DULUTH EAST (15-10-4) VS. EDINA (25-1-2)
What: Minnesota Class AA state tournament semifinal
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Xcel Energy Center
Outlook: Duluth East is back in the semifinals after a one-year hiatus following Thursday’s unlikely 6-5 upset of St. Thomas Academy in overtime. The Greyhounds lost to Edina 3-2 in the 2013 semifinals. They also fell to the Hornets by a 7-1 margin on Dec. 30 at the Schwan Cup. That came amid a stretch of six losses in eight games for East, which simplified its approach and honed in on defense to turn things around. Coach Mike Randolph called it finding an identity. And it has been a low-scoring identity. The Greyhounds have now notched five goals in a game just four times, but two of those were in the Section 7AA final and Thursday. Nick Altmann (14-13―27) is the offensive leader, but this is a team that utilizes an all-hands-on-deck approach to scoring. Ryan Peterson did so twice Thursday, including the winner in OT. East is 9-2-3 in its past 14. Randolph has 560 career wins. Today’s game pits a pair of teams that are seemingly always still alive in March - the Greyhounds are in their 22nd state tournament and the two-time defending champion Hornets are making their ninth consecutive appearance and 26th overall. … Edina’s lone loss was to undefeated Lakeville North on Dec. 4. Former Minnesota Duluth defenseman Curt Giles’ club is 21-0-1 since. That includes Thursday’s tougher-than-expected 6-4 victory over Bemidji and a 10-1 waxing of 12th-ranked Burnsville in the Section 2AA title tilt. Dylan Malmquist (28-44-72) is a Mr. Hockey finalist and will play collegiately at Notre Dame. Garrett Wait (24-49-73) has committed to Minnesota. Kobi Boe (1.77, .909, six shutouts) is solid in goal. The Hornets score close to six goals per game and allow fewer than two. Tonight’s winner advances to Saturday’s 7 p.m. championship game.
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