7A Rankings

curtiscurve · Post by **curtiscurve** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:45 pm

I believe Denfeld controls its own destiny with their games tonight and tomorrow. If they beat Eveleth and Grand Rapids, they are a lock for the 3 seed (maybe even an solid argument for the #2). If they beat Eveleth but lose to GR, #2 is out of the question and they would fall to #4 if Virginia beats Hibbing. If I were Hermantown, I would really like to see Denfeld in the 2 or 3 slot.

NLHockey · Post by **NLHockey** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 11:39 pm

curtiscurve wrote:I believe Denfeld controls its own destiny with their games tonight and tomorrow. If they beat Eveleth and Grand Rapids, they are a lock for the 3 seed (maybe even an solid argument for the #2). If they beat Eveleth but lose to GR, #2 is out of the question and they would fall to #4 if Virginia beats Hibbing. If I were Hermantown, I would really like to see Denfeld in the 2 or 3 slot.

Agreed. My bet is Hermantown does not want to have to get through BOTH Denfeld and Marshall.

HockeyStorm · Post by **HockeyStorm** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 8:23 am

Maybe I am grasping at straws here but I think we need to because there is so much parity in 7A this year. Denfeld STRUGGLED with Eveleth last night, they were actually losing to them in the 2nd period. Now Eveleth is much better this year, but if we are talking about a #2 seed I have to knock you down a notch for last night's game. I would move Marshall to the #2 seed based on last night. Denfeld shows up in the rivalry games, but doesn't take care of business all that well in the non-rivalry ones.

curtiscurve · Post by **curtiscurve** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 8:32 am

HockeyStorm wrote:Maybe I am grasping at straws here but I think we need to because there is so much parity in 7A this year. Denfeld STRUGGLED with Eveleth last night, they were actually losing to them in the 2nd period. Now Eveleth is much better this year, but if we are talking about a #2 seed I have to knock you down a notch for last night's game. I would move Marshall to the #2 seed based on last night. Denfeld shows up in the rivalry games, but doesn't take care of business all that well in the non-rivalry ones.

I would say that this is a good thing for the Hunters seeing the semi-finals would be against their "rivalry teams". Also, we are still talking about a win over a team that tied Virginia, the team some people are insisting deserves the 3 seed, ahead of Denfeld. Just sayin...

Rocketwrister · Post by **Rocketwrister** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 3:59 pm

Oh boy...I think Denfeld is going to get lit up tonight , especially how Rapids has been playing as of late. Denfeld staff going to have to pull something pretty big tonight if there going to keep this close.

MNGuide · Post by **MNGuide** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 4:02 pm

If Denfeld beats GR tonight I think it should look like this (no matter what happens with Virgina/Hibbing):
1. Hermantown
2. Denfeld
3. Marshall
4. Virgina
And if Denfeld loses to GR tonight I would swap Denfeld and Marshall

Another thing is if Denfeld is going to be knocked for a close game with Evelath 5-3 then Virgina should be knocked for close games with Greenway 6-4, Ifalls twice 1-0 and 2-0, and North Shore 3-2 in OT. Not to mention a tie with Evelath.

I find it hard to see Denfeld getting knocked out of the top 3 with an OT loss to Hermantown, a tie with Hermantown, and a win over Marshall.

alcloseshaver · Post by **alcloseshaver** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 4:15 pm

Rocketwrister wrote:Oh boy...I think Denfeld is going to get lit up tonight , especially how Rapids has been playing as of late. Denfeld staff going to have to pull something pretty big tonight if there going to keep this close.

Smalley is on it...

Rocketwrister · Post by **Rocketwrister** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 5:10 pm

alcloseshaver wrote:
Rocketwrister wrote:Oh boy...I think Denfeld is going to get lit up tonight , especially how Rapids has been playing as of late. Denfeld staff going to have to pull something pretty big tonight if there going to keep this close.
Smalley is on it...

We shall see

PuckRanger · Post by **PuckRanger** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 9:47 pm

So, in the final games that will count towards seeding, we have:

Virginia 4, Hibbing 0
Denfeld 4, Grand Rapids 3 OT
Hermantown 2, Superior 2 OT
Marshall 8, Greenway 0

Seeding meeting is tomorrow morning.

alcloseshaver · Post by **alcloseshaver** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 9:57 pm

Rocketwrister wrote:
alcloseshaver wrote:
Rocketwrister wrote:Oh boy...I think Denfeld is going to get lit up tonight , especially how Rapids has been playing as of late. Denfeld staff going to have to pull something pretty big tonight if there going to keep this close.
Smalley is on it...

