The elephant in the room in the East is New England missing the playoffs. Does this mark the end of an era for the Wolfpack? Is this symbolic of a declining New England team, or will they come back stronger next season, rendering this a fluke?

Considering they came fairly close to missing last season as well, it's hard to see this as a one-time fluke. New England has long been viewed as an unstoppable juggernaut, but there have been some key positions on the team that were inactive for a number of seasons before any decline became apparent, so it doesn't surprise me that those are starting to make themselves felt on the score sheet. New England's seasons of dominance took a long time to build up to, and it's hard to maintain that level forever - if they do continue to decline it doesn't mean they can't climb back up, but it takes a lot of work and long term planning to find the sort of stability at the top that the team had over the last seasons.

Olli Saarinen, Jr | New Orleans Specters
Name: Olli Saarinen, Jr
Position: Goalie
Measurements: 6'11, 181 lbs
Number: 79
Birthplace: Finland


Awards
-------------------------------------------------------------
-

History & Leadership
-------------------------------------------------------------
S51 SMJHL Entry Draft: 7th overall (Halifax Raiders aka Maine Timber)

Career Statistics
-------------------------------------------------------------
Regular Season:
S51 SMJHL (HAL): GP:11 | W: 3 | L: 2 | OTL: 2 | PCT:0.921 | GAA:2.28 | SO: 0

Playoffs
-

Profile | Updates



Isak Ødegård | San Francisco Pride
Name: Isak Ødegård
Position: Defense
Player Type: Offensive Defenseman
Measurements: 5'11, 170 lbs
Number: 9
Birthplace: Hell, Norway


Awards
-------------------------------------------------------------
S35: Won the Occasus Trophy with the Whalers
S35: Won the 4 Star Cup with the Whalers
S35: Won Vancouver Whalers' Rookie Award
S35: Won IIHF Gold with Team Norway
S36: Won the Laurifer Trophy with the Whalers
S36: Won the Occasus Trophy with the Whalers
S36: Won the 4 Star Cup with the Whalers
S36: Won Vancouver Whalers' Top Defenseman Award
S36: Won IIHF Silver with Team Norway
S38: Won IIHF Silver with Team Norway
S39: Won the Mathias Chouinard Trophy with the Chiefs
S39: Won the Challenge Cup with the Chiefs
S40: Won the Mathias Chouinard Trophy with the Chiefs
S50: Won the President's Trophy with the Pride

History & Leadership
-------------------------------------------------------------
S35 SMJHL Entry Draft: 1st overall (Vancouver Whalers)
S36 SHL Entry Draft: 1st overall (Minnesota Chiefs)
S36: Named Alternate Captain of the Vancouver Whalers
S44: Traded to the San Francisco Pride

Career Statistics
-------------------------------------------------------------
Regular Season:
S35 SMJHL (VAN): GP:50 | G: 7 | A:18 | P:25 | SB:30
S36 SMJHL (VAN): GP:50 | G:10 | A:27 | P:37 | SB:66
S37 SHL (MIN): GP:50 | G: 1 | A: 7 | P: 8 | SB:35
S38 SHL (MIN): GP:50 | G: 4 | A:15 | P:19 | SB:66
S39 SHL (MIN): GP:50 | G: 5 | A:14 | P:19 | SB:64
S40 SHL (MIN): GP:50 | G:12 | A:20 | P:32 | SB:78
S41 SHL (MIN): GP:50 | G: 8 | A:23 | P:31 | SB:58
S42 SHL (MIN): GP:50 | G:11 | A:26 | P:37 | SB:58
S43 SHL (MIN): GP:50 | G: 7 | A:34 | P:41 | SB:88
S44 SHL (MIN/SFP):GP:49|G:12| A:24 | P:36 | SB:95
S45 SHL (SFP): GP:50 | G: 9 | A:30 | P:39 | SB:69
S46 SHL (SFP): GP:50 | G: 6 | A:31 | P:37 | SB:86
S47 SHL (SFP): GP:50 | G:12 | A:24 | P:36 | SB:63
S48 SHL (SFP): GP:50 | G: 9 | A:29 | P:38 | SB:69
S49 SHL (SFP): GP:50 | G:13 | A:16 | P:29 | SB:61
S50 SHL (SFP): GP:50 | G: 3 | A:28 | P:31 | SB:74
S51 SHL (SFP): TBD

