On Seattle, Minnesota and Funk

[Rayzor_7 741]

Where to even begin....

This season has been quite the experience for me.  As a player, breaking the 40 win barrier for the third time in three seasons,  leading Seattle to first place in the conference and second place in the league. Meanwhile on the other side of things, guiding Minnesota to second in the conference and third in the league. I can't complain about either side this season. And in the midst of all this happening I had some personal issues come up that I had to deal with and ended up stepping away from both for nearly a couple of weeks. 

 

 

Let's step to Minnesota first. Going into the playoffs as the third seed we faced Las Vegas in the first round. Now I'll admit I wasn't that scared of them, until we split the series 2-2. Thankfully we took the next two in tight games. Moving on to Houston scared me a lot more as we had a poor record against them in the regular season. This didn't matter as we took the first three games, dropping one before closing it out in five. This meant we got to wait and see who our opponent was, not waiting long as Miami toppled San Diego in 6. Seeing Miami was indifferent. This time I wasn't scared or happy, just knew it was going to be a tough series. The first two games were one goal games splitting the series 1-1. Then the unexpected happens, 5-0 and a 5-1 win to put us up 3 games to 1. And today the series closed as Minnesota won the Founders Cup with a 4-3 victory. Shout out to all of the members of the Storm who made this possible despite the uphill battle it was.. 

 

 

Now to look at Seattle. This was a much bumpier road. Thankfully it wasn't too bad to start. We managed to topple DC in six games. Calgary was a different beast. Three one goal games, dropping two of them and then dropping game 4 by a score of 3-1. We needed 3 straight wins… and we got them. Game 5 (3-2 in triple OT), Game 6 (2-1 in OT) and lastly Game 7, 5-3 on an empty netter as we advance to the finals to face the awaiting Helsinki. Now I'll admit, I expected the seven-game series here. After splitting the series 2-2, we managed to take games 5 and 6 on scores of 2-1 and 3-2 (OT). Scott Greene was the hero as he slipped a Vikingstad feed past Ross to end the series on the road. It was over, Seattle had won their 4th cup in 6 seasons. Funk won alongside the other remaining core members of Sundqvist, Hogan and Greene. For the fourth time these four players stood side by side as Champions under the Seattle banner alongside Bana. 

A forward look.

 

Funk will be leaving Seattle as that chapter of his career comes to a close, passing on the reins to Tonn who will take over the starting duties in his second season. I’m not sure what will happen this time around. It will be the first time I’m not playing for Seattle and I’m not sure how I feel about that. I hope that Free Agency will lead me to a couple decent options. I would like another run for a Cup and a shot at a Kanou. I still look to get that illustrious 300 wins as I sit 39 away. It will be an interesting off-season as I weigh my options and decide what is the best for me. 

 

 

To Seattle: You will always be my home and the place I think of. It’s been an honour to have played there with all of the members who have come through our gates. I can’t applaud Bana enough for what he’s done for that team and for me and us as players.

 

To Minnesota: I’m proud of you all. It was an uphill battle for that Championship but you guys did it! I wish you all the best in the major league as you continue beyond the M.

 

~Rayz

[mattyIceman 1,084]

Had no idea that Funk was testing free agency.

 

This is going to be interesting in Funk's last season