Shakopee trails first-place Eagan in the South Suburban Conference standings by three games to begin the week. After each team plays other league foes — Shakopee takes on Lakeville North while Eagan clashes with Rosemount Thursday — the Sabers meet the Wildcats aiming aims to take a bite out of Eagan’s lead.
Second-place Shakopee (9-7-1, 7-3-0) has some momentum heading into the matchup after defeating Eagan 5-3 on Dec. 29 in Eden Prairie's Mid-Winter Meltdown holiday tournament.
Paige McNeil leads the Sabers offense with 20 points and 12 goals in 17 games this season.
Eagan’s 12-game winning streak was snapped over the holiday break with a 3-2 loss to Eden Prairie in the Mid-Winter Meltdown, just two days after losing to Shakopee.
Among the Wildcats' young stars is Emily Cronkhite, who has 35 points in 17 games this season.