Upset Alert!
As the hockey “expert” of this blog I have to admit that I’m almost speechless when it comes to yesterday’s action at the state tournament. I was 0-4 with my picks. To my credit I’m fairly positive that all four seeded teams have never lost in the first round. Many people had looked past some of the unseeded teams and apparently that happened on the ice as well.
In the most shocking upset Lakeville South beat top-seeded Duluth East 3-2 in a game that wasn’t even that close. Lakeville South’s speed and aggressive forecheck was no match for East. It disrupted their breakout and offensive rhythm. East never got going and it cost them dearly. It’s a disappointing end to a great regular season by the Greyhounds, but what ultimately matters is how you play at the Xcel.
The other three upsets all had the same feel. The seeded teams all appeared to play with arrogance and they all lacked intensity on the ice. It’s hard to say that they were lazy, but they were all outworked and it showed on the scoreboard. Solid goaltending also played a role and should lead to some very competitive semifinal matchups.
Game 1: Hill-Murray vs. Moorhead
Both of these teams looked very solid in the opening round. Hill-Murray capitalized on their chances while Moorhead played physical and shut down the offensive game of Eagan. It should be a solid back and forth game. Both teams played good fundamental hockey yesterday and neither of them try to be too fancy with the puck. In the end I think the physical play of Moorhead will wear down the Pioneers and put them into yet another state championship game. Moorhead wins 4-2.
Game 2: Lakeville South vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s
Lakeville South surprised everyone yesterday playing a very good game all around. They had solid goaltending and an opportunistic offensive style. They put a lot of pressure on East’s defense and capitalized on their chances. Benilde and Edina played a sluggish out of sync game for almost all 51 minutes. Benilde took advantage of a late turnover and scored the game winner with less than a minute remaining. I think that Lakeville South’s speed will be too much for the Red Knights defense. They should have plenty of confidence coming from last night’s win and will hopefully find themselves playing in the title game. Lakeville South wins 4-3.
Let’s hope the exciting action continues tonight. Again, feel free to make comments and post your own predictions. Check back again tomorrow for another recap and a preview of the championship game.
As the hockey “expert” of this blog I have to admit that I’m almost speechless when it comes to yesterday’s action at the state tournament. I was 0-4 with my picks. To my credit I’m fairly positive that all four seeded teams have never lost in the first round. Many people had looked past some of the unseeded teams and apparently that happened on the ice as well.
In the most shocking upset Lakeville South beat top-seeded Duluth East 3-2 in a game that wasn’t even that close. Lakeville South’s speed and aggressive forecheck was no match for East. It disrupted their breakout and offensive rhythm. East never got going and it cost them dearly. It’s a disappointing end to a great regular season by the Greyhounds, but what ultimately matters is how you play at the Xcel.
The other three upsets all had the same feel. The seeded teams all appeared to play with arrogance and they all lacked intensity on the ice. It’s hard to say that they were lazy, but they were all outworked and it showed on the scoreboard. Solid goaltending also played a role and should lead to some very competitive semifinal matchups.
Game 1: Hill-Murray vs. Moorhead
Both of these teams looked very solid in the opening round. Hill-Murray capitalized on their chances while Moorhead played physical and shut down the offensive game of Eagan. It should be a solid back and forth game. Both teams played good fundamental hockey yesterday and neither of them try to be too fancy with the puck. In the end I think the physical play of Moorhead will wear down the Pioneers and put them into yet another state championship game. Moorhead wins 4-2.
Game 2: Lakeville South vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s
Lakeville South surprised everyone yesterday playing a very good game all around. They had solid goaltending and an opportunistic offensive style. They put a lot of pressure on East’s defense and capitalized on their chances. Benilde and Edina played a sluggish out of sync game for almost all 51 minutes. Benilde took advantage of a late turnover and scored the game winner with less than a minute remaining. I think that Lakeville South’s speed will be too much for the Red Knights defense. They should have plenty of confidence coming from last night’s win and will hopefully find themselves playing in the title game. Lakeville South wins 4-3.
Let’s hope the exciting action continues tonight. Again, feel free to make comments and post your own predictions. Check back again tomorrow for another recap and a preview of the championship game.
Going completely opposite. It's Lent so I'm going with God and taking an all-private final.
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