3 Keys That Helped PWHL Minnesota Beat Toronto – Hockey Writers – PWHL

PWHL Minnesota made Professional Women’s Hockey League history again this season, claiming their first ever crown when they beat PWHL Toronto in Game 5 on Friday evening, May 17. They were on a two-game skid, losing Game 1 and Game 2. .on the road, but came back to win the next three and earn a spot against PWHL Boston in the finals.

PWHL Minnesota, an undefeated team, struggled in Game 1 but was better than its late regular season performance. They showed steady improvement in their play each game, turning the series around. In this article, we will look at various aspects of their game, starting with the lady in goal.

Rooney of the PWHL Minnesota Umi Mude

Maddie Rooney’s exceptional performance was one of the main reasons for PWHL Minnesota’s victory. Despite not winning Game 2, he played with unparalleled skill and determination, giving his team every opportunity to win. He saved money that seemed impossible, and even when he made a small mistake, he corrected it quickly. His performance was a true testament to his ability and composure under pressure.

Head coach Ken Klee talked about how calm Rooney was after Game 4, and he proved that in every game he played. Nothing seemed to bother him, and even when PWHL Toronto scored, he didn’t worry and continued to make saves that gave his team a chance. He had a .979 save percentage in four games and made 92 saves, allowing just two goals.

Rooney stepped up and made a save that looked like it would be a goal, but somehow, he managed to cross in time. He also shut out not once but twice and almost shut out a third time. His composure is unbelievable; his team will need more as they head towards the finals.

PWHL Minnesota’s Offensive Production

There weren’t many goals scored by either team, but PWHL Minnesota scored seven goals, and four players had an assist. Denisa Křížová was responsible for two of the seven, and Taylor Heise had the other two. Maggie Flaherty, Sophia Kunin, and Claire Butorac had three more, and Butorac had the game-winner in overtime to send it to Game 5.

Another way PWHL Minnesota came out on top is that everyone on the team did their best to score goals. To have a winning team, production needs to come from the entire program, and that’s something PWHL Minnesota has had all season. In addition to the goals, seven different players also tallied assists.

Sophie Jaques, Liz Schepers, and Lee Stecklein tied for the team lead with three assists apiece. Their captain, Kendall Coyne-Schofield, was behind them with two assistants; the other three became one after him. Another thing they will need when they face Boston next week if they hope to win more games.

PWHL Minnesota’s Determination Won

If you’ve watched any of the PWHL Minnesota games this season, you’ll learn that they have a level of determination about them that sets them apart. That determination took them from the first two losses of the series and made them win. Even when they went down, they kept playing very calmly.

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Like their goalkeeper, Rooney, they didn’t let anything faze them. Although they got physical a few times, maybe a little too much, they kept quiet and went back to business. They didn’t stay angry for long before they returned to their calm state. That level of composure is exactly what they need to advance to the finals. They can overcome everything if they can focus on what they have to do and not get too excited or angry.

PWHL Minnesota Can Win

PWHL Minnesota already showed they can win by taking down PWHL Toronto after coming back from a two game down. While PWHL Toronto is without their top scorer, Natalie Spooner, they still play a solid game and have the talent to win, just like PWHL Minnesota. They must continue these three things if they want to advance to PWHL Boston. They need Rooney, their all-around offensive product, and their overall composure. If they can do those things and continue to improve their game, they have a strong chance of bringing home the first ever Walter Cup.