In a game that seemed destined to be a low scoring loss Boston was able to ride a hot goaltender to give them enough time to get a game winner.
This game was ugly early and it seemed like Boston was doomed to return to their anemic ways, with the first period seeing the shots favor the home team by a 12-2 margin. Aerin Frankel would hold Montreal off the board.
The second opened with leftover power play time for Montreal and they would take advantage. Frankel made the initial save but the puck bounced off and sat on the line where it was tapped in for the first goal of the series. At this point Boston was not showing much as to signs of life.
An early third period goal evened the game up and sparked Boston. The final frame saw both teams with high danger opportunities but both goalies had some spectacular stick saves to preserve the tie.
The OT was a back and forth affair and both teams left the arena knowing they could’ve won it. As overtimes usually do, in the end it was a rebound chance that was tapped in to finish the deal.
Game Notes
- Boston was BADLY outshot on the game 54-26, Boston was outshot in every period, never getting more then 8 shots in a frame, while giving up double digit chances each time.
- Goat-tender was tossed about a lot last night as Frankel made a PWHL record 53 saves on 54 shots. She kept Boston in the game long enough for the offense to show up to the game.
- A day off will be good for Boston as they will need to be sitting in ice baths tonight with the blocked shots and saves that were made. Saturday will be a different test as Montreal is obviously not happy and will likely come out even heavier somehow.
- The series opening win gives Boston home ice advantage for the series. Worst case scenario is Boston returns to Lowell tied up, best case scenario Tuesday’s game is a possible series clincher.