Today’s boys hockey playoff games

ANDOVER (19-7-1) VS. DULUTH EAST (26-1)

What:Section 7AA championship

Where:Amsoil Arena

When:7:30 p.m.

Outlook: econd-seeded Andover edged Forest Lake 7-6 in overtime in the semifinals on Davis Tollette’s goal 5:22 into overtime to move within one victory of the program’s first state tournament. Calvin Rak (28 goals, 20 assists, 48 points) had a pair of goals to add to his team-leading point total. Six other players, led by Brady Barthold (18-23—41), have scored at least 30 points. Goaltender Chase Perry (18-6-2, 2.68 goals-against average, .923 save percentage) hasn’t put up as stellar of numbers in the playoffs as he did in the regular season. East dominated the regular-season meeting, winning 6-1 over the Huskies. … Top-ranked Duluth East held off Elk River 4-2 in the semifinals behind defenseman Meirs Moore’s two goals and goalie Dylan Parker’s 24 saves. A pair of Mr. Hockey candidates in Jake Randolph (33-37—70) and Dom Toninato (28-36—64) lead the team in scoring and are paired on the top line with Trevor Olson (9-19—28), who is tops in the playoffs with five points after missing a significant portion of the season with a knee injury. Ryan Lundgren (15-35—50) filled in and now joins a potent second line with Conner Valesano (12-23—35) and Alex Toscano (17-15—32). Moore (13-33—46) and Nate Repensky make up one of the best defensive pairings in the state, while Parker (15-0, 1.2, .932, 5 shutouts) has asserted himself as the top goaltender. The Greyhounds are seeking a 19th state tournament appearance and 13th under coach Mike Randolph, who sports a 482-130-19 record in 23 seasons with the team and is closing in on 500 wins including his two years at the former Duluth Cathedral.

Quote: We played well but it wasn’t (as easy as) a 6-1 game; our pucks went in, they had some great chances and our goaltender came up big. They have a balanced scoring attack and, watching them in the semifinals, you could see that. This team, I think, is going to play tight defensively and we’re going to have to take care of the puck and go from zone to zone — and deep into their zone — and try to get some offense going.” — Randolph on tonight’s opponent.

TV:WDIO Chs. 10&13

Radio: QDS-AM 1490

SUPERIOR (15-9-1) VS. NOTRE DAME ACADEMY (24-3)

What:Wisconsin state tournament quarterfinal

Where:Alliant Energy Center, Madison

When:6 p.m.

Outlook: econd-ranked Superior blanked New Richmond 3-0 last week to avenge its only sectional final loss in 10 years and qualify for their record 34th state tournament. The Spartans own a record 12 titles, beginning with the inaugural tournament in 1971 and most recently in 2005, with another 11 runner-up finishes. This time, however, they are an underdog. The Spartans’ only two losses to a Wisconsin team both came to Notre Dame — 3-2 in overtime in the Hilltoppers Holiday Classic and 5-2 in the Showdown in Titletown tournament in Green Bay. Nolan Holcombe (17-28—45) and Daniel Litchke (24-19—43) are the primary scorers, while defenseman Brett Bukowski (9-16—25) was a candidate for state player of the year. Scott Crawford (8-5, 2.37, .885, 3 shutouts) and Paxton Paine (5-4-1, 2.32, .860) are a solid duo in net. Jason Kalin is 192-79-5 in 11 years as coach. … The top-ranked Tritons of Green Bay cruised through their section, beating Bayport 2-0 in the final. Superior rival Duluth Marshall is the only team to defeat Notre Dame in regulation. The Tritons are making a third consecutive and overall state tournament appearance, advancing to the semifinals each of the previous two seasons. Brett Gruber (31-27—58) is the leader scorer, while Tim Davison (12-35—47), Mason Appleton (11-35—46) and Riley Christensen (22-18—40) provide scoring support. Chris Neil (23-3, 1.54, 5 shutouts) has allowed just 36 goals in 1,136 minutes in goal. The winner faces the winner of the late quarterfinal between Verona and Sparta.

Quote: It wasn’t that we didn’t have opportunities to win because we outshot them in both games and we outplayed them in parts of both games. But they came out in that second game firing on all cylinders in the first period and scored three goals in 52 seconds. That was three letdowns, one shift after another. Now we have to focus on winning the game and not worry about Notre Dame as much.” — Kalin told the Superior Telegram.

Radio: NXR-FM 107.3

Tags: sports, preps, hockey, superior