Edina had to battle from behind to escape an upset scare, beating Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper 4-3 in a tight playoff hockey game. Despite heavily outshooting AC, 46-22, Edina found themselves trailing early and needed a strong second period to turn the game around.
First Period:
Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper came out strong, striking first with a goal from Mac Murphy at 10:27, assisted by Logan Gatti and Dawson Franke. The Falcons managed to hold Edina scoreless in the opening period, despite being outshot 14-5.
Second Period:
Armstrong/Cooper extended their lead to 2-0 when Dawson Franke scored at 9:00, assisted by Niklas Anderson and Mac Murphy. Edina, however, responded with a much-needed surge. Casey Vandertop put Edina on the board at 13:02, followed quickly by a power-play goal from Mason West to tie the game. Less than three minutes later, Bode McConnell gave Edina their first lead of the game at 16:52.
Third Period:
Edina’s Brady Mullmann extended the lead to 4-2 with a power-play goal at 3:55, seemingly putting the game out of reach. However, Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper refused to go quietly. Just 36 seconds later, Lewis Majkozak capitalized on the power play to make it 4-3. Edina managed to hold off a late push from Armstrong/Cooper and secured the one-goal victory.
Edina:
Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper:
Edina controlled possession and offensive opportunities but had to dig deep after falling behind early. Goaltender Ryan Melsha kept Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper in the game with 42 saves, but Edina’s depth and power play efficiency proved to be the difference.
