Task 1:
After my first trip to the postseason with the Edmonton Blizzard, I took a couple of days to reflect on the Game 7 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. We had a chance to close it out on home ice, but the experience and depth of the Jets prevailed. However, this experience is only going to help our team going forward. I cleaned out my locker room and left the arena, saying goodbye to all the workers.

Newly announced captain Cory Knouse was hosting a season-ending party for the team. It was a great way to unwind with all the guys after a tough season. We relaxed and talked about the expectations for next season. Everyone is happy for the rest, but anxious to take the ice again next season and try to improve on this seasons' success. Throughout the rest of the off-season, a bunch of players and I would skate on the ice and just run simple drills to hone our skills and work up some chemistry. It was really helpful working out with Chiclets, especially on our breakout plays. This off-season is going to be a big help in taking the next step this coming season.

(198 words)

Task 2:
My choice for unsung hero of the playoffs is Minnesota Chiefs defenceman Eero Hämäläinen. Playing a depth role for the Chiefs, Eero has impressed. He is currently playing 3rd pairing and power play minutes and making the most of his 19 minutes per game. He has put up the second most power play points for his team with 5 and is 4th in team scoring with 15 points overall. That is a very impressive point total for the depth defenceman. He doesn't hit much, but his body still takes a beating as he collected 22 shot blocks. He and his partner Shirobokov were very steady for the Chiefs. They made the coaches jobs much easier because they could trust them in all situations and not have to rely on the top 4 too much. Eero Hämäläinen impressed me a great deal in these playoffs. This could be his coming out party and we could see Minnesota thrust him into more playing time next season and beyond.

(166 words)

Task 4:
PM'd

Task 6:
If the Panthers are going to win the Challenge Cup, they are going to need their star centre Jean-Luc Reflieux to lead them. The Chiefs have a couple of elite forwards on their team so Reflieux will need to be able to match their stats, while also trying to shut them down. It's a tall task to ask of him, but that comes with the territory of being a number one centre. If he can do that, the Panthers have a great chance to pull out the win.

As for the Chiefs, they will need their veteran leader on the back end, Alonzo Garbanzo, to lead the charge from the blue line. He's their heart and soul and if he can play like he's known to, it'll go a long way to making O'Koivu's job easier. He has the skill to put his forwards in positions to succeed so Minnesota needs him to find the fountain of youth for this series. If Alonzo can bring the heat for this 7 game series, the Chiefs are that much more deadly.

(179 words)

BONUS QUESTION: Who scores the Cup winning goal?

Sebastian Strange