Quote:Minnesota Chiefs Terrance Nova, Bobby Watson and Dick Skillstedt were the greatest line is SHL history

For. In my limited SHL experience, they make the best line in recent memory. The fact that all 3 players produce insane amount of points is astonishing. 220 points between the 3 of them at the end of the regular season is incredible.

Quote:The Buffalo Stampede will go from last place in the East in S45 to Challenge Cup champions in S46

Against. An incredible turn around for the Buffalo Stampede for sure, but I don't believe they will make it all the way to champions. If they make it to the finals, I think the Specters would be the team to stop them before the final prize.

Quote:After 7 seasons straight of missing the playoffs, the Manhattan Rage move into the S46 post season as 1 of the favorites to win a title.

For. While they might not win it all, Manhattan definitely came back strong this season after numerous underwhelming performances the last few seasons. They will be a strong team to defeat in the East.

Quote:West Kendall Platoon missing the playoffs marks the end of a great run of prosperity.

For. 2 time Challenge Cup champions in the last 5 seasons, it really is an end of an era for the West Kendall Platoon. Hopefully their prospects pan out and they can bring back the glory days in the near future.

Quote:Calgary capturing a playoff spot on the final day over Texas is a complete shock.

For. While Calgary is a storied franchise, I did believe Texas would come out ahead of them in the final games of the regular season. They have great players in their prime and one of the best goaltender in the SHL, so for the Dragons to clinch a playoff spot in the final moments is surprising to me.

Quote:1st year franchise, the New Orleans Specters are the team to beat in the Western Division playoffs

For. To come out of the expansion draft with several high profile picks and great free agents to make the New Orleans into a powerhouse straight from their first season is incredible. They are for sure the team to beat.

Quote:Tampa Bay Barracuda will become the first franchise to move past the 4 vs 5 game by defeating Hamilton.

Against. I was surprised to see that Tampa Bay made the cut this season, but again, they did surprised most people during the regular season. I don't believe their luck will continue during the playoffs, as they have close to no depth and they will face stronger opponents this time around.

Quote:The Better Conference is now.. the Eastern Conference

For. The Eastern Conference teams have definitely turned it around this season. Buffalo, Manhattan and Toronto are looking stronger than ever, while Hamilton and Tampa Bay have added talented rookies on their rosters to beef up in the next few seasons.

Quote:Kelowna Knights Nickolas Klaus, Nolan Sawchuk and Bobby Sharp make up the best line in the SMJHL

Against. The Kelowna trio might have looked incredible last season, but that is what they are, in the past. The new guys around the block that are now famous are Cannellini, Mikulak and young rookie Gray. Cannellini being the single player above PPG is amazing in itself but his linemates have been just as good this season.

Quote:Scoring in the juniors is way down this year due to all the top level talent leaving to the SHL this season

Against. I think the fact that a record number of goalies were drafted 2 seasons ago and excelled during their first season and off season has helped keep the scoring low. Most teams now have a capped starting goalie which has mitigated the chances of the top players to score goals.

Quote:This is the 1st year since S40 that Halifax isn't in the bottom 2 of the standings, The franchise has officially turned the corner.

Against. I mean let's face it. With already 10 players at the top of their potential, Halifax still sits 7th in the league. They will quickly fall back to the bottom of the pit once all their top players graduate to the SHL.