Minnesota Highschool Boys Hockey Game Previews

Rogers vs White Bear Lake

Rogers’ Performance:
- Impressive offensive record with 100 goals over 21 games, averaging 4.76 goals per game.
- Solid defense conceding 52 goals, averaging 2.44 goals against per game.
- Strong special teams with a power play percentage of 26.8% and a penalty kill rate of 77.4%.
White Bear Lake’s Performance:
- Robust goal tally with 69 goals in 20 games, averaging 3.45 goals per game.
- Tight defense allowing only 45 goals, at an average of 2.25 goals against per game.
- Efficient special teams with a power play success rate of 17.0% and an outstanding penalty kill rate of 87.5%, including six shutouts.
Key to Victory for Rogers: Leverage their dynamic scoring line and disciplined defense to maintain offensive pressure.
White Bear Lake’s Strategy: Focus on strong defensive play and exceptional goaltending to counter Rogers’ offense, while looking to capitalize on power play opportunities.
Expectation: A high-energy and tactically intriguing game as both teams vie for dominance, promising an exciting match for hockey fans.

Shakope vs Prior Lake

Shakopee’s Offensive Power:
- An impressive 97 goals scored over 21 games, boasting a 4.62 goals per game average.
- A formidable power play unit with a 29.7% success rate.
- A strong defensive record, allowing only 44 goals, or 2.07 goals against per game, supported by a .935 save percentage from their goalies.
Prior Lake’s Defensive Resilience:
- Scored 53 goals in 21 games, with a more conservative 2.52 goals per game average.
- Strong penalty killing unit with an 88.3% effectiveness, slightly edging out their power play success rate of 13.9%.
- Goalkeeping boasts a .877 save percentage, contributing to a solid 2.71 goals against average.
Key Strategies:
- Shakopee: Will rely on their dynamic offense to break down Prior Lake’s defense. Their special teams will play a crucial role in exploiting power play opportunities.
- Prior Lake: Needs to leverage their strong penalty kill to neutralize Shakopee’s power play threat and rely on disciplined defense and effective goaltending to keep the game close.
What to Watch:
- An intriguing matchup of Shakopee’s offense against Prior Lake’s defense.
- The performance of both teams’ special units could be the deciding factor in this closely contested game.
- Expect a tactical battle with both teams looking to exploit the slightest advantage.

Impressive Offense: Scored 102 goals in 22 games, with a strong 4.64 goals per game average.
Special Teams: Power play conversion at 16.9%, with 11 power play goals; penalty kill at an 83.0% success rate.
Defensive Strength: Allowed only 53 goals, translating to a 2.38 goals against average. Goalies boast a .899 save percentage.

Balanced Performance: 78 goals scored over 21 games, maintaining a 3.71 goals per game average.
Power Play Efficiency: A high 34.0% power play success rate, indicating a potent special teams unit.
Challenges in Defense: Slightly higher goals allowed at 74, with a 3.50 goals against average. Goalkeeping has a .862 save percentage.

St. Cloud Cathedral’s Offense vs. Totino-Grace’s Power Play: Cathedral’s ability to outscore opponents will be tested against Totino-Grace’s effective power play unit.
Defensive Strategies: Both teams will need to tighten their defensive play, especially St. Cloud Cathedral in managing Totino-Grace’s power play opportunities.
Goaltending: The game could come down to which team’s goaltender delivers a standout performance, with save percentages indicating a closely matched contest.

Scoring Breakdown: Accumulated 54 goals across 20 games, averaging 2.70 goals per game.
Defensive Concerns: Conceded 72 goals, resulting in a 3.60 goals against average.
Special Teams: Power play conversion rate at 11.8%; however, the penalty kill struggled, managing a 73.9% success rate.
Goaltending Performance: Goalies saved 624 out of 696 shots, with a .897 save percentage and 2 shutouts.

Monticello’s Dominant Season:

Offensive Powerhouse: Impressive tally of 113 goals in 20 games, boasting a 5.65 goals per game average.
Stingy Defense: Only allowed 41 goals, showcasing a strong 2.05 goals against average.
Special Teams Excellence: Strong on the power play with a 30.8% success rate and a decent penalty kill at 77.6%.
Goaltending Brilliance: With a .912 save percentage, Monticello’s goalies stopped 426 out of 467 shots and secured 6 shutouts.

Buffalo’s Challenge: Facing Monticello, Buffalo needs to tighten their defense and find ways to penetrate Monticello’s formidable goaltending.
Monticello’s Continuity: With a well-rounded team, Monticello looks to continue their high-scoring ways and maintain their defensive fortitude.

Robust Offense: Scored 111 goals in 22 games, averaging a remarkable 5.05 goals per game.
Sturdy Defense: Conceded 55 goals, translating to a 2.50 goals against average.
Efficient Power Play: Boasts a 29.6% success rate on the power play.
Impressive Penalty Killing: Excelling with a 91.5% penalty kill rate.
Goalkeeping Stats: Goalies saved 365 out of 420 shots, achieving a .869 save percentage and securing 4 shutouts.

Warroad’s Impressive Season:

Powerful Scoring: Tallied 97 goals over 21 games, averaging 4.62 goals per game.
Defensive Resilience: Allowed only 44 goals, with a goals against average of 2.10.
Strong on Special Teams: Power play conversion rate stands at 27.0%; penalty kill is effective at 83.9%.
Goalie Performance: With a .909 save percentage, Warroad’s goalies stopped 438 out of 482 shots, earning 2 shutouts.

East Grand Forks’ Offense vs. Warroad’s Defense: The battle between East Grand Forks’ high-scoring attack and Warroad’s solid defense will be crucial.
Special Teams Showdown: Both teams have potent power plays and strong penalty kills, which could be decisive in this matchup.
Goaltending Duel: Both teams boast reliable goalies, making it a tight contest in the crease.