By David La Vaque
Edina started the pursuit of a second consecutive Class 2A state title with a familiar approach.
One year after rolling to a championship with overwhelming depth,the No. 2 seed Hornets got goals from three different lines in a 3-2 victory in Thursday's quarterfinal against Blaine.
Trailing 2-1 at the first intermission, Edina stormed to a 3-2 lead in the second period on goals from Sampson and Jordahl.
Sampson,a second-line wing, punched in a loose puck during a scramble near the Blaine goal. And Jordahl, a fourth line center, flipped a backhand shot over Blaine goaltender Nick Malvin's glove.
Blown chances hurt Blaine on its first power-play opportunity in the period. Jonny Brodzinski only managed to get the heel of his stick on a shot while Dylan Lambert fired wide on a rebound attempt.
Two outstanding saves by Malvin prevented Edina from pulling away. His slid across the crease to make a pad save on a shot from the Hornets Jon Cote. And he stymied Steven Fogarty on a breakaway with seconds remaining.
Standout players put each team on the scoreboard in the first period. Edina defenseman Max Everson shot a puck from the point that got redirected by Sit into the Blaine net. Sit centers the Hornets' top line.