We shall see

Wink noted

mitchrapp · Post by **mitchrapp** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:19 pm

Actually the seeding meeting for 7A is Saturday this year - thanks for the other scores PR - great win for the Devils - prob still get the 4 seed and play Hibbing again? Also IRC title??

PuckRanger · Post by **PuckRanger** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 1:01 am

mitchrapp wrote:Actually the seeding meeting for 7A is Saturday this year - thanks for the other scores PR - great win for the Devils - prob still get the 4 seed and play Hibbing again? Also IRC title??

I just found that out... not sure why they changed it this year... I suppose Hibbing and Hermantown wanted their game included since Hermantown is back in the section.

But yes, it looks highly likely a Hibbing @ Virginia rematch will happen in the quarters... outside chance its Eveleth, but after Denfeld won tonight, that argument became more difficult.

Yes, Virginia claimed the IRC title with that win by virtue of a higher conference winning percentage than Grand Rapids.

Rocketwrister · Post by **Rocketwrister** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:37 am

Rocketwrister wrote:Oh boy...I think Denfeld is going to get lit up tonight , especially how Rapids has been playing as of late. Denfeld staff going to have to pull something pretty big tonight if there going to keep this close.

Wow was I wrong. Crow doesn't taste very good. Hats off to Denfeld, they dominated the game.

HockeyStorm · Post by **HockeyStorm** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:08 am

[quote = Wow was I wrong. Crow doesn't taste very good. Hats off to Denfeld, they dominated the game.[/quote]

And that, my friend, is why Denfeld is the most dangerous team in the 7A tournament. When they are on and getting goaltending, they can play with any team in the section. I don't know that Marshall or Virginia match up as well again Hermantown.

Rocketwrister · Post by **Rocketwrister** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 2:08 pm

HockeyStorm wrote:[quote = Wow was I wrong. Crow doesn't taste very good. Hats off to Denfeld, they dominated the game.

And that, my friend, is why Denfeld is the most dangerous team in the 7A tournament. When they are on and getting goaltending, they can play with any team in the section. I don't know that Marshall or Virginia match up as well again Hermantown.[/quote]

I agree, I'll drink the kool aid.

hawkenjonny · Post by **hawkenjonny** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 3:44 pm

Tough loss for GR but hats off to Denfeld here as well! Wow, talk about a team peaking or at least doing whatever they need to to compete with all comers at the end of the season. Throwing a wrench into a lot of predictions which makes this section great. Anyone can win! Love this section!

curtiscurve · Post by **curtiscurve** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:16 pm

Well, I think Denfeld has a real solid argument for the number 2 seed after the win over Rapids. I think it will end up looking like this...
1- Hermantown
2- Denfeld
3- Marshall
4- Virginia MIB
5- Hibbing
6- Eveleth-Gilbert
7- North Shore
8- Int Falls
9- Greenway
10- Ely

On a side note, I heard the Marshall game got pretty ugly. Any Marshall players get the boot? Heard one of the Toppers received an ugly check from behind.

Another side note, I apologize to all the Virginia fans. I didn't believe in your team and they went out and took care if business after their loss to Marshall. I am starting to believe they have a real chance to upset Hermantown.

Winter is Coming · Post by **Winter is Coming** » Thu Feb 13, 2014 2:41 pm

Crazy to say I know but given the recent slide that Hermantown has been on and the run that Denfeld seems to be on at the end of the year I wonder if there is a chance that Denfeld is 1 and Hermantown is 2? I think it comes down to those 2 to go to state and will be decided by goal tending since both teams seem to be able to get a lot of shots on goal. Not sure who's tender I like better but am leaning towards Denfeld as I have seen him be more consistant. I think that Virginia is interesting but lacks the depth and Marshall lacks the goaltending to withstand that first period to period and half of Hermantown. Grand Rapids was able to come back on them because their goalie got down to business so they could go out and play agressively as oppsoed to laying back to try to protect him but I am not so sure that Marshal's can do that.

Hockey North · Post by **Hockey North** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 10:56 am

Winter is Coming wrote:Crazy to say I know but given the recent slide that Hermantown has been on and the run that Denfeld seems to be on at the end of the year I wonder if there is a chance that Denfeld is 1 and Hermantown is 2? I think it comes down to those 2 to go to state and will be decided by goal tending since both teams seem to be able to get a lot of shots on goal. Not sure who's tender I like better but am leaning towards Denfeld as I have seen him be more consistant. I think that Virginia is interesting but lacks the depth and Marshall lacks the goaltending to withstand that first period to period and half of Hermantown. Grand Rapids was able to come back on them because their goalie got down to business so they could go out and play agressively as oppsoed to laying back to try to protect him but I am not so sure that Marshal's can do that.

Wow you are way out there and have no clue.

