a. The most impressive is Winnipeg's window continuing to stay open as long as it has. Winnipeg was a finals contender even before New England's win in S70, and they are still here in the finals after dominating the league for like 7? 8? I don't even know seasons. After that eventual cup win I don't think anyone would fault them for taking a rest but they have been rock solid.

b. I think that the East was incredibly tough I mean buffalo, atlanta, philly, baltimore? The East ran the regular season and it would be expected to run through the playoffs as well. No huge surprise for the top dog to come out of that side of the bracket would take the whole thing, though Winnipeg triumphing over the scorching hot Pride team is certainly something to behold.

c. That Winnipeg beating that incredible pride team that was coming off an enormous win against the #1 seed in Edmonton was huge. You could easily believe that Winnipeg would lose some nerve going up against a team like that and letting the Cinderella run go all the way but they stood their ground and made it on through.

d. The tougher conference is going to forge the tougher team so that is where I would put my money. New England had to take down the toughest opponents, while Winnipeg maybe got lucky that the Pride's hot streak ended where it did. Without that upset we might have seen the Edmonton Blizzard in their spot instead as they were a fiercely difficult team to beat in the regular season.

dont put my post in invalid media



[EDIT by MikeLiut - This section of CW was missed and resubmitted as media, which has been pre-approved.]