Playoff Preview: Shakopee vs. Minnetonka

The Section 2AA Playoffs bring a high-stakes battle between Shakopee (20-5-1) and Minnetonka (14-10-2). Both teams have high-end offensive talent, strong defensive cores, and goaltending that can steal a game. With a trip to the semifinals on the line, expect a fast-paced, physical matchup.

Minnetonka Skippers: A Balanced, Dangerous Team

Minnetonka enters this game after a 5-2 win over Chanhassen, displaying their ability to control play and generate offense.

Key Players to Watch

• Cullen Murray (13G, 13A, 26P) – Leads the team in goals and is a consistent scoring threat.
• Caden Lindsay (12G, 15A, 27P) – The Skippers’ top scorer, contributing in all situations.
• Jordan Johnson (6G, 16A, 22P) – A strong playmaker who can create offensive chances.
• Ben Ferguson (1.98 GAA, .910 SV%) – A solid, battle-tested goaltender who will need to be sharp against Shakopee’s high-powered offense.

Minnetonka’s Strengths

• Balanced attack – Multiple players capable of scoring, preventing opponents from keying in on one line.
• Goaltending stability – Ferguson has been one of the best in the section, with a .910 save percentage.
• Discipline on special teams – They’ll need their power play (20%) to convert against a tough Shakopee penalty kill.

Shakopee Sabers: A High-Octane Offense

Shakopee dominated Waconia 5-0 in their last game, showing why they are a top contender in Section 2AA. With one of the best scoring offenses in the state, they average 5.27 goals per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Cooper Simpson (45G, 25A, 70P) – The best scorer in the section and possibly state.
• Cooper Siegert (20G, 23A, 43P) – A key playmaker who complements Simpson on the attack.
• Nate Pederson (14G, 30A, 44P) – A dynamic two-way forward who leads the team in assists.
• Owen Lunneborg (1.61 GAA, .918 SV%) – One of the top goalies in the section, capable of stealing a game.

Shakopee’s Strengths

• Elite goal-scoring – 70 goals from Simpson, Pederson, and Siegert alone makes this team lethal offensively.
• Special teams dominance – Power play at 30.1% is a major weapon.
• Defensive reliability – Lunneborg has been outstanding in net, allowing just 1.61 goals per game.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Keys to the Game

For Shakopee to Win:

1. Get the first goal – Minnetonka has strong goaltending, so an early lead is crucial.
2. Special teams efficiency – Their 30.1% power play must capitalize on opportunities.
3. Shut down Lindsay and Murray – If they contain Minnetonka’s top scorers, they’ll control the game.

For Minnetonka to Win:

1. Limit Shakopee’s top line – Simpson and Siegert can take over a game, so defensive discipline is key.
2. Make it a low-scoring battle – A defensive approach favors the Skippers.
3. Ferguson needs to stand tall – If Ben Ferguson plays at his best, Minnetonka has a chance to pull off an upset.

Prediction

With Shakopee’s offensive firepower and dominant special teams, Minnetonka faces an uphill battle. While Ferguson can keep it close, Shakopee’s scoring depth should be the difference.

Final Prediction: Shakopee 5, Minnetonka 2 – The Sabers advance behind another big game from Cooper Simpson.