Forest Lake has plowed its way through league opponents this season, helping it start the week sitting atop the Suburban East Conference standings. However, second-place East Ridge can narrow that gap by scoring an important home victory on Tuesday.
Since a 7-0 defeat to No. 2-2A Edina on Dec. 18, Forest Lake has won nine consecutive games, including many that have helped the No. 4-2A Rangers (19-1-0, 12-0-0) open an eight-point lead in the Suburban East standings.
Forest Lake goaltender Allyn Goehner begins the week tied with Warroad's Quinn Kuntz as the state leader in wins (19) and also boasts a .915 save percentage. Her play will be important as the Rangers look to remain perfect in their final four league contests of the season.
East Ridge has five conference matchups remaining, including Tuesday's tilt with Forest Lake, and the Raptors (12-6-1, 8-3-0) can't afford to lose any (while also needing help from others) to catch the Rangers.
If East Ridge needs more motivation for the game, it can recall a 4-2 road loss to Forest Lake on Dec. 4.
Seniors Katie Flynn and Addi Scribner, a defender and Ohio State commit, lead the team with more than 25 points each.