Playoffs
S35 SMJHL (VAN): GP: 9 | G: 1 | A: 3 | P: 4 | SB: 4
S36 SMJHL (VAN): GP:12 | G: 4 | A: 7 | P:11 | SB:10
S37 SHL (MIN): GP: 6 | G: 0 | A: 0 | P: 0 | SB: 2
S38 SHL (MIN): GP:14 | G: 4 | A: 3 | P: 7 | SB:18
S39 SHL (MIN): GP:15 | G: 3 | A: 2 | P: 5 | SB:21
S40 SHL (MIN): GP:20 | G: 2 | A: 9 | P:11 | SB:29
S41 SHL (MIN): GP: 6 | G: 1 | A: 4 | P: 5 | SB:13
S42 SHL (MIN): n/a
S43 SHL (MIN): GP: 4 | G: 0 | A: 1 | P: 1 | SB: 4
S44 SHL (SFP): n/a
S45 SHL (SFP): n/a
S46 SHL (SFP): n/a
S47 SHL (SFP): GP: 5 | G: 2 | A: 0 | P: 2 | SB: 4
S48 SHL (SFP): GP: 6 | G: 0 | A: 0 | P: 0 | SB: 8
S49 SHL (SFP): n/a
S50 SHL (SFP): GP: 4 | G: 0 | A: 2 | P: 2 | SB: 8
S51 SHL (SFP): TBD

Profile



Nathan Russell | NE Wolfpack | Hall of Fame
Name: Nathan Russell
Position: Right Wing
Player Type: Power Forward
Height: 6'3"
Number: 14
Birthplace: Easton, MA


Awards
-------------------------------------------------------------
S23: Won the Mathias Chouinard Trophy with the Wolfpack
S23: Won the Challenge Cup with the Wolfpack
S24: Won IIHF Bronze with the USA
S25: Selected to 2nd All Star Team - W
S27: Selected to 2nd East All Star Team - C
S27: Nominated for the Sarmad Khan Trophy
S27: Won IIHF Bronze with the USA
S28: Won the Jeff Dar Trophy
S28: Nominated for the Sarmad Khan Trophy
S30: Won the Mathias Chouinard Trophy with the Wolfpack
S30: Won the Challenge Cup with the Wolfpack
S30: Won the Jeff Dar Trophy
S31: Won the President's Trophy with the Wolfpack
S31: Won the Mathias Chouinard Trophy with the Wolfpack
S31: Won the Challenge Cup with the Wolfpack
S31: Won IIHF Gold with the USA
S31: Selected to 2nd All Star Team - F
S31: Nominated for the Jeff Dar Trophy
S31: Nominated for the Sarmad Khan Trophy
S32: Nominated for the Jeff Dar Trophy
S32: Won the Damien Littleton Trophy
S33: Won the President's Trophy with the Wolfpack
S33: Won the Mathias Chouinard Trophy with the Wolfpack
S33: Won the Challenge Cup with the Wolfpack
S33: Nominated for the Anton Razov Trophy
S34: Won the President's Trophy with the Wolfpack
S34: Won IIHF Gold with the USA
S37: Inducted into the SHL Hall of Fame

History & Leadership
-------------------------------------------------------------
S19 SMJHL Entry Draft: 2nd Round, 10th overall (Regina Force)
S20 SHL Entry Draft: 1st Round, 7th overall (New England Wolfpack)
S22: Named Alternate Captain of the Wolfpack
S22: Named Co-General Manager of the Wolfpack
S23-29: Named General Manager of the Wolfpack
S30-35: Named Captain of the Wolfpack

Career Statistics
-------------------------------------------------------------
Regular Season:
S19 SMJHL (REG): GP:40 | G: 8 | A:11 | P:19 | H:70
S20 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G: 1 | A: 4 | P: 5 | H:81
S21 SHL (NEW): GP:52 | G: 4 | A: 7 | P:11 | H:61
S22 SHL (NEW): GP:52 | G: 7 | A:14 | P:21 | H:142
S23 SHL (NEW): GP:52 | G: 5 | A:26 | P:31 | H:137
S24 SHL (NEW): GP:52 | G:14 | A:22 | P:36 | H:134
S25 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:25 | A:24 | P:49 | H:116
S26 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:13 | A:28 | P:41 | H:94
S27 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:16 | A:27 | P:43 | H:135 | FO:55.30%
S28 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:19 | A:29 | P:48 | H:213 | FO:54.74%
S29 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:22 | A:21 | P:43 | H:157 | FO:54.94%
S30 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:16 | A:37 | P:53 | H:217 | FO:54.66%
S31 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:21 | A:34 | P:55 | H:228 | FO:57.15%
S32 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:14 | A:34 | P:48 | H:152 | FO:55.14%
S33 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:12 | A:28 | P:40 | H:103 | FO:56.85%
S34 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:16 | A:26 | P:42 | H:95 | FO:54.45%
S35 SHL (NEW): GP:50 | G:15 | A:31 | P:46 | H:186 | FO:54.93%

