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Game 24: PWHL NY VS PWHL MIN: The Final Game

May 4, 2024

Table of Contents

The Final Game

It seems like yesterday fans of the hockey world were tuning in to the first game in Professional Women’s Hockey League history. New York performed exceptionally well with a 4-0 win over PWHL Toronto, setting high expectations for their remaining 23 games. Unfortunately, they could not continue that terrific play, becoming the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention.

Locked at the bottom of the standings with a record of 4-4-3, New York has one chance to end the season on a high note, coming later today at 3:00 P.M. against PWHL Minnesota, a team still fighting for one of the final two remaining playoff spots. Luckily for New York, they will have the support of their fans, taking the ice for a final time at UBS Arena for the foreseeable future. It is Fan Appreciation Night at UBS Arena, and nothing shows more appreciation for your fans than a win.

Hey New York fans, tomorrow is for you!

Who are we going to see on Fan Appreciation Day at @UBSArena? pic.twitter.com/ugMt5xsGoR

— PWHL New York (@PWHL_NewYork) May 3, 2024

Some Questions Still Unanswered

Granted, there are still many question marks surrounding the team. New York could have a team name or logo by the time next season comes around. There isn’t a set home arena for the club yet either. Certain players could return to the roster, some could not. The future is uncertain, and the offseason could be a moment for the concerns to be settled. Still, that doesn’t mean the time off will be a bad thing for New York. In fact, it is full of some exciting moments that fans should be looking forward to.

PWHL Draft

Being eliminated first, New York had an enormous advantage over all of the other teams regarding the second PWHL Draft, as the handling of the draft order differs from the NHL's. Once a team is eliminated from the playoffs, every single point they collect in games following that are considered ‘Draft Order Points.’ The goal is to collect the most, and whichever team does gets the first pick in the upcoming draft.

With their 4-3 come-from-behind win over Ottawa, New York cemented their spot as the holder of the first pick in this upcoming draft. This is an incredible opportunity for New York to add a show-stopping player to their already talented roster that could help boost their team into a playoff berth next season. Furthermore, this player would provide more offensive support around the Alex Carpenters and Ella Sheltons of the group. No matter who they choose, the player is certain to make a positive impact on the team.

End on a High Note

Though the outcome of this game does not affect their performance next season, pulling out a win against a desperate Minnesota team gives New York a good taste in their mouths heading into the offseason. Additionally, it gives the fans something to remember them by.

However, while the season didn’t exactly turn out the way anyone on New York’s side hoped it would, it has been a historical year for the world of women’s hockey, and there is no doubt that New York’s presence has boosted the confidence and growth of girls in this sport around the metropolitan area.

There is so much more to come for both PWHL and New York, and as the crowd surrounding women’s ice hockey continues to expand in popularity and representation, the team is sure to follow suit.