THE QUOTE
"All that matters is that we are playing at 6 p.m. and not 10 a.m. [on Friday]. I am retired, so I sleep in."
Mike Randolph, Duluth East coach in his 27th season
NUMBERS
3
Size of the deficits Duluth East has rallied from to win its last two games, both ending in overtime.
29
Years since Bemidji had last appeared in the state tournament.
546
Career victories for Duluth East coach Mike Randolph, seventh most in state history.
THREE STARS
1. Ryan Peterson
The Duluth East junior forward scored the overtime winner against St. Thomas Academy on a nifty deflection. He also scored in the third period to spark Duluth East's rally from a three-goal deficit.
2. Jack Poehling
The Lakeville North senior and Mr. Hockey finalist scored twice, both on second-period backhand shots, to propel the Panthers past Hill-Murray.
3. Matt Masterman
The Edina senior forward scored twice, including the winning goal, in the Hornets' victory over Bemidji.
Attendance: Thursday's announced Class 2A quarterfinal afternoon attendance of 15,005, and the evening session drew an announced 14,993. Both figures were at least 20-year lows, according to Minnesota State High School League records.
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