1. We did pretty well against Prague in the regular season so there's some confidence going into the game, but we're division rivals and it's the playoffs. We can't let our guard down, and they've been developing as well through the season. They were good enough to be the 3rd seed so we have to respect them. It'll be a tough series.
2. I think they've got a phenomenal defense corps, probably one of the best all-around groups in the league. They're going to be trying to shut us down throughout the series, we just have to produce on offense and get goals past their rookie netminder.
3. I wasn't part of the team then, but you can't ever expect that kind of success. We'll take it a game at a time and if we lose, we'll learn from those losses for the next game.
4. Honestly, I think the spotlight will be on Papa in net. He's not a rookie, but it's his first full season as a starter, and it'll be his first playoff game as well. We have generally won and lost as Papa plays, so we'll be counting on him to not bow to the pressure of the playoffs. Then we'll just follow the lead of our stars, have Duncan, Paul, Seabass, Markinson and Moreau lead us otherwise.
5. I think it's nice to have those community events, although sometimes there's a bit too much value on the TPE you get out of it. We should frame it more as give to the community just because it's the holidays.
6. Definitely have some concerns, especially since we didn't win the conference this season like we did last season, and a finals loss with a 3-1 lead always stings. We'll have a tough path to tread in the playoffs, but we'll start with Prague and take it a series at a time. New season, new chance at a cup!