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The two teams split during the season last year, and Totino came out on top in sections last year. Spring Lake Park's record is stronger, but Totino has the edge in strength of schedule. What are your thoughts?

Seen them both play this year. SLP is big and strong, they play physical without being cheep and taking too many dumb penalties. Totino took at least 15 penalties when I saw them play. They had the worst attitude of any high school team I have ever seen play.

Judging from what I've seen Totino should be in the box all night.

Hopefully SLP can pull it out. It would be cool to see them get a #3 or even #2 seed in 4A this year...

If Spring Lake Park beats Totino is anyone going to start to give them credit?!? Totino is one of the teams many people have labled "tough" on their weak schedule.

hockeyfaninnd wrote:If Spring Lake Park beats Totino is anyone going to start to give them credit?!? Totino is one of the teams many people have labled "tough" on their weak schedule.

More will depend on how they do against Mahtomedi, in my opinion. If they hadn't lost to Irondale, they'd still be in the rankings. Winning their games this week will probably bring them back. Continuing to win down the stretch will be key.

This is a section game, so it matters for a lot.

From what I've heard SLP's coach lost that irondale game. He sat one of the players from their top line for missing practice. Instead of just moving one person up to fill his spot he changed every line around. This included playing 2 JV players regularly when they had played little to no varsity all year. But then again the players still play the game.

I'm expecting a barn burner. Both teams have picked up their games as of late. This has become a prettty heated rivalry and I would expect both teams to bring their best game to the rink tonight.

Goaltending will be key. If Totinos goalie can play well, they will have a strong chance, but Nelson from Park always brings his A game for Totino. Penalties will be another key. Both teams have a reputation for taking a lot of penalties, so whoever can manage to stay out of the box will have a strong edge.

My prediction

SLP-5
TG-2

If Spring Lake Park wins, they have a shot at the #2 seed in the section; probably making a good case for at least #3.

Totino's situation for section ranking is a little more difficult as they don't play South St Paul this season, but they do have a good remaining schedule.

I think Spring Lake Park will win 5-2. Regardless of the score it is going to be a good game. Both teams usually play hard in this small rivalry