This battle of leaders in the Northwest Suburban Conference's West Division will be a test that could bolster seeding hopes for two teams looking to make a postseason run in their difficult section brackets.
Totino-Grace is fighting with Mahtomedi for the top seed in Class 1A, Section 4, but the No. 10-1A Eagles (11-4, 7-0) are also trying to stay afloat atop the Northwest Suburban's West Division standings.
Ten Eagles have at least seven points, and balance has helped buoy a potent Totino-Grace offense that’s scored at least three goals in 12 games. The trio of Ben Palmer, Kyle Heffron and Jack Bonfe combine for 32 goals and 75 points, providing the team with ample production.
The Eagles, who won the first meeting (Dec. 15) with Champlin Park 5-2, face a Rebel defense giving up just 2.27 goals per game this season and poised to sink Totino-Grace's lead in the division.
Champlin Park goaltender Brennan Boynton has a 2.02 goals-against average to anchor the stingy defense. He had a standout performance on Dec. 28 with 56 saves in a 3-1 win over No. 5-2A Duluth East.
The Rebels (7-4, 5-1), who are four points behind the Eagles in the division standings, also want to prove they can keep pace in Class 2A, Section 5 with rivals Maple Grove and Blaine. A win Saturday could be crucial to Champlin Park's postseason positioning.