6AA FINAL- MINNETONKA VS. BSM

[tonkafan77]

With two shutouts in the 6AA semifinals, the Skippers and the Red Knights advance to the Semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb 29.

This should be a good crowd and a good game, who comes out on top?

[mnhockfan99]

I think Minnetonka will win. They have a lot of different guys who can beat you on a given night. I still feel the top 3 teams in the state are East, Tonka and Maple Grove.

[Sats81]

As long as Tonka brings their A game AND executes I think they win in a classic 4-3. Should be good!

[FREDFLINTSTONE]

This game is on the big sheet which is not good for the Red team. The shaky "D" will be exposed and if Tonka sticks to their game plan, will steam roll these cream puffs. Benilde has a few players that can keep up, but Tonka has more...5-1, the soft spot I see in Tonka is the goalie which is suspect at best, but all he has to do is make the saves he should make.

[hockeygirl2]

BSM 5
Tonka 3

[minnscout]

Like I mentioned a month ago when they played, Tonka would win the regular season game and Benilde will win in sections. Flintstone above has not been following hockey much this year, speed will be equal maybe a bit more speed for BSM, both teams will roll 3 lines, Defense and goaltending will be the deciding factor which Benilde has been fantastic in past 4 weeks. I would take Quale, Horton,Glover, Collins, Johnson, Graham, and Newhouse over Tonka's goalie and D unit.

I think Tonka would win if Benilde's forwards get caught deep in offensive more to much. Tonka has great transition play.

Should be very close game and really could go either way.

[TheClipper]

One step up, two steps back.

Mariucci's big sheet gives the speedy Knights an edge. However, their defensemen are so awful any offensive advantages are quickly negated.

Tonka wins 5-2 with few tense moments.

[hockeygirl2]

You're right minnscout. I would take BSM D and goalie any day over Tonka. Game could go either way but it looks like there's a few revved up Tonka kids on here. Good luck to everyone.

[knowitall]

Minnscout...How can you say BSM's D and goalie are better than Tonka's? Tonka gives up less goals per game and plays 20 quality opponents vs. BSM's 5 quality opponents.

[Hatrick'99]

Considering both teams have yet to allow a goal in the section tournament, I would say that both have reasonably decent goalies and defense. Tonka has the game schedule but Benilde has the "revenge factor." In '08 these two teams played in the regular season with Tonka winning a close battle but then Benilde ended Jake Gardiner's career and headed to state after a classic game. I think history is going to repeat itself here. BSM 4-3 OT Besse comes up big

[tonkafan77]

ended Jake Gardiner's career

I wouldn't say Jake Gardiner's career is over just yet

I'd also like to hear the beef behind the argument that Benilde's Defense is better than Minnetonka's.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

Here's what I really want to know:

Is this going to be the same Mariucci Mess that it was when I went 2 or 3 years ago? Four of seven ticket windows open, three of them right next to each other. People with pre-sale tickets using the same entry that the ticket windows are at instead of letting them into the arena at the opposite end? No chance of getting a seat unless you're there when the doors open.

[celly93]

ended Jake Gardiner's career

I wouldn't say Jake Gardiner's career is over just yet :wink:

I'd also like to hear the beef behind the argument that Benilde's Defense is better than Minnetonka's.

BSM's defense got torched without Glover, Johnson, and Collins, three of their top five defensemen. Glover has been out the last two games with a concussion, but word is that he'll be back on Wednesday. BSM's problem before was that they pinched too much and got beat. They appear to be playing a little more conservatively now, giving up fewer odd-man rushes. I don't know who's defense is "better," but I don't think BSM's defense puts them at a disadvantage. Just my opinion.

[celly93]

Here's what I really want to know:

Is this going to be the same Mariucci Mess that it was when I went 2 or 3 years ago? Four of seven ticket windows open, three of them right next to each other. People with pre-sale tickets using the same entry that the ticket windows are at instead of letting them into the arena at the opposite end? No chance of getting a seat unless you're there when the doors open.

Probably. I might get ripped for this but I wouldn't mind going back to the Target Center.

[MNHockeyFan]

Here's what I really want to know:

Is this going to be the same Mariucci Mess that it was when I went 2 or 3 years ago? Four of seven ticket windows open, three of them right next to each other. People with pre-sale tickets using the same entry that the ticket windows are at instead of letting them into the arena at the opposite end? No chance of getting a seat unless you're there when the doors open.

I remember very well what you're talking about - trying to buy a ticket and getting in was a terrible experience for a couple of years there. But compared to that it was pretty painless last year, so hopefully that'll continue again this year.

P.S. Strongly suggest getting there AT LEAST a half hour (preferably 45 minutes) before game time, especially if want to have any chance of picking up a program.

