The Maine Timber have been no strangers to playoff hockey in recent years. While they were just recently knocked out of contention, they went into playoffs with a fierce group of rookies determined to prove the Timber can compete even with a bunch of fresh foliage on the roster. To prepare for the first round, they spent a lot of time doing endurance exercises. They chopped wood all day and all night, stopping only to drink green smoothies made from the finest vegetables to strengthen their innards as they sculpted their exteriors. When they weren't chopping wood or drinking smoothies, they were engaged in team building exercises, watching tape, or getting a good healthy dose of rest. All of this served them well until the most recent round, but unfortunately they just couldn't quite find their way to the finals this year. I anticipate the team will get some much needed rest in the offseason, then pick up their intense exercise-chopping regime again soon.