Our Top Game of the Week is a Northwest Suburban Conference clash featuring the rock-solid defense of Maple Grove and Elk River senior Kelsey King, who's one of the state's most dynamic scorers.
Maple Grove (6-1-0, 3-1-0) has a remarkable ability to shut down opposing offenses. The Crimson, ranked No. 7 in the Class 2A state coaches' poll from Dec. 5, have allowed an average of 1.43 goals per game, which ranks among the state's best nearly a month into the season. Maple Grove has kept the average low thanks to several standout performances that include shutouts against league rivals Champlin Park/Coon Rapids and Centennial.
Senior goaltender Lucy Morgan has played a big part in her team's defensive dominance. In seven games, she's collected a .937 save percentage and a 1.40 goals-against average.
But Elk River's offense, led by King, is poised to challenge the Crimson's spectacular defense. The senior and Mankato State University commit leads the state in scoring with 17 goals through eight games this season.
What are some of the signs that King is a dynamic scorer? In the season opener on Nov. 13, she scored six goals in a 7-1 win against Osseo/Park Center, and two weeks later, King had a five-goal performance to lead the Elks (6-1-1, 2-1-1) to a 7-0 win against Anoka — a team that beat Maple Grove 2-1 on Dec. 4.
The winner of Tuesday's tilt will keep pace with Andover in the race for the top spot in the Northwest Suburban Conference's North Division standings.