TASK ONE: Pick either of the teams currently in the finals. Which game of theirs in the playoffs was the most important/crucial in them getting to this point this season? Must be at least 150 words and include either two statistics or some (reasonable) justification of narrative justifying your choice.

For Winnipeg, Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals was a moment where the Jets displayed their toughness, which was again on display in the finals. Falling behind 3-2 after a Trevor Wilson power play goal, the Jets rallied to score the next three goals, punching their ticket to the Challenge Cup finals. Leading the way was Corey Bearss, notching his second consecutive hat trick of the postseason.

Bearss completed the hat trick with 56 seconds remaining in regulation to push the Jets ahead 4-3. Zach Evans would notch another goal in the closing moments, but at that point the damage had been done. Winnipeg also wore down Seattle defensively, outhitting the Riot 19-13 and blocking ten Seattle shots. Bearss and Evans combined for nine of the 19 Winnipeg hits to form an impressive forecheck, while Max Weber blocked three shots and Scott Robertson added a pair of shot blocks.

TASK TWO: Who is your choice for the unsung hero of the S37 playoffs up to this point? Must be at least 150 words and include at least two statistics in support.

The unsung hero in the Jets Challenge Cup run was goaltender Lukas Berger. Entering S37, Berger announced this would be his final season. It proved to be the best of his ten-season run in Winnipeg, posting a .908 save percentage in the regular season. Berger’s performance carried over to the postseason, as he boasted a .914 save percentage.

This was especially true in games Winnipeg absolutely needed to win. In game five against Seattle, Berger stopped 30 of 32 shots. In game seven of the Western Conference finals, Berger allowed just one goal in a first-period onslaught where he faced 14 shots.

When Winnipeg went down 3-1 to Toronto in the Challenge Cup finals, Berger responded with a .920-save percentage in game five to keep the Jets alive. In the pivotal and decisive game seven, Berger saved 25 of 27 shots to life the first Challenge Cup of his career.

TASK FOUR: Who is the favorite and who is the underdog of this series? Are they almost even, or is there a big skill difference between the two teams? Must be at least 150 words and include at least three statistics in support.

While the two teams match up evenly, Winnipeg should be considered a slight favorite entering the Challenge Cup finals. Winnipeg’s explosive offense has carried them to this point in the season, allowing them to beat the best defensive team in the regular season in the Seattle Riot in the Western Conference finals. Clear of that obstacle, Winnipeg should have the momentum entering the series with Toronto.

Winnipeg’s offense averaged nearly 36 shots per game in the regular season, 2.4 shots more than second-place West Kendall and 3.7 shots more than Toronto. They were also marginally better at shot suppression during the season, which means they will likely hold the advantage on the shot clock in the series.

However, Toronto still has a very realistic shot of winning the series. For one, they have the ageless wonder, Mark Harter, in net. Even in his 15th SHL season, Harter continues to show his ability to compete with the best goalies in the league and bring his team to the finals. Also, Winnipeg’s depth could cause problems against a deeper Toronto team. This is especially true if Winnipeg takes penalties, which drastically cut into their depth. While Winnipeg is a disciplined team, Toronto was top-three in power play during the regular season while the Jets had a bottom-four penalty kill. If Toronto can find man advantages, they should be able to capitalize.

TASK SIX: Create three questions, one for each of three different players in the Challenge Cup and tag them. Playing in the Challenge Cup? Feel free to answer questions for your task or ask three of your own.

<a href='index.php?showuser=2724' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>bluesfan55</a>: How would you rate your playoff stats on a scale of one to ten?
Before this season, a negative three :lol: This season was much better, especially the finals and that Game 7, so I’ll go with a seven or eight, with a caveat of About Damn Time.

<a href='index.php?showuser=1959' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-63'>dankoa</a>: How much did the valuable life lessons I imparted to you in Detroit guide you to the position you now find yourself in, playing for the cup?
More than words can describe. But seriously, I definitely think your assistance in my rookie season was an important launching point for my career. I don’t know for certain if I would have stayed active through my first season on other teams, but I’m glad I don’t have to find out. Falcons for Life!

<a href='index.php?showuser=2614' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-62'>Clint Eastwood</a>: Who will have to be your best player to win?
I mean, we only have six, so we’re all going to have to be pretty good.