The Class AA number one dilemma

Who deserves the number one spot this week in Class AA?

Here are some quickies to think about before the new rankings roll out today, tomorrow, and Wednesday amongst the various media and publications.

Edina lost both of their games last week after reclaiming the number one spot. They lost to Wayzata 5-4 in overtime and to Minnetonka 4-1. The Hornets have won and lost in dramatic fashion this season and they received their first sound defeat at the hands of the Skippers last Saturday. Lately, the Hornets seem to be on the other side of the 'luck' they had been receiving for most the season. In 11 out of 15 total games this season, Edina's games have been decided by either a tie or by one goal. In those 11 one-goal-or-less games, Edina is 7-3-2.

Edina's last 10 games: 6-2-2

Last week's #2 team, Duluth East, seemed to have been on a roll having defeated Grand Rapids and, then, #1 Eden Prairie two weeks ago. However, last week, Duluth East traveled to Apple Valley, struggled for two periods, dominated the third but lost by three goals, 6-3. It was the Hounds worst defeat of the season so far. The six goals they gave up to Apple Valley was the most they have given up in one game this year. In fact, they have given up three or more goals to their opponents only three times in their first sixteen games. They gave up three goals to Eden Prairie, four to Edina, and six to Apple Valley. The Hounds have three shutouts, given one goal five times, and given two goals five times.

Duluth East's last 10 games: 8-2-0

Last week's #3 team, Eden Prairie, is struggling right now. They are 0-2-1 in their last three games but, granted, the losses were against Duluth East, Academy of Holy Angels, and the tie against Wayzata. They gave up an average of four goals in those three games. I would call it a mid-season slump with a high probability of a turnaround.

Eden Prairie's last 10 games: 5-4-1

Last week's #4 team, Benilde-St. Margaret's, has had an easier schedule the past three games but it should become more challenging with games against Osseo and Academy of Holy Angels this week. Their only two losses this year have been to Edina in a one-goal game and then lost badly to Eden Prairie, 8-5, in a game where they were down 6-1 at one point. The Red Knights defeated Hill-Murray, Minnetonka, and Maple Grove this season but, yet, the respect still does not seem quite there yet. In Section 6AA, I believe many would still think that the Red Knights are the third or even fourth best team behind Eden Prairie, Wayzata, and, now, a surging Minnetonka. Remember, Minnetonka defeated Edina, BSM did not. BSM did defeat Minnetonka earlier in the season, 3-2, at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center. Minnetonka had a slight edge on shots in that one, 26-24. Minnetonka led 2-0 until the second half of the second period. If anything, those two teams are equals right now.

Benilde-St. Margaret's last 10 games: 8-2-0

Last week's #5 team, Hill-Murray, has eight games left on their schedule with only two foreseeable real challengers to upset them and that would be St. Thomas Academy and Moorhead. I've stated it several times already but I still like Hill-Murray to get to the semifinals or finals of the state tournament. I like their depth and experience all the way through their roster.

Hill-Murray's last 10 games: 8-1-1

Last week's #6 team, Minnetonka, is the hottest team in Class AA right now having won their last six games against teams like Eagan, Moorhead, Blake School, Academy of Holy Angels, and Edina. They are finding a way to get it done. Eden Prairie and Wayzata are next though. Can they keep rolling?

Minnetonka's last 10 games: 8-1-1

Last week's #7 team, Wayzata, has played the most teams with a record at or above a .500 winning percentage and they have the best winning percentage amongst all other teams within the same criteria. Yet, they have not exactly been unbeatable, especially lately. They have lost twice against Moorhead this year by scores of 2-1 and 4-1. In the 2-1 game, Wayzata outshot Moorhead 37-20. In the 4-1 game, Wazyata outshot Moorhead 50-13 and, somehow, were still soundly defeated. At the same time, they have beaten the defending Class AA champions, Edina, twice this season by scores of 3-2 and 5-4 in overtime. Burnsville and Minnetonka are their next opponents this week.

Wayzata's last 10 games: 6-3-1

Last week's #8 team, Eagan, is struggling too. They have lost two of their last three games. Yet, I've had emails sent my way saying that Eagan is the best team they have seen this year. That includes a fan from Minnetonka who has watched Eden Prairie, Benilde-St. Margaret's, Moorhead, St. Thomas Academy, Blaine, Hill-Murray, Edina, and Holy Angels play the Skippers.

Eagan's last 10 games: 7-3-0

Last week's #9 team, Maple Grove, has not played a team in the top 20 since the St. Louis Park Recreation Invitational tournament over Christmas. They play Robbinsdale Armstrong on Monday night and then their schedule becomes a little more difficult toward the end of the week with games at Blaine and at Duluth East.

Maple Grove's last 10 games: 8-2-0

Last week's #10 team, Grand Rapids, has lost its offensive mojo. In their first 10 games of the season, Grand Rapids averaged 5.4 goals per game. They were 9-1-0. Since then, the O has produced just 2.71 goals per game in their last seven games and they've won four, lost two, and tied once. One of the wins was an overtime win against Mahtomedi.

Grand Rapids' last 10 games: 7-2-1

The rankings have been a little psychotic lately with teams moving up and down the top 10 and it may be that way again this week. I'm liking Hill-Murray AGAIN and I'm liking how Minnetonka is taking care of business. I think Wayzata and Benilde-St. Margaret's should move up slightly while Edina and Eden Prairie take a decent dip to see if they can recollect themselves and get back their winning ways. Eagan and Grand Rapids may fall slightly while Burnsville and Bemidji may sneak their into the top 10.

I'll have the new rankings up for both Classes later today.