1. TRIVIA

Verification: huh

2. Lasse Zeigler and Nathan Cormier each come into these finals tied for the most assists in these playoffs at 21. Who do you think will have more impact as a playmaker in this series?

I think that Nathan Cormier will have a bigger impact in the finals as a playmaker. Lasse is a good player, but I think that Cormier just has the little bit extra both on and off the ice that'll really alllow him to elevate his game here in the finals. He's a player that's made for the big moments, and what bigger moment is there than the Challenge Cup finals? Again, this isn't a shot at Lasse as he's a hell of a player and playmaker in his own right, but I just have a feeling that Cormier is going to be a difference maker in this series.

(~110 words - 2 TPE - Total 5 TPE)

4. Hodor and Seamus O'Slapahan have both been important parts of their teams offensive but they also have a noticeable lead in blocked shots in the playoffs. We know that one goal can change the game so each block is one puck on goal less to worry about, but can one person do it all or should the rest of their teams follow their example and start focusing more on blocking shots?

I'm answering this prompt, but admittedly I think it's a tad silly because I feel like both old and new age hockey minds agree that in the playoffs its all about buying in and going that extra mile. If you only have one player on your team thats willing to sacrifice their body at all costs in the Challenge Cup finals of all series, what are you seriously expecting your team to win? Everyone has to be willing to go out there and focus on blocking shots. Ideally you carry play well enough that you don't have to block many at all, but if the other team is bringing the puck into a dangerous shooting area, at no time should they ever have a clear lane to the net. Hockey isn't like basketball where one player can really carry the load and win you the series. Hodor and Seamus can go out there and block all they want, but you need buy in across the board otherwise for 37 minutes a night while they're on the bench, the other teams are going to be having the times of their lives offensively.

(~196 words - 3 TPE - Total 8 TPE)