7AA Final: Duluth East vs. Elk River
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karl(east)
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7AA Final: Duluth East vs. Elk River
Well, we got ourselves the rematch. Elk River has obviously been the better team all season long, and won big against Cloquet on Saturday. Still, these two tied in a pretty even game just a couple weeks ago, and East is East. What happens at Amsoil on Thursday night?
Thoughts-
Elk River should win this game. I do not think anyone doubts that. More talent almost everywhere across the board except for goaltending.
However, these two played just two weeks ago and it ended as a 1-1 tie, (and I have honestly seen the video of the last shot East had in that game, it very much looks like it fully crossed the line.)
Regardless if that shot went in or not, East can beat Elk River. If they can tie them (or beat them) on the road, they can do it at the Amsoil. East has the home ice advantage, the best coach in MN who has a 15-1 section finals record, and a system that has the ability to take down any team in the state.
A lot of the East players were in this same game last year.
Nick Altmann, who scored the game winner in last years final, has been scoring big goals lately, and Howg obviously has been fantastic in net during the playoff thus far.
Now for my prediction.....
Elk River- 4 Duluth East- 2.
East has the best coach in the state, the home ice, and an amazing system, but Elk River has the better players across the board. I'm afraid the state streak will end this Thursday.
I still hope the Hounds can pull it off though. They definitely have a good shot.
Elk River should win this game. I do not think anyone doubts that. More talent almost everywhere across the board except for goaltending.
However, these two played just two weeks ago and it ended as a 1-1 tie, (and I have honestly seen the video of the last shot East had in that game, it very much looks like it fully crossed the line.)
Regardless if that shot went in or not, East can beat Elk River. If they can tie them (or beat them) on the road, they can do it at the Amsoil. East has the home ice advantage, the best coach in MN who has a 15-1 section finals record, and a system that has the ability to take down any team in the state.
A lot of the East players were in this same game last year.
Nick Altmann, who scored the game winner in last years final, has been scoring big goals lately, and Howg obviously has been fantastic in net during the playoff thus far.
Now for my prediction.....
Elk River- 4 Duluth East- 2.
East has the best coach in the state, the home ice, and an amazing system, but Elk River has the better players across the board. I'm afraid the state streak will end this Thursday.
I still hope the Hounds can pull it off though. They definitely have a good shot.
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twolinepass
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alcloseshaver
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grindiangrad-80
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GoldenBear69
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Goldyismoldy
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Bayside Tigers
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TTpuckster
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Goldyismoldy
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My alma mater Hounds have been to the state so many times with good or great teams, would be interesting this time they got to state with an average team.There wIn over grand rapids was not all that surprising to me, I thought Grand Rapids was a little overrated. My perceptions of the hounds are pretty much based on what I read from others.I like the faNct of how Howg has been playing since the Lakeville north game I saw,after having sat out for several weeks prior to that. Altman seems to have stepped Up,especially getting three by Maddie.The Randolph neutral zone disruption tactics appear to be working. Elks have been solid and consistent all year,with the super offense duo.defense is decent and goaltending save percent is above 90%. Should be a great game following the recent tie, I would very much like to see JJ On the big stage with the fifth seed. And I think I will, by one goal , Even allowing for Randolphs usual plus one advantage
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Goldyismoldy
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GolfGuy7900
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Goldyismoldy
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alcloseshaver
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East was the only team to hold the Elks' offense to less than three goals this season. They'll have to do it again and it begins with Howg. As far as the Elks go, if they can't get ahead early, they'll have to adjust their normally aggressive D. If ER does get ahead early, it's over. East has to clog, Howg must be on and 19 in black will have to make the difference.
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Bayside Tigers
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