I think that there is no real urgency to change the format partially because of two reasons. First, the number of rounds does not change meaning that the potential length of the playoffs still falls within the same interval. Second, the SMJHL is a junior league meaning that the majority of players are new. The playoffs is a great part of the season where anything can happen and to prevent people from experiencing them is not worth it. Best case scenario there is an upset, and worst case scenario you prolong your active season by a week or so and the opposing team gets an easy first round victory.




I predict that the immense boost in actives for Team Sweden finally pays dividends and allows Tre Kronor to finally push themselves atop the podium. The addition of Wagner (who has played tremendously up until this point) is just the cherry on top of a stable core that has been growing up over the last couple of seasons. Another team that I expect to improve upon last tournament is Canada, but that is mostly because of their abysmal performance that only can be improved. Going into the tournament, i was skeptical of Finland's chances but as they've done in the WJC the past couple of tournaments, they completely demolish their opposition in the round robin. Similarly Team Austria has been exceeding expectations, with the loss of Wagner, and has managed to get their team working together and beating out, on paper, stronger teams in their group. Last year's gold medal winner, Japan, will probably have a difficult time repeating their performance but anything can happen as long as they advance to the medal rounds.



a. Both teams are not strangers to final appearances, so it was not surprising to see the former division rivals meeting up once again in the Challenge Cup Finals. Buffalo has only missed out on one of the last 6 final matchups, then losing out in seven games to Chicago in the semis. Chicago on the other hand has had worse luck in their matchup, losing all but that one series against Buffalo when they have met in the playoffs. They are still riding on their solid core of players so it will be another season or two until we can start talking about luck and bullshittery.

b. I think that the more impressive resume is of the Stampede. Having the consistency to always be in the fight for a final appearance given the changes to increase the parity of the league is a statement to the great team the management has built. Another aspect of this run that is impressive is that they have managed to be a part of 5 of the 6 latest finals, and managed to win two out of them.


First attempt to do something like this.




kraken

Max claimed