Playoffs
S19 SMJHL (REG): GP: 4 | G: 0 | A: 0 | P:0 | H:4
S20 SHL (NEW): GP:11 | G: 1 | A: 2 | P: 3  | H:11
S21 SHL (NEW): GP:11 | G: 0 | A: 3 | P: 3  | H: 7
S22 SHL (NEW): GP: 5 | G: 0 | A: 0 | P: 0  | H: 7
S23 SHL (NEW): GP:19 | G: 4 | A: 4 | P: 8  | H: 50
S24 SHL (NEW): n/a
S25 SHL (NEW): n/a
S26 SHL (NEW): GP: 4 | G: 1 | A: 2 | P: 3  | H: 3
S27 SHL (NEW): n/a
S28 SHL (NEW): GP: 7 | G: 1 | A: 1 | P: 2  | H:23 | FO:53.23%
S29 SHL (NEW): n/a
S30 SHL (NEW): GP:14 | G: 7 | A:12 | P:19  | H:71 | FO:56.49%
S31 SHL (NEW): GP:19 | G: 5 | A: 9 | P:14  | H:55 | FO:54.34%
S32 SHL (NEW): GP:11 | G: 2 | A: 3 | P: 5  | H:30 | FO:55.61%
S33 SHL (NEW): GP:18 | G: 6 | A: 7 | P:13  | H:57 | FO:53.31%
S34 SHL (NEW): GP:11 | G: 3 | A: 4 | P: 7  | H:26 | FO:53.31%
S35 SHL (NEW): GP: 9 | G: 5 | A: 5 | P:10  | H:40 | FO:56.84%

Profile

- Both of the series in the West are rematches from last year. What will have to change from the Jets and/or the Riot to prevent history from repeating itself this season? Which of these two teams, if either, has what it takes to pull off the series win, and why?

Both teams can easily pull off with the series win. These two teams arent like their last season's counter parts. They are evolved, a season smarter, coaching wise and depth. They are two very good high paced teams, one with elite offense, good defense and other with elite defense and good offense and ofcourse both teams possess world class goaltending. But their matchups are not easy. Anything can happen in the playoffs and it becomes the matter of who wants it more. Guys on those teams are due for rough learning curb in the playoffs if they have not already passed it.

Doubt is a dream killer

Originally posted by Coach Biz@Nov 5 2017, 05:12 PM
[b]- Both of the series in the West are rematches from last year. What will have to change from the Jets and/or the Riot to prevent history from repeating itself this season? Which of these two teams, if either, has what it takes to pull off the series win, and why?

Winnipeg has a great chance to win the whole thing this season..  they have 6 stud forwards with lots of TPE and lots of endurance allowing them each to double shift without getting tired.... what ever side your on in the time allocation discussion does not change tghe fact that the Jets are going to have major advantages on them 3rd and 4th lines against the majority of teams they face in this post season.

I like Texas 3rd line. Horvat is a kick ass grinder, Abes is underratted and James is a solid vet... they should be able to hold there own against the jets counterparts.. still Winnipeg holds a decisive advantage there and should be able to exploit it...

If the Abes/Horvat/James lines plus minus is at even or better at the end of the series... Texas will win... If its in the negative i think Winnipeg takes this one.[/b]

I know I am biased, but I agree. Last year the Renegades 3rd line found a ton of success even playing on less ice time than they did in the regular season. Most of that line had as many points in the playoffs as they did in the regular season. Abes is a huge part of that, and if they do gel and are able to beat down the two lines in Winnipeg, it could be a quick series.

Piotr Horvat | D | Texas Renegades
SMJHL Regular Season Statistics
S47 KEL GP: 50, G: 3, A: 17, P: 20, +/-: 8, Hits: 73, SB: 56
S48 KEL GP: 50, G: 7, A: 21, P: 28, +/-: -21, Hits: 107, SB: 69
S49 KEL GP: 50, G: 9, A: 23, P: 32, +/-: 10, Hits: 99, SB: 59
------------------------------------------------------------
SHL Regular Season Statistics
S50 TEX GP: 50, G: 4, A: 19, P: 23, +/-: -13, Hits: 103, SB: 72
S51 TEX GP: 50, G: 8, A: 21, P: 29, +/-: -8, Hits: 115, SB: 77
S52 TEX GP: 50, G: 3, A: 22, P: 25, +/-: -5, Hits: 107, SB: 79
S53 TEX GP: 50, G: 2, A: 8, P: 10, +/-: -18, Hits: 80, SB: 66
S54 TEX GP: 50, G: 1, A: 9, P: 10, +/-: -4, Hits: 117, SB: 99
S55 TEX GP: 50, G: 8, A: 19, P: 27, +/-: 0, Hits: 137, SB: 105
S56 TEX GP: 50, G: 3, A: 22, P: 25, +/-: 6, Hits: 144, SB: 78
------------------------------------------------------------
Drafted 4th Overall S47 SMJHL Draft By Kelowna
Drafted 6th Overall S48 SHL Draft By New England




