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Minnetonka wears down Centennial, advances to title game

By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune, 03/09/18, 11:00PM CST

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The top-ranked Skippers scored five consecutive goals and held a big advantage in shots en route to a 6-3 victory.


Minnetonka defenseman Josh Luedtke (3) high-fived teammates after his goal that tied the game 2-2 in the second period against Centennial. Photo: AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com

Top-seed Minnetonka spotted Centennial a two-goal lead and then battled back.

Five consecutive goals propelled the Skippers to a 6-3 victory Friday in the second Class 2A quarterfinal.

With the comeback, Minnetonka (26-2-2) returns to the title game for the first time since taking second in 2010. The Skippers face Duluth East at 7 p.m. Saturday. Earlier this season, the Skippers lost 4-2 at home against Duluth East.

“Where most teams might panic, we rise to the occasion,” senior forward Joe Molenaar said.

First report

Top-seed Minnetonka spotted Centennial a two-goal lead and then battled back.

Five consecutive goals propelled the Skippers to a 6-3 victory in Friday’s second Class 2A quarterfinal.

With the comeback victory, Minnetonka (26-2-2) returns to the title game for the first time since taking second in 2010. The Skippers face Duluth East at 7 p.m. Saturday. Earlier this season, the Skippers lost 4-2 at home against Duluth East.

Bobby Brink scored twice Friday, including the go-ahead goal on a shorthanded breakaway just 59 seconds into the third period.

Minnetonka held a 54-18 shots on goal advantage for the game. No. 5 seed Centennial (20-7-3) got a second huge game in as many nights from goaltender Travis Allen but the Skippers attacked in overwhelming numbers.

Centennial jumped ahead 1-0 just 17 seconds into the game. Hayden Brickner swept the puck in from a sharp angle to give the underdog Cougars a jolt.

They struck again at 4:19 as Jack Menne converted on a 2-on-1 pass from Carter Wagner.

The Skippers outshot Centennial 21-9 in the first period but needed a goal on a scrum to beat Allen. Brink got credit as his team cut its deficit to 2-1 at 14:23.

Defenseman Josh Luedtke tied the game 2-2 in the second period then added another goal in the third.

Check back later for more on the game.

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