We task our reporters with identifying several intriguing games throughout the state to assemble our Top Games of the Week. The matchups are presented in no particular order, and when there are additional games we want to highlight, we’ll include them with brief notes.

Andover vs. Elk River, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Andover (6-0, 1-0) and its impressive special teams unit faces Northwest Suburban Conference foe Elk River (4-3, 1-0), which has scored at least four goals in its first five games. The No. 2-2A Huskies have converted an astounding 42.9 percent of their 21 power plays while allowing only one goal in 22 penalty-kill opportunities.

Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl vs. Breck, Saturday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl (2-4-1, 1-2-0) plays two metro-area games in two days, including visiting Breck (2-5-0, 0-1-0). Both teams have struggled so far, but each has also faced a tough early slate of opponents. This marks a chance for at least one team to feel like its back on track heading into winter break.

Cretin-Derham Hall vs. Edina, Friday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. No. 3-2A Edina (6-0-1, 0-0-0) remains unbeaten on the heels of a big offensive showing at its home holiday showcase this past weekend, scoring 20 goals in three games. Cretin-Derham Hall (2-3-0, 2-1-0) and its 4.40 goals-per-game average has been involved in some high-scoring games, which should keep the Raiders competitive in every game this season.

The MN Hockey Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.