Whalers took over. They scored twice in the first 4 minutes of the period, and Kelowna would change goaltenders. The goalie change wasn’t enough to keep Kelowna in the game, as Vancouver scored two more in the second. In the third, Vancouver held on for the victory. Kelowna scored a third goal, but it didn’t matter. Vancouver took the series, upsetting the Knights in just five games.

Written 6 (3 TPE) - Showdown
VAN/MTL top line centers, Ballard and Jesster

The top lines for both Vancouver and Montreal both have outstanding centers. Beau Ballard for Vancouver, Evandrus Jesster for Montreal. The first thing I want to look at when comparing centers who will be lining up opposite one another is faceoff percentage. In the playoffs, Ballard has won 55.3% of his faceoffs, while Jesster has won 49.3%. This is a reasonable advantage in favor of Ballard.

Next, point totals. In 11 games, Ballard has six 6 goals and 5 assists, good enough to average a point per game so far in post season play. Jesster has played 11 games as well, scoring 4 goals, and 5 assists for a total of 9 points. Slight edge here for Ballard again. Looking at +/-, we see that Ballard is a +6, which tells us that when he is on the ice he usually puts Vancouver in a position to win. Jesster, on the other hand, is a -1, which isn’t terrible, but it’s also not ideal. Once again, Ballard gets the better of Jesster. For shooting, Ballard has 20 shots so far in the playoffs, scoring on 6 of those, giving him an outstanding shooting percentage of 30%. Jesster can’t compete with a number like that. On 34 shots, Jesster has 4 goals, giving him a shooting rate of 11.8%, not bad, but Ballard has been so efficient with his shots Jesster didn’t stand a chance in this comparison.

Both players have averaged almost exactly 20 minutes played in 11 post season games, so they are almost ideal candidates for comparison. Ultimately, Ballard has the advantage in this match up, despite being on, in my opinion, the weaker team. Regardless, Jesster is an incredibly talented player, and we should see some great action when these two line up against each other.

Written 7 (3 TPE) - A show of sportsmanship
I interviewed Riko Muerto of the Hamilton Steelhawks.
(SMJHL -> SHL)

At the start of the season, did you expect the Steelhawks to be in this position?
"I expected that we would be a playoff team, but the way we took off in the second half was very unexpected. In many ways we are still a team in transition, but everyone really chipped in and exceeded expectations. We were really able to develop some chemistry throughout our lineup and everything just came together at the right time."

Who on Los Angeles presents the biggest challenge for the Steelhawks, and why?
"Well, Morley of course is a fantastic player, but I think our biggest challenge will be getting pucks past their goalie, Weekes. He's had a tremendous year, and is playing with a lot of confidence. He only let in 1 goal against in the 2 games we played during the regular season. It will be nice if we can expose some weaknesses in his game in the first couple down in L.A., give our boys some confidence."

Personally, do you do anything different during playoffs, does your ritual change?
"I am a fairly intense and competitive player, and there's no time to take a game off or a shift off in the playoffs. We will crank up a little more heavier music in the dressing room to get ourselves in a fighting mood! Otherwise it's just make sure we are rested and put the partying on hold until the playoffs are over."

Which player on the Steelhawks will be the most important in helping you beat the Panthers, and why?
"Tanner's going to have to match Weekes save for save, and steal a couple of games for us. We don't anticipate it being a high-scoring series, and we definitely don't want to run and gun with these guys as they have a ton of scoring depth. But he has played solidly so far and come up big when we needed it, and hopefully he'll be on his game for one more series!"


BONUS - 1 CAPPED TPE
Adam Falk scores, primary assist by Klaus Wagner.