Written Task: In at least 150 words, make some bold predictions for the first round (or second, if we are well into it for the back half of this PT being open) and justify your choices. Who do you think will win the series? Who will be the most important players from each team? Will there be any upsets? The question is open-ended, so simply put, what do you have to say about this season’s playoff matchups? Must mention at least two playoff teams.

In my original predictions I believe that I had the Winnipeg Jets going all the way and winning the cup, that being said they found themselves down early in the second round to the Los Angeles Panthers only to claw their way back into it. I think that if the Jets want to continue to win they are going to have to look to their regular season work horse, Jason Visser, to step up to the plate. He currently has 9 points in 10 games but that is honestly nothing for the man who put up one of the best seasons in SHL history. Likewise, the Panthers are also doing a fine job and this has proven to be a close match up. I think that S35 winger, Sophia Bennett, will play a big role down the stretch for the Panthers. Could she propel the Panthers to a Challenge Cup Finals appearance? Maybe. My heart says that there won't be any upsets going into the finals and we will be seeing Winnipeg versus West Kendall... which would be huge for the Platoon. Maybe they finally break the curse as well.