Vasily Horvat | RW | Retired

SHL Regular Season Career Statistics
S34 TEX GP: 50, G: 4, A: 6, P: 10, +/-: -14, PIMS: 41, Hits: 115
S35 TEX GP: 50, G: 4, A: 2, P: 6, +/-: -5, PIMS: 18, Hits: 86
S36 TEX GP: 50, G: 3, A: 7, P: 10, +/-: -13, PIMS: 53, Hits: 95
S37 TEX GP: 50, G: 1, A: 7, P: 8, +/-: -30, PIMS: 35, Hits: 71
S38 TEX GP: 50, G: 8, A: 15, P: 23, +/-: 4, PIMS: 80, Hits: 203
S39 TEX GP: 50, G: 18, A: 25, P: 43, +/-: 13, PIMS: 69. Hits: 211
S40 TEX GP: 50, G: 12, A: 21, P: 33, +/-: 11, PIMS: 45, Hits: 167
S41 TEX GP: 50, G: 11, A: 35, P: 46, +/-: -14, PIMS: 59, Hits: 190
S42 TEX GP: 50, G: 16, A: 31, P: 47, +/-: -5, PIMS: 56, Hits: 206
S43 TEX GP: 50, G: 16, A: 23, P: 39, +/-: 4, PIMS: 50, Hits: 225
S44 TEX GP: 50, G: 15, A: 27, P: 42, +/-: -5, PIMS: 62, Hits: 212
S45 TEX GP: 50, G: 11, A: 30, P: 41, +/-: -2, PIMS: 56, Hits: 206
S46 NOLA GP: 50, G: 3, A: 15, P: 18, +/-: -3, PIMS: 48, Hits: 114
S47 NOLA GP: 50, G: 5, A: 6, P: 11, +/-: -9, PIMS: 18, Hits: 119
------------------------------------------------------------
SHL Playoff Statistics
S34 TEX GP: 13, G: 1, A: 1, P: 2, +/-: -1, PIMS: 10, Hits: 16
S35 TEX GP: 6, G: 0, A: 0, P: 0, +/-: 1, PIMS: 0, Hits: 1
S36 TEX GP: 16, G: 2, A: 5, P: 7, +/-: 1, PIMS: 16, Hits: 45
S37 TEX GP: 4, G: 0, A: 3, P: 3, +/-: -2, PIMS: 0, Hits: 4
S40 TEX GP: 5, G: 0, A: 1, P: 1, +/-: -1, PIMS: 4, Hits: 15
S42 TEX GP: 5, G: 0, A: 4, P: 4, +/-: 3, PIMS: 6, Hits: 21
S45 TEX GP: 11, G: 2, A: 6, P: 10, +/-: 4, PIMS: 8, Hits: 46
------------------------------------------------------------
Awards
S31 and S32 Four Star Champion
S36 Challenge Cup Champion
S38 IIHF Gold Medalist
S43 IIHF Silver Medalist

- Make your Challenge Cup Finals matchup prediction, and justify your choices. Which of your two picks do you think will have a harder time getting there?
I think the finals is going to be between the Jets and the Chiefs. I think the Jets are just a really strong team. Adding McZ made them even better. Feel the same way about the Chiefs. They added Crutchfield. Solid defense. Two good lines. I think the Jets will have a harder time getting there just because they're in the tougher conference.

Originally posted by Gooney@Nov 6 2017, 03:57 PM
[b]- Make your Challenge Cup Finals matchup prediction, and justify your choices. Which of your two picks do you think will have a harder time getting there?
I think the finals is going to be between the Jets and the Chiefs. I think the Jets are just a really strong team. Adding McZ made them even better. Feel the same way about the Chiefs. They added Crutchfield. Solid defense. Two good lines. I think the Jets will have a harder time getting there just because they're in the tougher conference.[/b]

Heyyyy that’s my prediction as well.

I think that my article kind of covered how I see the field. But Minnesota intrigued me a lot as a finals team if they can avoid a slip-up against Toronto.

#GOJETSGO

S32 SHL Draft No. 1 Overall


Max Weber || D#39 || Portland Admirals/Winnipeg Jets ||