Minnesota Highschool Girls Hockey Game Recaps 01-27-24

Minnetonka 2

Key Moments:

Eden Prairie Breaks the Ice: In the second period, Eden Prairie’s Addy Mitchell, with assists from Ava Moe and Gianna Kowalkoski, scored the opening goal, setting the stage for a tightly contested match.
Minnetonka’s Comeback: Minnetonka rallied back in the third period with Ellie Zakrajsheck finding the net, evening the score and pushing the game into overtime.
Overtime Decision: Just over a minute into overtime, Kendra Distad, assisted by Lauren Goldsworthy, scored the winning goal for Minnetonka, concluding the intense match.

Power Plays and Penalties:

Both teams had opportunities on the power play, but neither could capitalize, with Eden Prairie going 0 for 1 and Minnetonka 0 for 3.
Penalties played a crucial role, with Eden Prairie receiving 6 minutes on 3 infractions and Minnetonka 4 minutes on 2 infractions, affecting the flow and strategy of the game.

Shots on Goal:

Minnetonka dominated the shots on goal with a staggering 53 attempts compared to Eden Prairie’s 17, showcasing Minnetonka’s offensive pressure throughout the match.

Power Play Opportunities:

Both teams had multiple power play opportunities, but neither was able to capitalize. Fergus Falls went 0 for 6, while Gentry Academy also couldn’t find the back of the net in their 4 power play chances.

Shots on Goal:

The match saw an even distribution of shots on goal, with both teams registering 19 attempts each. This parity in shots underscores the evenly matched nature of the game and the solid performance by both goaltenders.

Penalty Minutes:

The game was not without its share of penalties, affecting the flow and providing both teams with opportunities to gain an advantage. Fergus Falls accumulated 10 penalty minutes over 5 infractions, whereas Gentry Academy faced a more challenging situation with 27 penalty minutes across 8 infractions, including a major penalty and misconduct penalty against Emma Laming.

Key Takeaways:

The match was a testament to the defensive prowess and goaltending of both teams, with a single short-handed goal being the difference-maker.
Despite the numerous power play opportunities, the inability of both teams to convert highlights the strength of the penalty-killing units and the pressure of the game situation.
Ana Myers’ crucial goal for Gentry Academy not only secured the win but also showcased the importance of capitalizing on opportunities, even when down a player.

First Period: Rosemount’s Claire Hendrikson opened the scoring at 9:08 with an even-strength goal, assisted by Kenna Hatleli and Aubrey Finn, setting the tone for the home team.
Second Period: Metro-South responded with an equalizer at 8:20 through Ella Bond, with Ella Berthiaume providing the assist, leveling the score at 1-1.
Third Period: Claire Hendrikson emerged as the hero for Rosemount, scoring her second goal of the game at 5:42, with assists from Annalee Holzer and Sophie Stramel, securing the win for Rosemount.

Power Plays and Penalties:

Neither team was able to capitalize on their power play opportunities, with Metro-South going 0 for 2 and Rosemount 0 for 3.
The game saw a total of 5 penalties, with Metro-South accumulating 6 penalty minutes across 3 infractions, while Rosemount had 4 minutes on 2 infractions.

Shots on Goal:

Rosemount dominated in shots on goal, with a total of 43 attempts compared to Metro-South’s 16. This offensive pressure was a key factor in their victory.

Analysis:

Rosemount’s ability to maintain offensive pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities was crucial in their win. Claire Hendrikson’s performance, scoring both goals for her team, highlighted her importance on the ice.
The defensive units for both teams played significant roles, keeping the power play opportunities scoreless and ensuring the game remained competitive until the end.
Penalties played a role in the game’s dynamics, but the inability of both teams to exploit these moments meant the game was decided by even-strength play.

First Period: The game started off with both teams showcasing their defensive strengths, leading to a scoreless first period.
Second Period: The deadlock was broken early by Minneapolis’ Riley McIntyre at 2:02, assisted by Eloise McKinney and Clara Mitchell, providing the only goal of the game.
Third Period: Despite efforts from Chaska/Chanhassen to level the score, the Minneapolis defense held firm, securing the win.

Power Plays and Penalties:

Both teams struggled to capitalize on their power play opportunities, with Minneapolis going 0 for 1 and Chaska/Chanhassen 0 for 2.
The game witnessed a total of 3 penalties, reflecting a disciplined approach by both teams to maintain a competitive edge without conceding unnecessary advantages.

Shots on Goal:

Chaska/Chanhassen outshot Minneapolis 26 to 17, indicating a stronger offensive push but ultimately failing to convert their chances into goals.

Analysis:

Minneapolis’ ability to secure a win, despite being outshot, underscores the importance of efficient scoring and solid defensive play, including standout performances from their goaltender.
The solitary goal by Riley McIntyre proved decisive, highlighting the significance of making the most of limited opportunities in tightly contested matches.