The Largest Prep Hockey Message Board Community on the Web
https://ushsho.com/forums/
Really, cause i thought EP beat Tonka by two goals this year so I can't really see that happening, especially after they beat Jefferson by 3.Hockeyguy_27 wrote:EP barely beat Benilde in a game where they were far more talented. They're good but Tonka is 2 goals better.
The51 I think you are right on the money. With no originality, I'm going to predict EP 4 - Tonka 3 in OT. How about if I say in 2 OT's? I really think this will be an evenly matched game.The51 wrote:im guessin 4-3 EP in ot
hopefully this game and the game between jefferson and edina goes to ot as well. that would make it close to how exciting last years games were, but those are gonna be hard to match
Actually EP beat Tonka last year, however, it was this season. I think Tonka is a much better team since then and shouldn't be underestimated. I'm not saying EP won't win by 2 goals or more again, because that very well is possible, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Tonka put up a better fight. And the win against Jefferson really doesn't mean much to me, EP is the only good team Jefferson played all year so Jefferson's ranking is really questionable to me, I don't feel they should be as high as everyone has them.HockeyMN1 wrote:Really, cause i thought EP beat Tonka by two goals this year so I can't really see that happening, especially after they beat Jefferson by 3.Hockeyguy_27 wrote:EP barely beat Benilde in a game where they were far more talented. They're good but Tonka is 2 goals better.
Another thing to consider with that game they played this year is that the Eagles had Halloran in goal (I'm pretty sure) when they played Tonka last and now they have Ford as the #1 goalie and he is playing exceptionally well, better than Halloran did. I do agree that it will be a close game, though, EP by 1 or 2.Roseauverrated wrote:Actually EP beat Tonka last year, however, it was this season. I think Tonka is a much better team since then and shouldn't be underestimated. I'm not saying EP won't win by 2 goals or more again, because that very well is possible, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Tonka put up a better fight. And the win against Jefferson really doesn't mean much to me, EP is the only good team Jefferson played all year so Jefferson's ranking is really questionable to me, I don't feel they should be as high as everyone has them.HockeyMN1 wrote:Really, cause i thought EP beat Tonka by two goals this year so I can't really see that happening, especially after they beat Jefferson by 3.Hockeyguy_27 wrote:EP barely beat Benilde in a game where they were far more talented. They're good but Tonka is 2 goals better.
Tonka is 14-3 since January 1st playing against teams such as WBL, Eastview, BSM, Stillwater, AHA, Moorhead, Hopkins, Wayzata and Edina. Should be a great game either way.HockeyMN1 wrote:Another thing to consider with that game they played this year is that the Eagles had Halloran in goal (I'm pretty sure) when they played Tonka last and now they have Ford as the #1 goalie and he is playing exceptionally well, better than Halloran did.
If the skipper's bring their top game and Krueger plays big, I'll take the tonka in OT. Coatta is my pick for coming up big on Thursday. If Leddy is fully recovered from this thigh bruise injury, then EP's defense should prove very tough. I see Leddy's health as key to this game.stmartin123 wrote:It is an 8'clock start at Mariucci. But Edina and Jefferson play before at 6. So, I would suggest getting there early. Its going to be a fun night. Four of the top teams in state.buzzerbeater wrote:when and where is this game? ill be there for sure! i cant even predict who will win... its that close.
Ill take the skippers in this one.
4-3, hopefully in OT
EP gonna get outcoached again Hockeyguy?Hockeyguy_27 wrote:EP barely beat Benilde in a game where they were far more talented. They're good but Tonka is 2 goals better.
EP needs to stay out of the box. Coming off a bad Minneapolis team in the 1st round of the playoffs EP settled in to a higher level of play. Benidle didn't score when they had chances on their PP. Tonka will score goals on their PP if given too many opportunities. EP has a group of solid PK players, but too many power plays will lead to Tonka goals. EP has a very good power play running through Leddy and that Tonka also needs to stay out of the penality box. Unfortunitely, I think this game may be decided by the goalies. Even strength, EP's 1st line can play with Tonka's 1st line and shut them down. The unknown is if the Tonka coach splits Max G and Cotta kids between their two lines to match EP's top two lines. It is the second and possibly the third lines on both teams that might make a difference. My prediction is Rau scoring the game winning goal in the third period or overtime period.Factsmatter1 wrote:After watching the EP Jefferson game and the EP Benilde game and watching Tonka play twice on TV and Myfox I would assess the situation as follows:
When Leddy is on the ice EP is tough. He factors in a lot of the scoring either directly or indirectly. I think every goal that was scored on EP against both Benilde and Jefferson happened when Leddy was not on the ice. They are a talented team regardless but they are a much better team when he is on the ice than when he is not.
EP has a more effective power than Tonka as least statistically. Kyle Rau is at his best and one of the best when he is on the power play. He is not as impressive as a one on one skills player or even 5 on 5. He really takes advantage of the "Leddy wall" at the blue line. He easily was handled on 1 on 1 situations in the BSM game... maybe size and speed related. For whatever reason Tonka's power play is ineffective so one deciding factor will be penalties. In their last meeting I think EP scored at least 2 of their goals on the PP but I am not sure. Tonka is ranked near the bottom of the state in PP which is surprising to me... nor sure what's going on.
