Andover vs. Edina: Who will take home the trophy?

[MNHockeyFan]

This in my mind was the dream matchup I was hoping for. I think it could easily go either way, but I'm thinking it's Edina's turn to reclaim the title. I could be wrong, but I'm going with the Hornets with their superior depth.

[j4241]

Superior depth? After the two senior forwards and superstar D, Edina has two wings that picked up some easy assists (and not many goals) playing with those two next in scoring, and their second line center is barely at double digits in points. Edina is better in some key positions (G, 1D and 2D), and they've played a much harder schedule and so are better prepared for Sunday, but depth isn't their advantage. Edina's depth, frankly, is borderline a glaring weakness. If Andover stops Conner and can score three, they win.

[jg2112]

This in my mind was the dream matchup I was hoping for. I think it could easily go either way, but I'm thinking it's Edina's turn to reclaim the title. I could be wrong, but I'm going with the Hornets with their superior depth.

Disagree with you there. I think Andover's depth is far superior to that of Edina. Kaiser and Brown as 3rd line forwards on Andover? Come on.

In a state title game though? Depth doesn't matter. I don't think there's much difference in the top 2 F and D lines of these teams.

The difference? The goalies. I think Courneia is a bit better than Stagman.

Edina 4 - Andover 3.

[MNHockeyFan]

If Andover stops Conner and can score three, they win.

You could also go out on a limb and predict...
"If Edina stops Hemp and can score three, they win."

[j4241]

I disagree. I think Andover is a phenomenal, dominant state final team without Hemp. Andover is much less one dimensional offensively than Edina, even though Hemp is terrific. That’s part of the reason I think Conner probably deserves Ms Hockey - without her, Edina loses several games this year. Without Hemp, Andover maybe maybe maybe loses to Edina.

[MNHockeyFan]

In a state title game though? Depth doesn't matter.

And I'll disagree with you here. Just witnessed it today with the East Grand Forks/Gentry Academy boys game. EGF's top two lines were gassed by the third period, and this definitely cost them the game.

And in normal years when teams, both boys and girls, play three games in three days depth matters a great deal.

[massalsa]

I'm with the J's. Both of their analysis is rock solid. Courneia is the difference maker in this game. As she goes the game goes. If she is magical Edina win, if she is not then Andover wins.

Feels like both of these teams were better last year after watching both play their state tourney games but am looking forward to watching this game.

[The Next One]

Someone with insight to Andover or girls hockey know what happened to Hannah Skavnak?

[j4241]

I’m not going to name names, but my goodness Edina, floppety flop flop...

[MNHockeyFan]

Edina's depth prevails 2-1. Great game .

[j4241]

You are right! Stars on both teams held off the score sheet, and Edina got two from down the scoring list. Goaltending was a factor, as were referees. Two bad non calls on Edina in the third, and another flop that refs fell for. Great season by Edina, though - very good team.

[MNHockeyFan]

After a VERY slow start in the first (2 SOG) Edina looked like a different team in the second when they managed to turn the tables and put 17 on net while giving up only 4. Then Andover had the edge in the 3rd and I agree j4241 that Edina got the benefit of a few questionable non-calls in the 3rd. But all in all, for non-partisans like myself, it was about all you hope for in this year's State Tournament Championship game. Great stuff.

[MNHockeyFan]

Andover just might be a little motivated to turn the tables against Edina when they face off on Hockey Day in January (22nd).

https://www.mankatofreepress.com/sports ... 33e44.html

[jg2112]

Andover just might be a little motivated to turn the tables against Edina when they face off on Hockey Day in January (22nd).

https://www.mankatofreepress.com/sports ... 33e44.html

In Mankato? Come on.