[Slap Shot]

Like I mentioned a month ago when they played, Tonka would win the regular season game and Benilde will win in sections. Flintstone above has not been following hockey much this year, speed will be equal maybe a bit more speed for BSM, both teams will roll 3 lines, Defense and goaltending will be the deciding factor which Benilde has been fantastic in past 4 weeks. I would take Quale, Horton,Glover, Collins, Johnson, Graham, and Newhouse over Tonka's goalie and D unit.

Fred maybe hasn't, but I have seen both teams play several times each and couldn't disagree with your analysis more. I don't see a steamroll by Tonka, but their D and G have better stats against a much better SOS and their forward depth is better without question. Doesn't mean anything though if Tonka doesn't play to their potential, but if they do they should win.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

Here's what I really want to know:

Is this going to be the same Mariucci Mess that it was when I went 2 or 3 years ago? Four of seven ticket windows open, three of them right next to each other. People with pre-sale tickets using the same entry that the ticket windows are at instead of letting them into the arena at the opposite end? No chance of getting a seat unless you're there when the doors open.

I remember very well what you're talking about - trying to buy a ticket and getting in was a terrible experience for a couple of years there. But compared to that it was pretty painless last year, so hopefully that'll continue again this year.

P.S. Strongly suggest getting there AT LEAST a half hour (preferably 45 minutes) before game time, especially if want to have any chance of picking up a program.

More importantly, when will these two section championships be held on different nights? I'm convinced both the arena and the MSHSL would make more money in ticket and concession sales.

[tonkafan77]

Here's what I really want to know:

Is this going to be the same Mariucci Mess that it was when I went 2 or 3 years ago? Four of seven ticket windows open, three of them right next to each other. People with pre-sale tickets using the same entry that the ticket windows are at instead of letting them into the arena at the opposite end? No chance of getting a seat unless you're there when the doors open.

For anyone that lives in the Western suburbs or who is willing to make a trek out to Pagel, tickets will be available early if you do not wish to purchase them on site.

Monday- 10am-4pm
Tuesday- 9am-4pm
Wednesday- 9am-11am

Cash only- $10 for adults/seniors, $7 for students and as always- it is good for both games.

Hope this helps.

[bardown27]

when do tickets go on sale on site at mariucci on wednesday?

[puck81]

This game is on the big sheet which is not good for the Red team. The shaky "D" will be exposed and if Tonka sticks to their game plan, will steam roll these cream puffs. Benilde has a few players that can keep up, but Tonka has more...5-1, the soft spot I see in Tonka is the goalie which is suspect at best, but all he has to do is make the saves he should make.

I think the big sheet will benefit Benilde. As far as their defense, Quale has been playing outstanding in the net and their defensemen have been playing well also. All those stats are real nice but you can throw'em out the window on wednesday night. This is one of those rivalry games where a prediction of 5-1 is far too generous for either team Freddy boy. It will be a great game and Benilde prevails 4-3.

[HappyHockeyFan]

Not even close: Minnetonka 6 Overrated BSM 1

[Roseauverrated]

Not even close: Minnetonka 6 Overrated BSM 1

Sounds like me a couple years ago. Considering Tonka won 5-3 earlier this year at Pagel where Tonka is essentially unbeatable, I woud say Benilde has a good shot at pulling off the upset. Interesting how this year's section finals at Mariucci are the exact same as 4 years ago. Being a Tonka fan though, I gotta go with the Skippers 4-2. Should be a great game!

[zamboni14]

I'm pulling for 'Tonka.. but I know that BSM won't be a "walk in the park." KP has defeated 'Tonka in the section finals before, so don't think for a second he couldn't do it again.

Tonka is deep, and they like to roll lines all game long... that might be what does them in if BSM can be patient and be able to keep the scoring low.

[gitter]

From an unbiased standpoint I have seen both teams play - and from that I would say that Minnetonka does have the better team overall. But, as we see year after year after year, just because you have the better team, does not mean you are going to win in a single-elimination format.

Each team has a couple high end skilled players. I think Tonka goes a little deeper. I think Tonka's defense gets the edge as well, however Schuldt appeared to have gotten hurt in the 3rd against Wayzata, and he did not return to the game - I have no idea if he's fine for this one or not - but if he isn't that is a blow to Tonka's D. Given all that, BSM can score goals no doubt - they've got kids that can play.

In the end, I see this one coming down to who gets the better bounces - are the shots clanging off the pipe or are they finding a way in? All being said, I think there just might be a little "Jack" factor here, and BSM pulls out a victory for their buddy 3-2.

[Doc Holliday]

I’ve been saying since January: If Tonka is going to get beat in 6AA before state, it will be by Benilde AND be at Mariucci.

Having said that, I still think Tonka will win, but BSM has the up front skill to get it done. It will come down to BSM winning the goaltending factor and winning special teams. Tonka’s first line might grind BSM right out of the building, so if those factors are even, I see Tonka as having too much.

But it should be entertaining. Lots of skill on both sides…