TASK ONE: Pick either of the teams currently in the finals. Which player had to overcome the most adversity to get where they are at now? What did they have to endure before finally getting their crack at the Cup? Must be 150 words and include two specific situations that player experienced en-route to the Cup finals, whether this season or at some point during their career.

The team that has astonished me most in the playoffs is without a doubt Calgary dragons. The team that was fighting for a playoff spot has somehow made its way into the finals against the Rage. If there is one person that i have to talk about in getting here, it is definitely Randy Randleman. Many may even say that the reason why the Dragons have made it thus far is due to this man as well. He has consecutively been one of the best players in the league for multiple season. So he had to endure immense pressure of whether or not he can carry this onto the playoffs. To his delight, he did not disappoint as he led the team with 25 points. As an experienced player, he did not let conceit get the better of him and translated his hunger for victory in the playoffs. As the Dragons were fighting for a playoff spot in the beginning, Randleman made sure that his hunger can translate into the playoff finals. Another thing this legend fought against was regression. He is in his 4th year of regression and is still able to put up impressive points.

TASK TWO: Who is your choice for the unsung hero of the S38 playoffs up to this point? Must be at least 150 words and include at least two statistics in support.

The unsung hero of the s38 playoffs in my eyes is MIchael Boychuk of Calgary dragons. The story is usually told from the winner's perspective and as a result not much recognition has been given to this beast. As a defenseman he was able to put up solid 20 points which points him at the top of the league in the playoffs for defenders. His 20 points is also enough to give many forwards a run for their money. Not only is he a good scoring defenseman, he is also able to play the blue line well. Boychuk finished the playoffs with a remarkable + 12 rating, meaning he has a positive contribution to his team. He is also not shy to play the gritty game as he has 15 hits for the playoffss. The reason why many teams would also want to have him is because of his defensive capabilities. He may be the reason why Dragons were able to give the Rage a good cup run. He had 31 blocked shots in the playoffs which is only behind Windsor and Nuck from the Rage, who had 44 and 39 respectively. Boychuk is a formidable player and due to the reasons above is the unsung hero of the s38 playoffs.


TASK FOUR: What rookies or young players are looking to make a name for themselves during the Finals? How have they contributed to the team on the way to the Finals? Must be at least 150 words, and include two statistics.

In the s38 finals, there is not much competition at all since the Rage does not have any active rookies on their team. Thus, we can talk about Roman Augustus of the Calgary Dragons. Roman is a rookie of the infamous s36 rookies. There was so much hype going to this reddit draft that many thought this would become the next s20 draft but unfortunately there isn’t much to it after all. But after all said and done, there are a few blossoming flowers and Roman is one of them. Roman is currently top 3 in the s36 draft for most tpe earned. He has worked very hard to earn as much tpe he can alongside Tigole Bitties and Oisin Fletcher. Another rookie that is also working his way up is Yuri Boyka Jr, who may be right after them in terms of tpe. Roman was given that golden opportunity like few other rookies to play top minutes. He played second pairing with Pier-Luc Laflamme and did not disappoint at all. He was able to notch 9 points for the dragons and also not shy to play rough. He’s a solid defenseman and will only continue to get better as he works hard. He is easily the best defenceman of the s36 draft and is not looking to slow down. He has the intensity and determination to keep going forward and getting better. Watch out next season for this man as he will near 1000 tpe by the next playoff time.

TASK SIX: You’re the coach of a team in the finals. What changes would you make to the roster, lines or strategies of the team to give the team a better chance at winning the series? Must be at least 150 words.

If I was the coach of Calgary dragons I would have played somethings differently. For once, although I respect Pedersen like crazy, I would not have placed him on the first line. He is a season 20 player and regression has hit him really hard. The first two lines would look like the following: in a C-LW-RW format

L1: Joe kurzewski-Danni Forsberg-Randy Randleman
L2: Shane Gagner-Nicholas Pedersen-Schnitinfritz Jagr
This would allow Danni Forsberg to maximize his time on the ice as he has played so well in the playoffs. Nicholas Pedersen only managed to get 6 points due to his regression and thus minimize his time on the second line. I may even put him on the third line and bring alex mack up to replace him.

I would also change the power play line. Once again, I respect Pedersen a lot but there are players that are more deserving of the powerplay especially since they are in better form.
PP1: Joe Kurzewski-Danni Forsberg-Randy Randleman
PP2: Shane Gagner-Alex Mack-Schnitinfritz Jagr.

Joe really deserves PP minutes as he was second on the team in scoring which is only behind Randleman. I do not know how he was kicked out from PP. Also I would replace Pedersen with Mack who played tremendously in the playoffs as well.