Moorhead vs. Elk River @ Furniture & Things Arena Elk River
Spuds Seek Redemption After Back-to-Back Losses

Tonight, the Moorhead Spuds (3-5-1) head to Elk River Elks (3-4-0) in a big Section 8AA matchup. Both teams come into the game looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, with Moorhead eager to end their two-game losing streak and Elk River looking to snap a three-game skid.

Moorhead’s Balanced Attack Needs Momentum:

The Spuds boast a diverse offensive attack led by four players with seven points apiece. Mason Krafts  5 goals pace the team, while Zac Zimmerman has 3 and Carter Midthune has 2. Brandon Mickelson brings hustle with 7 assists, showcasing the team’s depth. However, consistency and capitalizing on scoring chances have been challenges for Moorhead, evident in their recent dip in form.

Elk River’s Gritty Defense Seeks Rebound:

The Elks rely on a stout defense anchored by Gavin Greniuk in net. His .904 save percentage has been a stabilizing force, especially amidst their three-game losing streak. Offensively, Gavin Sperling leads the Elks in total points with 3 goals and 5 assists followed by Kole Mears (4 goals, 2 assists) and Cooper Anderson (1 goal 4 assists). The Elks’ focus will be on regaining their defensive composure and finding offensive rhythm against a hungry Moorhead squad.

Key Matchups:

• Kraft & Midthune vs. Greniuk: Can Kraft and Midthune get a few past Greniuk?
• Moorhead’s Power Play vs. Elk River’s Penalty Kill: The Spuds need to convert on their man-advantage chances, while the Elks must tighten up their discipline and penalty kill to avoid giving up easy goals.
• Battle of the Bottom Six: Both teams rely on contributions from their lower lines to generate scoring chances and provide defensive support. Which team gets the extra push from their depth players could be a deciding factor.

The Recent Grind:

Coming into this game, Moorhead’s last five games have seen them tie Sartell 3-3, lose to Andover 1-3 and Minnetonka 0-3, before edging out Roseau 1-0 and falling to Bemidji 5-1. Elk River, on the other hand, lost to Eden Prairie 1-5 and Edina 0-4 in the Edina Holiday Classic, before falling 1-2 to Grand Rapids in overtime, following three straight wins over Totino-Grace, Blaine, and Buffalo.

Prediction:

This matchup promises to be a tight, gritty battle. Moorhead will be desperate to get back on track, but Elk River’s defensive stability and opportunistic offense present a formidable challenge. Expect a low-scoring affair with the outcome potentially hinging on special teams and timely goals. Prediction: 4-3 Moorhead