Playoffs Looming
It was a game of desperation as PWHL New York hosted PWHL Minnesota at UBS Arena. With the recently announced playoff structure, teams are now striving for that top-four spot in the standings that will grant them access to the postseason. Both teams came into the matinee matchup on a losing streak. While New York was winless in two, Minnesota had dropped their last three.
Despite Minnesota's recent poor play, New York would face a challenge due to the return of first overall pick Taylor Heise, who had missed the past five matches due to injury. Along with Heise, the club welcomed back Liz Schepers, strengthening themselves down the middle. Like everything in this league, a regulation win that could boost New York into a playoff position would not come easy. PWHL New York could not get the win as they were shut out, 2-0.
Period 1
It was Corinne Schroeder in net for New York, while Maddie Rooney received the nod for Minnesota as the puck dropped in Long Island. In the opening minute, Schroeder nearly gave the puck away while out of her net, but thankfully for the home team, Minnesota could not convert, and the game remained scoreless.
New York saw their first grade A chance nearly halfway through the first period. A shot from the blue line by defenseman Olivia Zafuto squeaked through to Rooney. Forward Paetyn Levis even had a chance on the rebound, but Rooney stayed strong, denying Levis.
The pucks came loose in the crease for both teams. Still, as the final horn blew after 20 minutes of play, New York and Minnesota returned to their locker rooms without a goal on the board yet. Neither had been called for a penalty yet, so special teams had not gained the chance to sway the game in one team's favor. With just pure 5-on-5 hockey on display, Minnesota ended the period leading in shots over New York by 11-5.
Period 2
Minnesota came out early in the second. With the puck on her stick, Grace Zumwinkle showed extreme patience, maneuvering around a New York defender and sending a backhand pass to Kelly Panneck. Panneck let it rip, shooting the puck top-shelf up and over Schroeder's shoulder, taking the lead just 90 seconds in the second period.
Shortly after, New York's Madison Packer was sent to the box for holding. Though Minnesota's power play was dead last at a conversion percentage of just 5.7%, it didn't take long for them to score. In a matter of two minutes, Minnesota was up by two goals. Unlike their previous one, this goal was not as smooth, with many bodies in front and a puck that squeezed past Schroeder. Ultimately, the goal was credited to forward Abby Boreen.
New York began to apply more pressure, but they couldn't find a way to beat Rooney. Due to this sudden push, they drew a penalty as Minnesota's Sophia Kunin was sent off for tripping, granting New York their first power play of the match. However, with just one shot on goal, Kunin came back onto the ice with New York still not on the board.
In the final minute, New York received another power play with Maggie Flaherty getting sent off for roughing. There was a slight surge in the lasting seconds of the second period, with New York testing Rooney with three shots on goal. Rooney remained solid, and the middle frame of action ended with Minnesota up by a pair of goals.
Period 3
New York came out strong with one minute of their man-advantage left. Once again, they couldn't get anything past Rooney. Minnesota began gaining control again as New York was sent to the kill with Jade Downie-Landry heading off for cross-checking, a minor penalty that Jessie Eldridge served. Minnesota only had one shot on goal, and New York had a chance at Rooney right after Eldridge was let out. Still, the score was deadlocked at 2-0 Minnesota.
Both teams had their fair share of chances, but no one could find the back of the net in the final 20 minutes of regulation. Despite New York's desperate attempts, Rooney denied any chances. As the game ended, Minnesota snapped their three-game losing streak, handing New York their third loss in a row.
Offensive Struggles
Maddie Rooney was perfect, stopping all 29 New York shots and capturing her second PWHL shutout in just six games. Schroeder was still outstanding, stopping 35 of 37 shots faced. Overall, goaltending on both sides was incredible, but New York's offensive ability was lacking in this matchup. Alex Carpenter's point streak was stopped at six games.
New York hopes to make a push for the playoffs as the second half of the PWHL season continues. Their next opportunity to grab a couple of points is next Saturday against this same Minnesota team.
- PWHL New York Stunned by Sarah Nurse's hat trick in 6-2 loss - April 30, 2024
- PWHL NY Winless Streak Extends to 7 in Loss to Ottawa - March 22, 2024
- PWHL NY dominated by PWHL Minnesota for 6th straight loss - March 17, 2024
