The good times are rolling on as Boston stays hot, this time they were able to do it in regulation.
Stop me when you’ve heard this before, but it was a slow start for Boston. They had no shots for seven minutes and received the first penalty of the game after a mere 10 seconds. In that period Minnesota was able to sneak a wrap around shot past Frankel that she most likely would want back. Once Boston finally took a shot they immediately capitalized on the ensuing rebound where it was tapped in, by shocker here, Tapani.
The second period was unlike anything like we’ve seen in the playoffs. Both teams after having stellar goaltending performances in the semifinals had a volley of goals. Both teams were a little sloppy in their defensive zones and set up a five goal period. Leaving the top pick in the draft alone on the back door is never a good plan and then letting her have a point blank shot in the slot doesn’t help, as Heise netted two goals to keep Minnesota in the game. A little after the halfway point veteran Minnesota native Gigi Marvin willed the puck into the danger area for Taylor Wenczkowski to slot in behind Rooney. A few minutes later Gopher alum Hannah Brandt would put Boston ahead for the first time in the series. Towards the end of the period the second Heise goal found its way behind Frankel despite some confusion on the ice from players and officials. A mere 15 seconds later Jessica Healy would put the puck on net, where it caught a stick and fluttered over the shoulder of Rooney to give Boston their final lead of the night.
The third period saw the goalies return to form as both sides made some incredible saves. Boston would also have to kill off two penalties and defend against the extra attacker for more then a minute and a half at the end of the game.
Game Notes
- Boston was once again outshot, this time it was a 33-22 margin, never reaching double digit shots in a period.
- Frankel’s save tally has been going down since her historic start to the playoffs, tonight was only 30. This is primarily due to the Boston defense reducing the opportunities to shoot and blocking a ton of shots.
- Brandt only scored one goal in the game but her stick was responsible for two tallies. After the game she described handing her stick off to Wenczkowski right before she scored the second Boston goal. Brandt would then add the third goal a couple of minutes later.
- After lots of criticism a mostly full Tsongas Center came to life for the entirety of the game. The crowd was roaring after the goals and as standing cheering as the clock ticked down to another Boston playoff victory.
- Game 2 will remain in Lowell as these two teams meet on Tuesday night.