TOP 10 TEAMS: METRO AREA

1. Edina
Skilled throughout the lineup, strong and senior-laden. The Hornets have the look of a champion in waiting. Off to a 2-0 start.

2. Benilde-St. Margaret's
Unparalleled firepower, but questions about defense and goaltending leave defending Class 2A champion with more to prove than Edina.

3. Eden Prairie
Big and strong like Edina. Relying on a tremendously talented junior class and hoping goaltending stays consistent.

4. Minnetonka
Boasts the depth to skate with top teams but lacks a wealth of high-end goal-scorers.

5. Hill-Murray
Class 2A runner-up is sound between the pipes and on the blue line. Needs capable scorers to produce.

6. Burnsville
Another team resting its fortunes on the Class of 2014. Blaze players make up in skating what they lack in size.

7. St. Thomas Academy (1A)
Loaded and favored to capture third consecutive small-school state title.

8. Blaine
Best-skating Bengals team in Dave Aus' 13 years as coach. Hungry after embarrassing section final loss.

9. Andover
Reached the section final last season and returns virtually everyone, including goaltender Chase Perry.

10. Eagan
Reloading after two straight state tournament appearances but still big, strong and talented.

-- David La Vaque, Star Tribune staff writer