Your Boston Fleet wrapped up their never-ending, years-long, 6 game road trip with an afternoon tilt vs. the Ottawa Charge at TD Place in Ontario. It took some extra hockey, but the Fleet end their trip on a high note: securing the W and the extra point with an OT win 2-1 in front of another sell-out crowd.
This game featured the last 2 net minders out of Northeastern University and during their respective times at Historic Matthews Arena, these 2 beauties were amongst the best of the best. Aerin Frankel left Goalie U with 180 goals allowed in 139 games played, which translates to a 1.31GAA and a .949% save percentage with 39 shutouts and 7 assists (and a Patty Kaz, not a big deal). Then, just when the other Hockey East teams thought they’d have a better chance against the Huskies, into the net comes Gwyneth Philips who allowed 86 goals in 104GP. Her numbers? 0.96GAA and a .958% save percentage with 22 shutouts and 2 apples.
When I saw that today’s game featured these 2 facing each other for the first time in their professional careers, I would have bet the house it was going to be a close one-goal game with under 3.5 goals combined. Frankel-stein vs. The Great Wall of Gwyneth? This was must see TV and it lived up to the hype. Score this one for Frankel and the Fleet, but what a game. Here’s hoping we’ll see these 2 square off for years to come. This could turn into the PWHL version of Brodeur vs. Roy (yes I’m dating myself with that reference).
Ottawa opened up the scoring as the newly acquired players both figured into this tally. Ashton Bell got the puck to Jocelyne Larocque walking down the slot and Larocque got all of this one. Her clapper skimmed off a defender and then caromed past Frankel off Victoria Bach’s leg. 1-0 Charge and as they said on the feed: Larocque to Bach.
Just past midway the Fleet answered back with a Sidney Morin goal. Alina Müller was on her horse and carried the puck into the Charge zone before dropping the puck to Jessica Digirolamo at the top of the RW circle. Digirolamo put the puck on net and Morin stashed this one under the sprawled out Philips for the tying goal. As every coach from peewee to the pros says: Good things happen when you go to the net.
That score held until OT. There was a Hannah Bilka goal later in the 2nd, but after a review it was ruled that the puck was kicked into the OTT net. There wasn’t a lot of push back from the BOS bench and Bilka herself had a whole “Steve Urkel” vibe with a big grin going on while lining up for the face-off. No harm no foul I guess.
OTT had a great chance in the 3rd with Brianne Jenner on the doorstep, but Frankel beat her across and kept this one tied heading into OT. I don’t blame Jenner for starting her celly, Frankel was lighting quick coming across the goalmouth.
In the OT period both squads had chances, but (as we’ve discussed) these are 2 of the best net-minders on the planet. I would have thought this one was heading to a shootout, but Morin called game. Shay Maloney forced a turnover at the bottom of the LW circle and Hannah Brandt jumped on the loose puck. Maloney drove the net and Brandt found Morin walking down the slot. Morin’s shot found home through a forest of players and sticks as she went top shelf over the blocker for the game-winner.
Some observations from the couch:
- Can a league wide memo be issued to every commentator and play by play person to lay off Müller? Are you happy now that she got on the scoresheet? All the talk about her production ignores the other ways she impacts a game. Ask any single one of her teammates if she’s hurting or helping the squad? I know you need storylines, but ffs.
- Stick taps to Jessica Adolfsson for a huge eat late in the game with BOS on the PP. Adolfsson took the heavy shot to the body and cleared it out. Great play.
- Once again Kelly Babstock impacted the game with limited minutes (although those minutes have been increasing game by game). Anytime you want to come on the podcast Babs, just let us know.
- Nice touch from OTT to have the players not only arrive in their junior jerseys, but they also did their walk-ins with the Nepean Wildcats U11 team’s players. Talk about making lifelong memories! To be honest, I’m not sure which team had more fun with this!
What a way to end the roadie – now the Fleet get to enjoy an 11 day break before they square off against TOR at home while the Charge host those same Sceptres on Tuesday.
And lastly, if you haven’t seen them, I was fortunate enough to interview both Frankel and Philips back in their college days. Great talks with both of them even if I did forget to hit record with Frankel the first time. If you’re reading this Aerin, I still feel bad.
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The Morning Skate 