JGA Regional Preview

[blueblood]

Only two weeks to go until the playoffs begin. The standings are shaping up in the Metro with Wayzata having the inside track to the league title. Here's blueblood's review of the top contenders and a regional preview (overall records shown for top teams):

#1) Wayzata (29-3-4)- "Team Depth." Solid all-around team. Should go unbeaten in league play to claim the #1 seed for regions. Champions of the Tonka and Wayzata Tournaments. Should advance to state as M1 and play the #2 outstate team (Moorhead). A clear JGA state title contender at 8:3 odds

#2) Edina (24-3-1)- "Team Strong Finish" May go unbeaten in league play, but finish as the runner-up. Not as flashy as past Edina teams, but they are solid from top to bottom. Prone to slow starts, you need to jump out early and keep the pedal on the metal against the 'nets. Champions of the EP tournament. Expect them to advance as M2 or M5. Another top contender at 4:1.

#3) Burnsville (18-8-3)- "Team In-Flux." Started strong but have stumbled lately. This is the most vulnerable top 5 team going into regions. They have a favorable schedule to end the season and I expect them to hold on and finish 3rd. I do expect them to advance to state as M4 seed with a rematch against Centennial in the state quarterfinals. A longer shot for the title at 10:1

#4) Centennial (23-4-4)- "Team Emotion." A solid club that has won the most regular season tournament titles of any metro team (Schwan's, Edina and WBL). They don't score a lot of goals, and are prone to penalties. Their high emotions may be their downfall. Should face Burnsville in the regions and advance to state as M3. State title odds at 8:1.

#5) Tonka (22-8-5)- "Team Rollercoaster." Have proven they can win it all with 2 tournament titles, Spirit of Duluth and Duluth Invitational this season. They have also shown their bad side in games against Elk River, Blaine, and Champlin Park. They will be favored in their last four league games. It appears a showdown with Edina at regions is in the works. Expect them to advance to state as M5 or M2. Another team with 8:1 odds for the title.

#6) EP - "Team Invisible." Playing solid hockey after a slow start to December. Their first line is as good as any first line, but their depth drops off after that. Their end of season schedule is brutal with 7 games in 12 nights. Six of the games are away games. They face Centennial and Edina twice, to end the season. IMO, their end of season schedule will be the undoing of this team as they will be tired out come the end of regions. State Odds at 50:1

Note: For the bookies out there, the rest of the teams are placed to the field with odds at 200:1

Teams 7 through 9 - finishing in the top 9 of the regular season guarantees at least 2 games at regions. I expect the following 4 teams to be battling it out for these 3 pivotal region seeds:

Elk River - "Team Watchout." Who saw these guys coming? They had a terrible start to the season and have posted a 7-1-2 record in last 10 league games. Tough season ending schedule with games against Wayzata (2x), Burnsville and Centennial.

Blaine - "Team Identity." This team is used to low scoring games which occurs in playoff hockey. This could spell trouble for an opposing team against their goaltender "Mr OverratedorHated", or whatever name he is going by on the JGA board these days. Capable of an upset win.

Stillwater - "Team Emotion 2" They have a winning record in league play. Don't overlook these guys.

Eagan - "Team Unknown." Saw them briefly against Centennial when they lost in lost few seconds in Edina tourney. Tough for me to say much more at this time.

For the teams finishing 10 to 15, it's a one and done format for game 1 of the playoffs. #10 plays #15, #11 plays #14 and #12 plays #13. Generally any of these teams are capable of a win in this game and there are no clear cut favorites. The remaining teams for the 10 through 15 spots are:

Lakeville - "Team Darkhorse" my long-shot, darkhorse team. The 2-time defending State B champs opted up this year to JGA. They are big and capable of a run to state. Beat Burnsville in Duluth which should provide them some confidence. Played Wayzata to a 2-1 loss earlier this week.

WBL - Tough year for the Bears. Typically a strong team, Mallard will have them ready to make a run at regions.

Wessy's Boys - Disappointing year for the East Siders. I expected a little more this year with several returning players.

SLP/BSM - newcomer to JGA this season. Didn't expect much and they finished where I would have predicted at the start of the season.

Champlin Park - "Team Disappointment." Going into the season I thought his team was capable of making a serious run after winning the U16 title last season in convincing fashion. I was really wrong here! I wouldn't want to be the #10 seed at regions. That game will be a war.

On the outside looking in:

Osseo/Maple Grove - again
Mounds View - another new comer to JGA.
Andover/Anoka/Coon Rapids - again

[Eastonhockey8]

I'd say with how the league has been this year that the last 2 spots to the state tournament out of the 7 are anyone's. ALMOST anyone can give anyone a game on any given night. Obviously the top 5 are the teams you EXPECT to get there. Should be a good regional tournament.

[BlaineJGA]

Good Job Blue I appreciate all the hard work you put into this.

