Who will win Section 5AA?

[Bighead]

Who will win this balanced Section & why?

[Bandy]

Who will win this balanced Section & why?

Here's Section 5 as of today:
4 Mounds View 22-1-1 376.279 AA 5
13 Andover 16-6-1 106.533 AA 5
22 Blaine 14-8-0 58.320 AA 5
23 Anoka 12-10-2 54.420 AA 5
31 Champlin Park 13-11-0 45.057 AA 5
40 Irondale 16-8-1 33.713 AA 5
53 Centennial 7-16-1 13.775 AA 5
65 Coon Rapids 5-19-0 7.593 AA 5
82 Spring Lake Park 7-14-2 3.201 AA 5

I'm giving even odds to MV and Andover have the best shot.

Andover's goaltending is sharp (I don't really know MV's), and the tougher schedule prepares them for the home stretch.

MV finally got the monkey off their back -- that's a good omen for them heading in to sections, but I don't think they're as good as their record indicates. Weak schedule.

Blaine, Anoka, Irondale, and CP: inconsistent but could surprise on any given night. Blaine & Anoka have quality top liners, but give up weak goals.

It would be a shocker if any of the teams with losing records got past the quarterfinals. Centennial is way off this year, and CR hasn't been a Bona fide contender for a couple years.

[36Guy]

I agree with Bandyman. 3 team race, but I don't think Blaine can play just 5 girls all game and if goaltending can hold up.

Ship should be Andover/Mounds View and will probably come down to a bounce or a breakdown such as a 5 minute major, etc. A week ago I would have said MV in a snap, but as of late we will just wait and see. Should be a good game.

On another note, winning one of the 4 quality sections is huge!! Get a top 4 seed and you have a really good chance of playing one of the other 4 weaker sections and you are almost penciled in for at least 4th place.

[Nimrod]

I am taking the sleeper/homer pick in Champlin Park. They are fresh off an upset win over Andover and taking Edina to OT before losing. If their goaltending holds up they could pull it off.

[Silent But Deadly]

On another note, winning one of the 4 quality sections is huge!! Get a top 4 seed and you have a really good chance of playing one of the other 4 weaker sections and you are almost penciled in for at least 4th place.

I can't believe someone else didn't ask you to identify the "4 weaker sections".....so I will!

[Bandy]

Using today's KRACH, some results vs top 20 teams:

MV: Wins over Stillwater, Wayzata, Roseville.

Andover: Wins over Robbinsdale (x2). Tied NorthWrightCo. Split with Blaine & Anoka. Losses to Wayzata, EP, Mtka.

Blaine: Wins over Anoka (x2). Split with Andover, Robinsdale. Losses to Edina, stillwater.

Anoka: Wins over Eagan, Roseville. Split with Andover. 0-1-1 vs. Robbinsdale. Losses to Buffalo, Blaine (x2), Mtka, EP, BSM.

CP: Split with Anoka, Andover. Losses to Robinsdale (x2), Mounds View, Blaine (x2), BloomJefferson, Buffalo, Edina; also lost to Red Wing (#2 in single A).

IronDale: Wins over Hopkins, Stillwater. Losses to Mounds View, Blake (#3 single A), Wayzata, BSM (x2), Lakeville S.

[MNHockeyFan]

I can't believe someone else didn't ask you to identify the "4 weaker sections".....so I will!

Of course the answer to this question will depend heavily on which teams end up representing the "4 stronger sections", which we won't know for a couple of weeks!

[Rocketwrister]

Surprised no polls up yet for all sections.

[sinbin]

Agree between MV and Andover. MV has seemed to be able to win the close games on a regular basis, so that bodes well for them in the playoffs. Andover's goalie looked very strong the one game I watched her play. Despite their weak schedule, MV also plays in an average section, so they have geography, a strong history of playing well in close games, a recent loss to help remove pressure and to refocus, and likely a chip on their shoulders for "lack of respect" on their side. Unless the Andover goalie really stands on her head (which from my one viewing is possible) and/or Andover gets a good bounce or two, I give the edge to MV.

[allhoc11]

This is the one section I'm curious to see how the seeding comes out. There has been much discussion on the board around SOS & W's, I'm curious to see how the coaches rank them as Andover is a good team with a stronger SOS, MV has a good record but one could say they haven't been truly tested, should make for a fun seeding meeting!

[sinbin]

What is the Andover vs. MV head-to-head record? That may be a no-brainer deciding factor if MV has an overwhelming edge.