Both teams are deep with lots of very young underclassmen who play significant roles. I think Tonka has the overall edge on defense excluding the Leddy factor. I noticed in the Benilde game Leddy did not seem to skate the puck as much as he usually does. I hear rumors that either his shoulder or knee or possibly both are injured which may explain this.
Up front both teams are very quick with a size advantage probably going to Tonka. EP is not a team who tends to spend a lot of time in the other teams end but when they are there and particularly during the transition game they are extremely effective and efficient. Their passing (in particular on the breakout) in the few games I saw them was extremely good. Both teams get scoring across the whole lineup. In last night's game scoresheet indicates every forward on Tonka's top three lines got at least one point so there really is one that EP focus on to "isolate" whereas I think if Tonka can find a way to isolate Leddy this could be an advantage for them. 13 players on EP and 10 on Tonka have double digits in points. Looks like Tonka played a tougher sched so I would call this even overall. Tonka has no Senior defenseman and two fast and strong Soph's on top two lines. EP has many sophomores who play both upfront and on D. Both of these teams will be a force not only this year but also next. Too bad they are in the same section. Really would be fun to see these two plus Jeff/Edina/DE/CENorBL in the state tourney although the section playoffs should be just as fun if not more...
Both teams have been playing great "back half of the season" hockey since. EP, other than a loss to Jefferson early and Edina twice has really been on a roll but against a relatively easier schedule. They haven't lost a game by more than 1 goal and haven't lost since 1/16. In a relatively tough schedule Tonka lost 4 out of their first 10 (all before 12/31) and two were by 1 goal and two by 2 goals. Since then Tonka has only lost 3 games all by one goal and 2 of them in OT.
Goal tending on both teams is solid and consistent with underclassman in Ford (soph) and Kruger (Jr.) who are both near the top of their class. Haven't seen either one of them in my limited exposure to them have a "bad game".
My prediction: In a high penalty game I would favor EP because of PP strength and the fact that Rau becomes 3x the player in that situation and I would favor Tonka in a low penalty (5 or less) as I think they are tougher 5 on 5. I wasn't overly impressed with EP in the Benilde game despite the fact that they got it done which may be their best quality... they play with confidence and know how to get it done. But then again so has Tonka in the back 2/3rd's of their scheduel. Tonka has proven themselves tough to beat when they are able to skate three 3 lines 5 on five. When the penalties start getting up their a team with a top power play has an advantage against Tonka. That's how Hopkins upset them... If the game goes to OT I would favor EP to win.
Regardless of any of the above I think this may be the best game of the entire year since IMHO I think these are the two of the best if not the 2 best teams in the state... based on back half performance.
You had it at 6-2 just a little while agoedinahornetkid24 wrote:I like Tonka to win, 4-2
Tonka always seems to grow strenght throughout their season and are a better team at the end. EP seems to be strong at the beginning and never really get better, but are steady. This will be Ford versus Kruegar.Slap Shot wrote:Tonka is 14-3 since January 1st playing against teams such as WBL, Eastview, BSM, Stillwater, AHA, Moorhead, Hopkins, Wayzata and Edina. Should be a great game either way.HockeyMN1 wrote:Another thing to consider with that game they played this year is that the Eagles had Halloran in goal (I'm pretty sure) when they played Tonka last and now they have Ford as the #1 goalie and he is playing exceptionally well, better than Halloran did.
EP has lost more numbers of top players than most cities. Lost Rush (senior defensive tot the USHAL), Thompson (junior defensive to USHAL), Clark (junior center to Shattuck), Kristo to the Ann Arbor development team, Patterson, the Duda's and Meyers to Belinde, some too Blake and Hartman to HA. Yet, they seem to always be in the mix. Funny, EP, Jefferson, Tonka and Edina always seems to be leaders, providing competitive teams. Probably due to numbers. Just think what the EP team would be like if they had Kristo, Rush, Thompson and Clark would be?shakey wrote:I don't understand why EP does not get more respect on this board. It seems that many posters consider the Eagles the likely #1 seed to get knocked off in sections. First there was a lot of talk that Benilde would do them in and now Tonka seems to be emerging as favorite to win on Thursday at Mariucci. EP has been incredibly consistent all year long - never lost a game in which they were favored, took Edina to the wall in both games and handed Jefferson their only loss in splitting their conference series with the Jags. They go three lines deep, have a strong blue line anchored by the top defenseman in the state and their goaltender has the best numbers in the metro. Can someone explain?
He is fine. 95% from him is enough and I'll take it any day.Saintpaulhockey1 wrote:What is the word on Leddy's health? Heard he is still stuggling from a thigh bruise and was not close to 100% at yesterday's practice?
Hope this isn't the case....looking forward to the games tonight.