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.

Chanhassen vs. Maple Grove

7 p.m., Friday, May 5

In the latest coaches poll — released on April 24 — Chanhassen came in at No. 2, while Maple Grove jumped up a spot to No. 7. On paper, this will be the biggest test of the young season for both sides. 

The Storm (4-0, 1-0) will host New Prague on Tuesday. If they win that, they’ll bring an unblemished record into Friday’s game against Maple Grove. The Crimson (5-0, 5-0) can do the same if they’re able to defeat Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids on Monday. 

This will be the Storm’s fourth non-conference game of the season. They’ve won their previous three by a combined score of 32-14, including an 11-4 win against Minnetonka on Saturday after Daxton Bush ourscored the Skippers on his own. The junior tallied seven goals in the win, bringing his season total to 21, good for second-best in the state. 

The Crimson will be testing themselves against a non-Northwest Suburban Conference team for the first time this season when they face the Storm. They’ve been led by the trio of Ricky Peterson, Rory Scanlon, and Tanner Brendon. All three have tallied at least 10 goals and six assists, combining for 42 of the Crimson’s 65 goals.

Robbinsdale Armstrong vs. Centennial

7 p.m., Tuesday, May 2

Looking up at Maple Grove in the Northwest Suburban Conference standings is Robbinsdale Armstrong and Centennial. Both teams have picked up eight points this season, putting them two behind the Crimson. 

The Cougars (4-2, 4-1) opened the season against the Crimson, and despite five goals and two assists from Brol Scherman, Robbinsdale Armstrong lost 11-10. The only other blemish came in an 8-7 defeat to Mahtomedi.

Other than that, the Cougars have outscored four different Northwest Suburban Conference opponents 56-21. Their high-powered attack has run through Logan Adams. The junior’s 36 points are five more than anyone else in the state. 

The Falcons (5-0, 4-0) will enter Tuesday’s matchup undefeated thanks to a plus-35 goal differential and a knack for finishing strong. Outscoring opponents 28-13 in the final frame, the Falcons have excelled in the fourth to help secure victories. 

While their attack has put up some impressive performances, including a 20-goal outburst against Totino-Grace, their defense has been their strength. Goaltender Xavier Wells has been a big reason why. The senior has 45 saves this season and boasts a .692 save percentage. 

Stillwater vs. White Bear Lake

7 p.m., Friday, May 5

The Suburban East Conference standings are in for a major shakeup after this game on Friday night. Coming into this week, Stillwater and White Bear Lake each have eight points thanks to an undefeated conference record. 

The Bears (4-0, 4-0) are facing possibly their hardest week of the season, traveling to conference-unbeaten Woodbury on Wednesday, with a chance to separate themselves atop the conference standings.

If White Bear Lake plans to win both games, it'll need the duo of Mario Bailey and Evan Vickstrom to shine. Bailey has led the Bears attack with 14 goals, while Vickstrom has set up the most goals on the team with 12 assists. 

The Ponies (4-1, 4-0) will also have a Suburban East Conference matchup before facing White Bear Lake, suiting up against Park of Cottage Grove on Wednesday.

After scoring only two goals in a season-opening loss to defending state champs Benilde-St. Margaret’s, the Ponies have scored at least nine in all four of their wins. Thomas Anderson has led the way, scoring a team-high eight goals.

Eastview/Apple Valley vs. Prior Lake, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 2. Prior Lake (0-2, 0-1) is looking for its first win of the season after opening its season with losses against top five teams Shakopee and Benilde-St. Margaret’s. In its way is Eastview/Apple Valley (6-1, 1-0), who jumped to No. 6 in the coaches poll after a 6-1 start. 

Minnetonka vs. Wayzata, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 4. Minnetonka (3-2, 2-0) and Wayzata (5-1, 2-0) have each suffered at least one non-conference loss this season, but they sit atop the Lake Conference standings thanks to undefeated records.

The MN Lax Hub poll is only for entertainment purposes.