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Exciting Victory Secures Postseason Berth for Boston
In a thrilling Professional Women’s Hockey League regular-season finale at the Tsongas Center on Saturday, Boston secured a spot in the postseason with a heart-pounding 4-3 victory over Montreal. The game saw Boston blow a three-goal lead in the third period before Kaleigh Fratkin’s late goal sealed the win with just 80 seconds remaining.
A Glimpse Into the Action
The dramatic turn of events in the final minutes of the game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. Fratkin’s game-winning goal, her second of the season, was assisted by Jessica Digirolamo and Susanna Tapani, breaking the tie just moments after Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin had leveled the score.
Boston, needing a regulation victory to secure a playoff spot and prevent Minnesota from clinching, came out strong with goals from Hilary Knight, Alina Müller, and Megan Keller to build a commanding 3-0 lead. However, Montreal staged a valiant comeback in the third period, drawing level with goals from Mikyla Grant-Mentis, Mariah Keopple, and Poulin.
Despite Montreal’s late surge, Boston held on for the win with standout performances from key players like Fratkin, Knight, and Tapani, who all contributed significantly to the team’s success. Ann-Renée Desbiens put in a solid effort for Montreal, making 31 saves, while Boston’s Aerin Frankel stood tall with crucial saves in the final moments to secure the victory.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
With the win, Boston clinched their spot in the postseason, capping off an impressive run of form that saw them claim 13 out of a possible 15 points in their final five matches. Toronto, already guaranteed the top seed, will now have the luxury of choosing their first-round opponent between the third and fourth seeds, while Montreal will face the remaining seed with home-ice advantage.
As the regular season draws to a close, all eyes will be on the final matchup between Ottawa and Toronto, with playoff implications hanging in the balance. Ottawa has the opportunity to grab the last playoff spot and eliminate Minnesota with a regulation victory over the league leaders, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
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