There are no beauty points in the playoffs, just wins and losses and Boston found a way.
When it matters most the best players step up. Tonight saw both goalies make absolutely insane saves to keep their respective teams in it. No one would be able to fault the losing goalie no matter the result , unfortunately for Minnesota Hensley was the only one beaten by a clean goal. Alina Mueller decided she wanted to play just one more game this season, showing why Boston was so keen to select her third.
Getting the elephant out of the room right before Mueller sniped the puck past Hensley former Boston defender Jaques put one past Frankel, problem was Heise had already slide tackled her way into Frankel completely taking her out before Jaques put the puck under her glove. This was initially called a good goal, and Minnesota was in full celebration, only to have to gather their equipment to continue on. Tapani must have some mixed emotions there after her Finish team had a similar situation occur in 2019 where they thought they had wone gold on home ice only to have it disallowed and then lose the game.
Most of the game was back and forth with ebbs and flows for each team. Both sides had plenty of moments where if they lost you could point to that moment and say they coulda, shoulda, woulda.
Game Notes
- For the first time all playoffs Boston wasn’t outshot. Instead the winning shot by Mueller tied the tally at 33-33. Boston went most of the second period with out a shot which was endemic of this season. Thought they still ended up winning the total that period.
- This was why the goalies were hyped, even if it was Rooney that got the mentions for Minnesota Hensley had been stellar all year and easily could be drinking from a trophy right now.
- The arena was absolutely electric and made their displeasure clear when the Minnesota goal was overturned. It’s up to Boston to one up them in Lowell.
- Special teams has been a nightmare, no other way to put it. Tonight saw flashes of decent but still unable to sustain pressure. Only one game left to add a playoff PP, will that be the difference?
- What can you say about a deciding game on home ice that isn’t already known? No need to be hyperbolic but Wednesday night will be a historic event.