Game 1 of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Final between PWHL Boston and PWHL Minnesota went to PWHL Boston, but Game 2 went in favor of PWHL Minnesota. Game 2 started the same way as Game 1, with PWHL Minnesota jumping ahead, but they held it without problems this time. The scoring started late in the first with two quick goals by PWHL Minnesota, and they held PWHL Boston off the scoreboard throughout the first.
The second was scoreless for both sides, including a goal for PWHL Boston, which was waved off by the referee. In the third, PWHL Minnesota added an empty netter to extend their lead to 3-0. They continued their strong defense and kept PWHL Boston off the scoreboard completely to close out their third game of the playoffs. PWHL Minnesota’s Sophie Jaques had an outstanding game, and that’s where we’ll start.
PWHL Minnesota’s Jaques Standout
While the top line and scoring are outstanding, one player has stepped up a notch in the postseason. PWHL Minnesota’s Sophie Jaques really showed what kind of player she is this postseason, and in Game 2, she contributed not one but two goals. He didn’t lose sight of his priorities as a defender, either. Played solid defense throughout the game, including a great stick to stop Hillary Knight.
With PWHL Minnesota, it’s always a team effort with a player or two stepping up to contribute goals. Jaques was that player, and he produced offensively and defensively, too, which is needed against a team like PWHL Boston. Hopefully he continues to improve as the series goes on and contribute even more.
PWHL Minnesota’s Top Line Contributors
The line combination of Taylor Heise, Michela Cava, and Kendall Coyne-Schofield was electric during the regular season. They have never disappointed as they have been sent back to the postseason. Their line did everything right for their team as Cava passed through the gap to his teammate Coyne-Schofield, but ended up beating the PWHL Boston player in.
They had more chances throughout the night, and while they didn’t score, they continued to get shots and force chances. While the top line contributed, the rest of the team also had opportunities. They also did everything they could to prevent PWHL Boston from getting out of their zone effectively by cycling with the puck in the offensive zone rather than sitting still.
PWHL Minnesota will need this type of performance from their top line in every game. Their chemistry and play elevates the rest of the team, and they all play better.
PWHL Minnesota’s Defense Is Stepping Up
PWHL Minnesota opted to change the net for Game 2, walking Nicole Hensley. He went up a lot. He made save after save, including several that kept his team tied or in the lead. He made 20 saves in every game and earned his first shutout of the season. He also stood tall as his team took four penalties throughout the game to help keep their penalty kill at 100 percent.
Hensley not only helped his team win, but so did the defense in front of him. If he let go of any rebounds, his defensive teammates were there to block the shot or push the puck away from their goal.
Related: PWHL Minnesota vs. Boston: 2024 Walter Cup Preview
Hensley and his teammates’ defense kept PWHL Boston at bay. They earned their first series win, forcing a two-game sweep in Minnesota. Hopefully, Hensley can keep his strong play going, and help propel his team forward.
PWHL Minnesota Can Win
PWHL Minnesota has done well at home so far this postseason, and both Games 3 and 4 will be at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Louis. Paul on their home ice. They will be energized by the home crowd and the familiarity of their ranks. They have been steadily improving their game throughout the postseason, and it will be interesting to see the next step they take in Game 3.
Hopefully, Hensley can continue his strong play in net, and his defensive teammates can step up to block shots along with Jaques and the rising top line. They can win if they can continue this type of play with a little improvement and a team effort.
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