Task 1

I’m going to be a little biased here and say that these playoffs could have unfolded very differently. After a long and grueling series with the New Orleans Specters, the Panthers went in to a tough series with a very defensive minded Blizzard team. Could the fatigue have played a part in the outcome of the series? Who knows.

That being said, the Blizzard/Panthers series came down to a game of close bounces. What would have happened if the puck bounced a little different? 4 straight overtime games going in the way of the Blizzard, it was a bitter end to the season. In my reality, the puck bounces differently and the Panthers are off to the finals. I originally had New England coming out of the East, but having Hamilton is just as likely. In my reality, I’m only concerned with the Panthers and don’t really mind who comes out of the East, just give me a shot at that cup.

Task 2

With recent moves, I would have to say New England. I think New England has one of the best teams on paper, and they brought in a better goalie in Blue (while marginal, it is still an upgrade). Considering they were the best team this season, I don’t see much impact with redistribution (if it works, why fix it?). Overall I think redistribution will be used to fine tune some areas of people’s games, but I don’t think there will be anything too drastic which would completely alter the team make up. While it could happen, I would be very surprised if there was any significant changes to a team and their position in the standings strictly due to a player(s)’s redistribution of their TPE. Most teams are testing strategies and will surely have their say in what certain players should do with their builds to ensure bringing the most to production, both individually and as a team.

Task 3

I gotta go with my boy Aaron Wilson. Wilson has been at the top of the league in points for a few seasons now, and has always been a threat. His competitiveness and willingness to improve will make him a threat for many seasons. While it won’t be easy, I think he has the knowledge to make his player very good and have him eventually win a scoring title. He’s been top 5 in scoring for the past 2 seasons I believe, and he’s only a Season 47 draftee. With no regression yet, he’s going to continue to climb his way to the top of the scoring race.

Task 7

I’m not a big TV show watcher, but as someone who is really invested in The Last Dance, I’d say I would have a series revolving around my player. It would be pretty cool to have this kind of series on my ex player Roberto Martucci, in the same style of The Last Dance. Maybe follow the cup run and bringing a first cup to the Steelhawks organization, all the way to the eventual Hall of Fame induction. I think this would probably be a great series, and one I’d love to be a part of. Perfect way to tie it all together with the SHL 10 year anniversary this year.

Task 13

1. This is a bit of a tough one, because I think Tony Pepperoni is the best player in the Challenge Cup Finals. That being said, as someone who went up against the Blizzard in the Western Conference Finals, I think the player who will have the biggest impact will be Brady McIntyre. He’s so strong defensively and keeps his team in games on his own.

2. I’m gonna say Hamilton has the edge here. They are a tough team to play against and not easy to get the puck away from them, which makes them such a good team. I think speed and acceleration are a huge part, but playoff hockey goes the distance and is a grueling challenge, so I give the advantage to the strength and balance side.

3. F: Tony Pepperoni – Probably the player I would say is the best in the series and has been a top SHLer for many seasons
F: Flacko Lagerfield – The man who’s in the conversation to take home SHL MVP, as well as having a tremendous playoff run, there’s no way you can leave him off.
F: Aaron Wilson – Another top SHLer who has consistently improved and become a household name when discussing top SHL players
D: Brady McIntyre – I think he’ll have the biggest impact in this series. Dominant defensively and consistently puts his team on his back
D: Tig Murphy – Another top defenseman who has been a regular contributor at both end of the ice. He’d be the main puck mover and would bring balance on the ice
G: Jeezus Kryyst – He’s been dominant the past couple of seasons, and his playoff performance has been great.

Task 16

Verification