ANALYSIS – The Toronto Sceptres’ relentless pressure and ability to create scoring chances was a big reason why they won the game, despite the fantastic performance from Boston Fleet’s goaltender, Aerin Frankel.
Toronto Sceptres’ Relentless Pressure Played Big Role in Win
Sarah Nurse’s Short-Handed Goal Was a Game-Changer
At this point of the game, the Boston Fleet were up 1-0 and were on their second powerplay of the game. They already scored on the first power play they had when Hilary Knight scored for the Fleet.
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However, the first line of Sarah Nurse, Daryl Watts, and Izzy Daniel were able to score despite being shorthanded. The play started with Sarah Nurse winning the draw and then scoring the goal via a breakaway. This resulted in Boston’s powerplay ending because of the jailbreak rule that exists with the PWHL.
The Toronto Sceptres Had More Than 40 Shots On Goal
The Sceptres kept pressing and had some fantastic chances before Hannah Miller scored the game-winning goal. These chances included:
- Jocelyne Larocque’s shot from very close range got stopped by Boston Fleet’s goaltender, Frankel, who made an incredibly acrobatic save.
- Frankel had to make a big save on Julia Gosling’s shot.
Of course, the game-winning goal scored by Hannah Miller can be seen as controversial, as there might have been goaltending interference in the play. Still, it was not clear and obvious, and there might have been a chance the Fleet player was impeding the view of the Fleet goaltender. This is how Miller described scoring the goal against the Fleet (Source: The Canadian Press):
“It was pretty much a wide-open net, so I’m happy that I was able to put it in,” said Miller, who knocked in a rebound after her teammate Daryl Watts’ shot from the far side bounded right to her at the side of the goal.
Toronto Sceptres Played Well Defensively
The Sceptres made some good defensive plays throughout the game, this included:
- Renata Fast blocked a shot.
- Blayre Turnbull blocked a shot.
Goaltending was also a big reason the Toronto Sceptres won. Kristen Campbell made some big saves from point-blank range such as with an Alina Mueller shot and Mackinnon’s shot. Overall, she made 18 saves from 19 shots on goal and quietly had herself a stellar game.
As the game went on, the Sceptres did a better job at preventing Boston from getting into good goal-scoring positions. This played a role in the Sceptres eventually winning the game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Other Factors: Boston Fleets Aerin Frankel Was Fantastic
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Boston Fleet’s goaltender, Frankel, was the reason why the game remained so close. She made 38 saves with some spectacular acrobatic saves throughout the game. In addition, Hilary Knight continued her strong form from pre-season, scoring Boston’s lone goal as well as setting up Alina Muller for her team.
Also, there will be a review of Hilary Knight’s hit on Renata Fast.
It seemed like a body check from behind and it will be a play that will be reviewed by the PWHL.
The Sceptres will now travel to Canada’s national capital for a game on Tuesday against the Ottawa Charge. That game will take place at TD Place Arena at 7:00pm EST. This is while the Boston Fleet will play their home opener at Lowell’s Tsongas Center against the defending Walter Cup champions, the Minnesota Frost, on Wednesday at 7:00pm EST.
The game between Toronto and Ottawa will be shown exclusively on Amazon Prime while the game between Minnesota and Boston will be shown live on TSN as well as on YouTube.
Photo Credit: Toronto Sceptres X Account on November 30, 2024.
