1. sdcore

(3 TPE)

3. What makes the Winnipeg Aurora so successful over the past four seasons is just how strong the core of their team is. They have a ton of absolutely elite superstar players on their roster and the on-ice product reflects that. It flows from a really strong drafting strategy going back over the past ten seasons as well as being aggressive in the trade market to upgrade and shore up any deficiencies that may have popped up. They also have a dedicated management team and leadership group that work to do everything possible to ensure that their team is winning. This attitude rubs off on the players and ensures that the players are loyal to the franchise - the minimal roster turnover means that they can focus their assets on trades that add value either to the youth on their team or to add even more top end talent. It's this formula that is a reason why you should not expect to see the Aurora slow down any time soon.

(3 TPE)

2b) It may be a rematch of the S70 finals, but there is a critical difference which is why I think the Aurora are going to win this series. In S70, the Wolfpack had jeffie. In S72, the Wolfpack no longer have jeffie. They're still a great team - but he was an x-factor both on and off the ice and I don't think New England is going to be able to overcome that loss in the finals.

2a) I'm going to continue with this theme because why stop now? It's the Aurora and what impresses me most is the drive that they showed up to this season with. Most teams would fold after the pain of losing three finals in a row - buy into a curse and search for greener less cursed pastures. But they stuck with it, got even better and showed up to the finals ready to make this year count.

(2 TPE)