Bababooey

+3 TPE


Yknow, this is a big debate topic. Not the whole "should the team start blocking shots around O'Slapahan and Hodor," but the value behind a good old fashioned shot block. It's similar to the discussion that surrounds hits--your ability to block a shot or to hit a puck carrier is tied to the fact your team doesn't have the puck. Some then posit that players who block a lot of shots are net negatives for the team. They only block shots because they aren't good enough to have it on their stick, stuff like that.

I disagree. Hodor and O'Slapahan clearly show that offensive prowess and shot blocking are not mutually exclusive concepts. Of course a 0 point player with 100 blocks is worse than a 50 point player with 0 blocks but that type of black-white binary thinking isn't how hockey works. Along the same vein, the stat heavy look ignores another major impact blocks (and hits) have: team morale. Bringing it all back to the topic of the finals, the act of top scoring players sacrificing their bodies for the challenge cup is a lightning rod for the rest of the team. IF that theory holds true, the team that feels greater inspired by their leader will also throw their bodies on the line to block shots and make life easier on their goalies.

In a very roundabout way, the rest of the team should start focusing on blocked shots--not because it is strong strategically, but because it shows full buy-in. It inspires strong play, and frankly it comes from good positioning. While you may argue that every being on the ice should already be fully inspired to play for the cup, the extra rush of engagement from a good block carries a lot of weight and can be a difference maker. Block shots, baby.

200+ words, 4 TPE


To be 100% honest here, expectations were fairly low. It's no real secret that Manhattan is still working itself out of the rebuilding stage and is firmly on the younger side of the league. Just getting into game action is all that Murdock could hope for. Plus he isn't exactly at the peak of his draft class, so there's no shame in not getting any RotY votes. A nice bonus upon expectations was the even strength contributions. Finishing 9th on the team in points? Could definitely be better, but to do so with only 4 powerplay points feels pretty good. Of course Murdock wouldn't mind scoring more on the powerplay, but being a positive influence is always nice. Plus, a TA/GA ratio >1.00 is great for a rookie! All in all, Murdock was able to score, was responsible with the puck, and played strong. Not much more to ask for!

100-150 words? At least 1 TPE so it dont matter


8 TPE total