Between these two options, if Winnipeg were in the finals, I would have to go with option A to have 6 skaters on the ice at all times.  The alternate option would mean we could utilize our speedy / breakaway forwards however it would leave the rest of the team at a disadvantage on defense, and our special teams ability last season was well below average on performance.  Now, while our special teams didn't do exceedingly well on the powerplay either, having the sixth man advantage during even strength...and still have decent goaltending without sacrificing an open goal I feel would definitely give us an upper hand advantage going into a series. (111 Words)

While I'm not entirely up to speed on the overall performance of all SHL players, there are a few notables that I believe are destined for the Hall of Fame.  The first one I'd mention has to be Harry Carpet from Toronto.  This season saw them make a huge run to Game 7, Overtime against Buffalo after having been shuttered out for several seasons (partly in fact due to the Great Lakes division being a cumulative powerhouse) but through all this, through Harry's prowess between the pipes I feel single-handedly kept Toronto in conversation.  The second one I'd mention for guaranteed Hall of Fame status would be Nick Brain from Winnipeg.  Sure, this is a homer choice however being one of the most elite forwards in SHL history, and being such a versatile...multi-role forward who can put the puck in the net from virtually anywhere I think checks all the boxes needed to pass the ballot.  (156 Words)

As a goaltender, its not like I can score goals to help my team achieve victory, however I have shown in the last couple seasons that I am able to step up in high pressure games when it counts.  My problem comes from the regular season, when there's "tons of games" that don't seem to matter, and the puck slips by.  To help Winnipeg reach the promised land, I'll have to work this off season to get better control of my glove and blocker.  The coach said my reflexes and positioning are decent for the league but, as he says, "If you close the glove too early or too late...you've messed up".  I feel if I can get the timing down, and finish working on my rebound control, overall it will help keep Winnipeg going even when we're up against a tough team with overall minimal scoring.  Not every game can be a blowout where we have multi-point leads.  Its those ones that you lose late by one goal that are the difference makers.
(174 Words)

I'm sure this sentiment will be repeated throughout the SHL like a broken record in these posts, but, while Toronto did exceedingly well, they were not Texas this season.  All season long, Texas went on a huge tear in the western conference.  They have a fantastic mix of offense and defense, and their goaltending was better this season.  Alongside this, they weren't afraid as a team to give hits to the bigger, harder hitting teams in the east and I feel that's where their big advantage was.  They weren't allowing themselves to get pushed around.  Their exit in the playoffs was definitely premature and I think they could have definitely gone all the way.  I know that, playful banter included, there was lots of talk about wanting a Texas / Toronto final.  Texas for sure, if they keep doing what they're doing we will see them in the finals...and probably holding up the Challenge Cup soon enough. (156 Words)

2 Milestones

This shoutout goes to @Blastmeaway, whom through a side project, I've been able to talk to more and get to know a little bit better.  A literal spreadsheet guru, I'm extremely grateful to have your help, to get to know you better, and to see the fantastic ideas that you have coming our way on all fronts.






Total TPE ( 18/16 )