[Gangstee15]

blueblood i couldnt agree more hopefully we can finish out league without a loss but for most of us its our last season and would die to win aother state title, its tournement time now

[blueblood]

thanks blaine and gangstee. Good luck to both your clubs....

[pineline]

It's put up or shut up time. Play three periods of hockey. Make your teammates better. Do the little things that win games. As G15 stated for some of you it's your last hurrah, make it memorable.

[Bragenrights]

good stuff blue blood team darkhorse is right where we like to be. our ranking will be low compared to where we believe we belong but who knows that could help us. we love when people overlook us

[pineline]

That's what makes this so interesting, anybody not on top of their game can get knocked off. Plasma guy has laid it out... the countdown begins.....

[toomanystitches]

Pipes and Bragen are right on. Last year Wayzata came into Regions as the number 7 seed and came out as the #1 seed in State. Don't overlook anyone.

[Bragenrights]

the past few days have made a few changes here is a point per game standings PPG
1 Wayzeta 2.789
2 Edina 2.684
3 Burnsville 2.333
4 Centenial 2.176
5 Ep 2.111
6 Tonka 2.05
7 Elk River 2.00 ( hard final Schedule)
8 Blaine 1.789
9 lakeville 1.777
10 Stillwater 1.700
11 WBL 1.684
12 Eagan 1.684
13 Wessy's 1.6
14 Slp 1.5
15 CP 1.4
16 OMG 1.25
17 moundsview eliminated
18 ANDOVER eliminated

This shows that the 8-12 are up for grabs which is crutial because if your nine or higher you dont have the play in game

[blueblood]

Thx braggen. The Lakeville math team gets an A+!

I see your club is up to #9 in ppg, that's a better spot than #10. You guys will need 5 or 6 points in your last two games. Don't blow the fpp's...

[rocket33]

the past few days have made a few changes here is a point per game standings PPG
1 Wayzeta 2.789
2 Edina 2.684
3 Burnsville 2.333
4 Centenial 2.176
5 Ep 2.111
6 Tonka 2.05
7 Elk River 2.00 ( hard final Schedule)
8 Blaine 1.789
9 lakeville 1.777
10 Stillwater 1.700
11 WBL 1.684
12 Eagan 1.684
13 Wessy's 1.6
14 Slp 1.5
15 CP 1.4
16 OMG 1.25
17 moundsview eliminated
18 ANDOVER eliminated

This shows that the 8-12 are up for grabs which is crutial because if your nine or higher you dont have the play in game

i didn't know you could do math..

[GingerKid69]

the past few days have made a few changes here is a point per game standings PPG
1 Wayzeta 2.789
2 Edina 2.684
3 Burnsville 2.333
4 Centenial 2.176
5 Ep 2.111
6 Tonka 2.05
7 Elk River 2.00 ( hard final Schedule)
8 Blaine 1.789
9 lakeville 1.777
10 Stillwater 1.700
11 WBL 1.684
12 Eagan 1.684
13 Wessy's 1.6
14 Slp 1.5
15 CP 1.4
16 OMG 1.25
17 moundsview eliminated
18 ANDOVER eliminated

This shows that the 8-12 are up for grabs which is crutial because if your nine or higher you dont have the play in game

i didn't know you could do math..

^^Hey Rocket...........
I'm over here

[toomanystitches]

Thanks Blueblood for your excellent overview...appreciate the hard work. And Bragen, thanks for your updates.

Some other interesting stats to ponder.

Teams that have scored the most goals in league play:
124 - Edina (really impressive)
94 - Wayzata
92 - Minnetonka
77 - Burnsville
70 - Lakeville
67 - Eden Prairie
64 - Centennial

Teams that have allowed the fewest goals:
22 - Wayzata
36 - Edina
37 - Centennial
41 - Blaine
42 - Burnsville
42 - Eden Prairie
43 - Elk River
45 - Minnetonka

Teams with the most Shut-out victories:
7 - Wayzata
6 - Edina
4 - Burnsville

I've been a follower for JGA hockey for the past 6 years. Without a doubt, this year's teams are the strongest I have seen. There are so many more really talented and gifted players than in previous years. Thanks guys, you've provided some great entertainment.

See ya in Regions!

[T-Train24]

just to make sure, the 10-15 seeds have to win a play in game to get into region right?

[Bragenrights]

Ttrain that is correct

[Gangstee15]

So looking at the "maroon" regional bracket i pointed out that the championsihp games for the M1 and M2 seedings were weird in that the team that loses would have to win another game against most likely a tough game against a middle of the pack team, then to just clinch the 5th or 6th seed (Why would they not get the 4th or 5th seed?). I dont understand why 2 teams that go undefeated in league could have a lower seed then say the M4 seed which comes from all middle of the league point standings like ER and Lakeville. personally this whole bracket system seems to be flawed and I could be wrong but I say Minnetonka probably has the best chance to get a great seed in state.