Slate Preview 5.11
I don’t always do the slate preview but there are some bangers on tap today so might as well look ahead on this rainy Thursday:
Edina v Buffalo: The Bison haven’t had the season I think most of us assumed they’d have, but, the beauty of their conference and OOC schedule is they have plenty of opportunities to turn things around. Tonight is a huge opportunity for the Bison. I think they are capable of beating good teams if they play to their potential. Edina, though, is a dawg this year. They have been playing at an extremely high level and I think have a bit of a chip on their shoulder after that section final loss in 2021 and being counted out last year. I think everyone forgot about them this season and they are proving that they are back.
STA v Chanhassen: Chanhassen has been dominant and really hasn’t had a close game yet. STA has shown they can run with the big dogs, but, haven’t been able to pull away with a victory against a big opponent yet. Tonight is a huge opportunity for the Cadets. They will need to be sharp and limit turnovers. Chanhassen will make you pay for your mistakes. STA needs to get possessions and control the ball. The more Bush and VH are spectators, the better it is for the Cadets. Chan will need to slow down Hudson… when he gets going, STA turns into a different team. This should be a fun one between two coaching staffs who know eachother very well
Eden Prairie v Minnetonka: Tonka is coming off a heart breaker against Edina the other night. Eden Prairie has just been slowly grinding through their schedule. I think EP matches up well with Minnetonka and could pull the upset tonight if Tonka doesn’t play to their potential. EP has shown to be tough defensively and produce enough offense to win but, Tonka’s D will be the best they’ve seen. Like STA’s Hudson, if MTKA Schuster gets going, it makes life really hard on the opposing defense. EP will need to have a plan for him or it might be a long night.
Farmington v Prior Lake: Farmington has put a nice season together in a year many thought they’d be back at the bottom with the graduation of some top players. This is a big test for them - the Lakers - a team they have never beat. Prior Lake on the other hand has had their worst start in years, but, they have also played a top 5 opponent in every single loss - so, it’s hard to say if they are really down as much as people think. Another two coaching staffs that know each other well and will be interesting to see which team and establish their identity for the type of game they want to be played.
The Valley v Lakeville North: Probably the game that will decide the SSC, although a lot can happen still. North’s offense has been dynamic and electric. They play at a pace nobody has been able to run with yet. That being said, Valley likes to play a similar game. Valley has a face off guy that may be able to match North’s Quinn Power and eliminate some of the quick fast break goals that North piles on. Rossman should be able to neutralize Winship at X, but, does The Valley have the SS’s to stop North’s midfield? North’s defense has been susceptible but with them winning so many draws and quick strike offense, it hasn’t mattered. This should be a very fun game. I think both teams are evenly matched and very similar. Should be a high scoring game, but maybe they cancel each other out and play a low scoring one.
Rosemount v Shakopee: Adding to the fun of the SSC, this will be another fun one. Both teams are coming off last second losses to SSC teams and are motivated to get back in the W column. I am curious how Shakopee will handle Rosemounts open set, cutting offense. Shakopee has been stout defensively, but, this will be a much different look for them. Rosemount will need to find a way to get possessions - Shakopee face off guy has been very good. Rosemount and Shakopee both have strong senior goalies who could steal some possessions back as well. I expect this game to be competitive, but, ive been fooled many times before.
