AA Semi Final- #2 Duluth East vs. #3 Edina

[Nostalgic Nerd]

East's "flat" play yesterday was more or less intentional. All season long, when other teams have run an effective trap and played good D, they've been perfectly content to play dump-and-chase, grind out an ugly goal or two (maybe a few more if they get more power plays), and then coast to victory by hanging on in the 3rd. It isn't pretty at all, but it's a style that fits this team's skill set well. Just because it isn't exciting doesn't mean it isn't smart hockey.

That said, Edina is a completely different animal, and East will have to play a very different game today. I agree that penalties will be huge; if the East PP only gets one opportunity again, they may struggle to generate enough chances.

Will East have Hurley shadowed or doubled? That would make Malmquist the key on offense.

[karl(east)]

Will East have Hurley shadowed or doubled? That would make Malmquist the key on offense.

Doubt it. They held Edina to one back in December by just playing conventional, smart defense. Though I would not be surprised to see Andrew Kerr seek him out for a hit or two, as he did with Kyle Rau in the 2011 title game. I expect East to be physical--with their special teams, they'd be happy to turn this game into a penalty-fest.

[Terry Thompson III]

Edina 3-2. Should be a great game!

[thorhockey]

OOH waffle to the head. I like it

[east hockey]

Well, that imploded quickly.

Lee

[thestickler07]

Well, that imploded quickly.

Lee

My pick 'em just got shot to s***.



Edit: Just after I post this East scores! Come on Hounds save my entry!

[east hockey]

Well, that imploded quickly.

Lee

My pick 'em just got shot to s***.



Edit: Just after I post this East scores! Come on Hounds save my entry!

Too little, too late. The tank went empty in the third period, looks like.

Lee

[PuckU126]

Too little, too late. The tank went empty in the third period, looks like.

Lee

I noticed Ea$t running out late in the 2nd. Sure, they were physical and defended the zone well; however, Edina kept coming and capitalized when given the chance.

[bemused]

Excellent!!!!!

[C-dad]

It was a heck of a game! This is why this tourney is so great.

[karl(east)]

The key stat in this one: zero East power plays. This team has lived by the power play all season long, and against a team like Edina, they don't quite have the offensive talent to generate enough chances five-on-five.

That might have been East's best start to a game all year, but Edina slowly took over as the game went along. They had a good game plan, and wore down the East D as the night went on. At the press conference, John Gilbert compared them to the old Ikola teams that just beat teams into submission with their forward depth and strong forecheck. Credit Edina with a very physical approach that somehow also managed to never cross the line, not even once.

It's on to the third place game for the Hounds, which should be a pretty good one. No shame in the Hounds' effort tonight. Edina has had its ups and downs this year, but at the start of the year we expected them to be playing on Saturday night, and they're peaking at the right time.

[Bmiller]

Fun game to watch. Both well coached teams. Good luck hounds in the third place game and good luck Edina in the big one!

Randolph and all East fans should be proud. What a year they had, when nobody expected them to do much!!

[northwoods oldtimer]

The key stat in this one: zero East power plays. This team has lived by the power play all season long, and against a team like Edina, they don't quite have the offensive talent to generate enough chances five-on-five.

That might have been East's best start to a game all year, but Edina slowly took over as the game went along. They had a good game plan, and wore down the East D as the night went on. At the press conference, John Gilbert compared them to the old Ikola teams that just beat teams into submission with their forward depth and strong forecheck. Credit Edina with a very physical approach that somehow also managed to never cross the line, not even once.

It's on to the third place game for the Hounds, which should be a pretty good one. No shame in the Hounds' effort tonight. Edina has had its ups and downs this year, but at the start of the year we expected them to be playing on Saturday night, and they're peaking at the right time.

Karl don't hang your head too low your East team was skinny on depth of talent all year long and your coaching staff got the most out of those kids and had a great run. That is what GREAT coaches do year in and year out. Your one lucky SOB to have great coaching. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!! Go take 3rd place Saturday.

[Sartellcelly]

Edina 3-2. Should be a great game!

Impressive!

[karl(east)]

Karl don't hang your head too low your East team was skinny on depth of talent all year long and your coaching staff got the most out of those kids and had a great run. That is what GREAT coaches do year in and year out. Your one lucky SOB to have great coaching. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!! Go take 3rd place Saturday.

Thanks, NO. There's definitely no anguish or second-guessing after this one. I would agree that the East coaches have gotten more out of less this season than at any other time over my decade of following this program closely. Us East fans have a lot to be proud of.

[Terry Thompson III]

Edina 3-2. Should be a great game!

Impressive!

yep, nailed it

[Nostalgic Nerd]

The key stat in this one: zero East power plays. This team has lived by the power play all season long, and against a team like Edina, they don't quite have the offensive talent to generate enough chances five-on-five.

That might have been East's best start to a game all year, but Edina slowly took over as the game went along. They had a good game plan, and wore down the East D as the night went on. At the press conference, John Gilbert compared them to the old Ikola teams that just beat teams into submission with their forward depth and strong forecheck. Credit Edina with a very physical approach that somehow also managed to never cross the line, not even once.

It's on to the third place game for the Hounds, which should be a pretty good one. No shame in the Hounds' effort tonight. Edina has had its ups and downs this year, but at the start of the year we expected them to be playing on Saturday night, and they're peaking at the right time.

I think it had more to do with a combination of speed and Edina having enough physicality to not get blown outta the park. It looked to me like early on Edina was reeling a bit with the big hitting East was delivering, but once Edina went on the PP in the second the tide changed gradually. Their speed started to takeover. Those give-and-goes Hurley and Malmquist do are quite effective. And the funny thing is they got opportunities from people outside those two.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

A tip of the hat to the East students. They were a very spirited bunch; raucous the whole game, even when down by two late. Along with the Edina students, it made for a great atmosphere.

The "Hi Tonka" sign just above the Edina band was fun, too. A gentle jab at their rivals from some wily veteran tournament fans.

This game was very entertaining. Losing a semi is always tough, even if your squad over-achieved. A five year run in Section 7 is a very significant accomplishment for the Hounds.

[hockeyhockeyhockey]

this one is as easy as most of yesterday. Edina much the class here..you will see.. 3-0 Edina

never a doubt...

[Nostalgic Nerd]

Hurley was a non-factor but was really impressed with Malmquist's fight tonight. He was getting hit pretty good but still managed to create his share of chances.