1.Chill

2. Written, up to 4 TPE - Grab Bag: Pick up to 4 Challenge Cup related topics to write about! Each topic is worth 1 TPE. Each answer must be 50+ words.
a. Two old faces are back in the ring, proving reports of the dynasty’s demise were greatly exaggerated! Pick either of our finalists, and tell me what about them impresses you the most!
The wolfpack is back at it after a substandard season where their luck was statistically low. In this playoff their D-Core has once again stepped up and have been acting as 6 extra goalies for teams to get through. The wolves are outscoring their opponents and out shot blocking them at every turn.
b. Upsets were a theme this year - which of our finalists had the more difficult road to the promised land and why?
New England had the most difficult road. A surging Hamilton, a resplendent Buffalo, and a seasonal rival in Philadelphia were all in the way of their ascension back to the finals round. These were all stellar teams in the regular season that could have easily been considered cup contenders in their own rights.
c. Which of the finalists had the more impressive conference finals victory, and why?
SFP going deep was in no ones books, their luck ran out and WPG ran them over like intended. Maybe next season people take them more seriously. That being said, New England had a way more impressive victory by taking down Philadelphia. Every other season has seen these two teams trading off the conference finals from each other and its always close and always brutal.
d. If it ain't broke don't fix it: Who you got? Who wins? Why?
New England all day every day. They are scoring more goals, they are riding high on Olof and his amazing save percentage, and their defensive core is contributing to points. Seamus himself is leading all defense in scoring where in previous seasons he has been invisible. That alone should be enough to show that New England is here to play and stay.

3. Written, 3 TPE, Haven’t I Seen This Before? (150 words min.)
Despite being the 8th and 10th ranked regular season teams in the league, our finalists from Winnipeg and New England represent two of the most dominant teams over the past several seasons. What do you think is the secret to their success? What can other teams learn from them? Which one is more likely to be back again next year?

The secret to success is having good management. The GMs are engaging and keep their players cycled in and out with talent and growth. What interesting about Winnipeg's run is that they were not the top in anything. They did not have anyone in the top 10 in scoring, they did not have great defensive success, but they did have everyone contributing to the overall effort. I think that is the secret of success that New England is playing with as well. Many teams have some super stars and run the offense through those individuals, but these two teams see team success. Live or die as one and they all stepped up going into the postseason and beyond. That being said, the two teams are built so differently in their playing styles that it just goes to show that this league has achieved parity by everyone building their own optimizations. I think realistically we see both of these teams back on the top next season with making serious pushes for the cup again.