Two losses and a tie in last three put playoffs in jeopardy ...

Unlike last year's team, which stumbled out of the gate with four losses and a tie before rallying to win six straight, this year's Minutemen took a different path, starting strong with five wins in their first eight games to sit at 5-3. Factor in a one-goal loss to Medford in a game Lexington thoroughly controlled and an overtime heartbreak against Newton North, and they were just inches away from a 7-3 record. But as the saying goes, "close only counts in horseshoes." Instead, both of those tight games slipped away, dropping the boys to 5-5.

2024-25 Lexington Varsity Hockey

Since those two losses, things have continued to trend downhill. Over the last five games, the Minutemen have struggled, posting a 1-4-1 record, with their only win coming against an over-matched Everett/Revere squad. Now sitting at 6-9-1 and needing to reach at least .500 to qualify for the playoffs, the margin for error is razor-thin—especially with two of their final four games coming against stronger opponents in Melrose and Shawsheen. They boys will need to go either 3-0-1 or 4-0-0 over their last four to qualify for the postseasons.

Hockey, like life, is full of challenges, making the final four games a true test for this team. The talent is there to get the job done, but the real question is which Minutemen squad will take the ice—the one that came out strong to start the season or the one that has stumbled through late January.

With back to back years of making the MIAA playoffs it would be nice to keep the string alive.

Stay tuned.