Seedings are in

1 Hermantowm
2 Duluth Marshall
3 Virginia
4 Denfeld.

HockeyBum · Post by **HockeyBum** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:19 am

Didn't see that coming I had
1-Hermantown
2-Denfeld
3-Marshall
4-Virgina

MNGuide · Post by **MNGuide** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:33 am

Hockey North wrote:
Winter is Coming wrote:Crazy to say I know but given the recent slide that Hermantown has been on and the run that Denfeld seems to be on at the end of the year I wonder if there is a chance that Denfeld is 1 and Hermantown is 2? I think it comes down to those 2 to go to state and will be decided by goal tending since both teams seem to be able to get a lot of shots on goal. Not sure who's tender I like better but am leaning towards Denfeld as I have seen him be more consistant. I think that Virginia is interesting but lacks the depth and Marshall lacks the goaltending to withstand that first period to period and half of Hermantown. Grand Rapids was able to come back on them because their goalie got down to business so they could go out and play agressively as oppsoed to laying back to try to protect him but I am not so sure that Marshal's can do that.
Wow you are way out there and have no clue.

Seedlings are in

1 Hermantowm
2 Duluth Marshall
3 Virginia
4 Denfeld.

HockeyBum · Post by **HockeyBum** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:39 am

Interesting comment, my comment had nothing to do with Marshall, it was more about denfelds hard work and I thought virgina was the surprise here. How did you get me being hard on Marshall because of what I thought. A bit persumpuous isn't it?

rainier · Post by **rainier** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:46 am

Hockey North wrote:
Winter is Coming wrote:Crazy to say I know but given the recent slide that Hermantown has been on and the run that Denfeld seems to be on at the end of the year I wonder if there is a chance that Denfeld is 1 and Hermantown is 2? I think it comes down to those 2 to go to state and will be decided by goal tending since both teams seem to be able to get a lot of shots on goal. Not sure who's tender I like better but am leaning towards Denfeld as I have seen him be more consistant. I think that Virginia is interesting but lacks the depth and Marshall lacks the goaltending to withstand that first period to period and half of Hermantown. Grand Rapids was able to come back on them because their goalie got down to business so they could go out and play agressively as oppsoed to laying back to try to protect him but I am not so sure that Marshal's can do that.
Wow you are way out there and have no clue.

Seedlings are in

1 Hermantowm
2 Duluth Marshall
3 Virginia
4 Denfeld.

Seedlings? Getting a start on the gardening season, eh?

Not shocked Marshall got the #2 seed; I really do think they are the 2nd best team in 7A. I am surprised Virginia is ahead of Denfeld given that the Hunters beat Marshall, Superior, Rapids and played Hermantown so tight twice, but I guess the Blue Devils earned it via their 4-0 early season head-to-head win.

My predictions:

I-Falls over Greenway 4-2
North Shore over Ely 8-0

Quarters
Hermantown over I-Falls 7-1
Hibbing over Denfeld 3-2 in OT
Marshall over North Shore 6-1
Virginia over Eveleth-Gilbert 4-2

Semis
Hermantown over Hibbing 4-2
Marshall over Virginia 5-2

Final
Marshall over Hermantown 4-3 in 2OT

I picked Hibbing in the upset because 1) I am a shameless homer, and 2) Hibbing played a very close game with Denfeld in their one meeting this season, and Hibbing's late season swoon was due partly to them playing 5-6 games down the stretch with 3 D and a top F out of the lineup for various reasons. I know at least one the D players was back last night vs Hermantown and hopefully they will have them all back for next Thursday's game.

I'm picking Marshall because last season they had some puzzling losses before righting the ship come playoff time, and I think they do the same this year. (God I hope I'm wrong.)

Should be a fun playoff. Denfeld has shown they can play right with the top 2 seeds and Virginia has a goaltender capable of pulling off a few upsets. Perhaps we will get some unexpected matchups.

curtiscurve · Post by **curtiscurve** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:19 pm

7A Play-Off Predictions

Play-in Games
(7)North Shore 12 over (10)Ely 2
(8)International Falls 3 over Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 2 (O.T.)

Quarter Finals
(1)Hermantown 8 over (8)International Falls 1
(4)Denfeld 6 over (5)Hibbing/Chisholm 3
(3)Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl 3 over Eveleth-Gilbert 2
(2) Duluth Marshall 7 over (7)North Shore 1

Semi-Finals
(1)Hermantown 4 over (4)Duluth Denfeld 2
(2)Duluth Marshall 3 over (3)Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl 1

Finals
(1)Hermantown 5 over (2)Duluth Marshall 3

Slammer · Post by **Slammer** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:31 pm

Denfeld got screwed big time.