#1 Duluth East (11-0-0) @ #2 Maple Grove (11-0-1) 1-4-12

mnmouth · Post by **mnmouth** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:22 pm

HShockeywatcher wrote:East is obviously #1...and should be even with a loss or two to a good team with what they've accomplished thus far. After having played, and beaten, both of the teams at #2 and #3 on different lists, who should be #2?

Just rotate Tonka, Eagan and Maple Grove through the 2 spot all season.

Post by **east hockey** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:30 pm

Right now I'd say Minnetonka. One loss (to East) and a big win over Eagan.

Lee

shoot out · Post by **shoot out** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:35 pm

Yeah I would say Tonka also, tonka-spuds game will decide that

Post by **east hockey** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:38 pm

shoot out wrote:Yeah I would say Tonka also, tonka-spuds game will decide that

Moorhead has two big chances to make a statement with Tonka and East back-to-back nights this Friday/Saturday. They have the kind of goalie who can step up and shut down a big offensive club like Tonka and East have.

Lee

shoot out · Post by **shoot out** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:45 pm

I think Maple Groves goalie looked pretty stellar tonight , he made some big time saves

old goalie85 · Post by **old goalie85** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:45 pm

So can we admit now that the Randolph kid is one of, or, maybe the best player in the state. All summer we read how over-rated he was, and what a terrible coach his dad was. I say Wrong. Looks like they have picked a # 1 goalie.

GTTN · Post by **GTTN** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:47 pm

After watching east multiple times this year I expected the game they showed up with. Anyone with more knowledge of MG tell us what they thought of their performance tonight?

HockeyGuy81 · Post by **HockeyGuy81** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:51 pm

I have watched MG play 3 times now and they looked the "worst" out of the 3 games, but I think that's because DE is the best high school team I have seen in along time. Pretty much total domination.

Very disappointed in Gross's play tonight. Got totally walked fishing for the puck on the 3rd goal in the 2nd period. Then was walked while fishing again in the 3rd period which got him frustrated so he took a boarding penalty. Then took another penalty about 4-5 minutes later. Expected better play...at least expected disciplined play.

Duluth 4 · Post by **Duluth 4** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 10:01 pm

It seems to be said a lot that the worst games teams play is against East, however I think that is just because East takes teams out of their element much like the elite teams do to other teams. It's a role reversal

edgeless2 · Post by **edgeless2** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 10:06 pm

Duluth 4 wrote:It seems to be said a lot that the worst games teams play is against East, however I think that is just because East takes teams out of their element much like the elite teams do to other teams. It's a role reversal

If I were an East fan I would want them to lose a close one before going into the tourney. Nothing a coach could say to a talented group of teenagers, that would make them feel less than invincible if they run the table.

HockeyGuy81 · Post by **HockeyGuy81** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 10:07 pm

Duluth 4 wrote:It seems to be said a lot that the worst games teams play is against East, however I think that is just because East takes teams out of their element much like the elite teams do to other teams. It's a role reversal

Agree 100%. Maple Grove still looked fast and talented, but couldn't make crisp passes, couldn't break out, and just looked sloppy in general but that's because DE was all over them all the time

Murray Chadwick · Post by **Murray Chadwick** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 10:18 pm

Very impressed with East tonight after not being so impressed in watching them against STA at the Schwan's Cup. They were clearly the better team, it would take a near perfect performance for MG to beat them.

Randolph's first goal was the best I've seen this year, it was a beauty.

Tonka gets my vote for the second best team in the state.

mnhockfan99 · Post by **mnhockfan99** » Wed Jan 04, 2012 10:58 pm

I find it impressive that DE can hold Tonka and MG to 3 goals combined with a top D out of the lineup, both games away from Duluth. That's a lot of ice time to fill on the back end and forces some of those guys to play more meaningful minutes against those top clubs. To do this and not hurt the teams performance says something for what that club can do this season. I hope they let the kid heal up and not rush him back.

I think the game on Jan. 12 vs GR could be interesting...

SChockey · Post by **SChockey** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 1:21 am

Wow, impressive win on the road for the Hounds. Unfortunately I haven't been able to see them play too much yet. Sounds like they are something special.

northwoods oldtimer · Post by **northwoods oldtimer** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 5:18 am

The one team I thought would give East a game could not get it done. East probably runs the table now all the way to a title.

mnmouth · Post by **mnmouth** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 6:37 am

edgeless2 wrote:
Duluth 4 wrote:It seems to be said a lot that the worst games teams play is against East, however I think that is just because East takes teams out of their element much like the elite teams do to other teams. It's a role reversal

If I were an East fan I would want them to lose a close one before going into the tourney. Nothing a coach could say to a talented group of teenagers, that would make them feel less than invincible if they run the table.

Not necessary for them to lose a close one, not with this club. We haven't even seen the best from East yet. If I were an East fan I would be more concerned with getting my players healthy and improving our forecheck to where it was last March in St. Paul than I would with losing a game. This team has upside up the wazzoo and that's scary.

mulefarm · Post by **mulefarm** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 6:46 am

Did I miss the 7AA tournament? Who did DE beat in the finals?

mnmouth · Post by **mnmouth** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:14 am

mulefarm wrote:Did I miss the 7AA tournament? Who did DE beat in the finals?

Huh??

Tigers33 · Post by **Tigers33** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 8:02 am

This group lost their close one already, its called last year's championship game. Thats all they will need to stay motivated.

Grand Rapids better start playing some good hockey to compete with that.

SuperStar · Post by **SuperStar** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 9:10 am

I agree with alot of the statements on DE - Very Impressed! Move the puck so well, backcheck, great defense, awesome PP, solid goaltending from Parker and Skoog all year - Only given up 16 total goals in 12 games combined.

Not sure who will beat theses guys..Only way would be from the inside out and I dont see that happening.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:15 am

SuperStar wrote:Not sure who will beat theses guys..Only way would be from the inside out and I dont see that happening.

Just hope the players aren't reading this thread. With all the praise that's being heaped on them they could get a severe case of head swelling.

But seriously, when do they play the Bulldogs?

SuperStar · Post by **SuperStar** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:53 am

Bulldogs...? I think that is scheduled for March sometime, just after they play the Sioux...

Seriously, I am not Duluth Easter, just recognizing very good High School Hockey when It see it.

rainier · Post by **rainier** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:57 am

Tigers33 wrote:This group lost their close one already, its called last year's championship game. Thats all they will need to stay motivated.

Grand Rapids better start playing some good hockey to compete with that.

Agreed. I hope Rapids gets healthy and hits their stride soon, 7AA playoffs will be much less interesting if they don't.

mnmouth · Post by **mnmouth** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 11:19 am

rainier wrote:
Tigers33 wrote:This group lost their close one already, its called last year's championship game. Thats all they will need to stay motivated.

Grand Rapids better start playing some good hockey to compete with that.

Agreed. I hope Rapids gets healthy and hits their stride soon, 7AA playoffs will be much less interesting if they don't.

Section 7AA needs a state champion. If East loses in sections that might only serve to make the state tournament more interesting. Perhaps that's what most folks want.

Duluth 4 · Post by **Duluth 4** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 11:23 am

MNHockeyFan wrote:
SuperStar wrote:Not sure who will beat theses guys..Only way would be from the inside out and I dont see that happening.
Just hope the players aren't reading this thread. With all the praise that's being heaped on them they could get a severe case of head swelling. But seriously, when do they play the Bulldogs?

I think Randolph said that game was scheduled in late March, shortly after they play Hermantown and Marshall

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#1 Duluth East (11-0-0) @ #2 Maple Grove (11-0-1) 1-4-12

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