Slate Preview: 5.1
Holy crap - there are a lot of games this week… I have my work cut out for me. I think I am going to just do this day by day instead of combining the slates. Here are three interesting games tonight:
Minnetonka v STA: This is a tough turnaround for Minnetonka. You play Chanhassen on a Saturday, no practice Sunday, then have to go on the road to STA on a Monday. Terrible break in the scheduling for them. STA looking like the real deal this year and their offense has come to life. Minnetonka just has been hot and cold. Tonka needs this one. If they can get into a run and gun game, I think they win. If STA keeps things settled and structured, I think they win. I think STA’s goalie has quietly been really good this year, haven’t heard much about him, but he’s extremely sound. Mtka has the shooters, so this will be an interesting one to watch
Rochester Mayo v Mankato: Both of these teams are off to good starts and look to be battling with the #3 seed in section 1. However, you have Rochester Century and New Prague in the mix as well. The nice thing about the big 9 is they play each other twice per season, so, aside from New Prague, the other three teams will have a chance to earn their seeds in the section. Both teams have played a bit weaker schedule and been dominant. Mayo’s toughest game was against Farmington in which they played extremely well in a close game. Mankato has won handedly in all 4 of their games. This should be a great one!
Eagan v Shakopee: A nice SSC matchup to close out the evening. Shakopee had the most emotional rollercoaster of a week, getting their first conference win by beating PL for the first time in program history, then, traveling to Moorhead only to be upset in double overtime by the Spuds. Shakopee is a great team and will rebound from that loss but Eagan is a tough turnaround on a Monday after a road trip. It’s not super easy for the Wildcats either, though. They played Farmington on Thursday and Woodbury on Saturday. Now they have the Sabres for their third game in 4 (playing) days with only one practice under their belt. I think Shakopee is the deeper/better team as of right now, but, Eagan has a lot of good players and has proven that when they play their style, they are extremely difficult to play against and can beat anyone. Great battle at the Face Off X tonight as well. I think if Eagan can get an early lead and keep the pace up, they have a chance for the upset. If Shakopee has the ball more due to Eagan turnovers (it can happen with the way they play) I believe they will win.
