ST. Paul — Finally.
2:12 into the second period of Game 3 of the PWHL Playoffs, Minnesota found the back of the net.
Maggie Flaherty's second goal of the year was a shot from the top of the circle that weaved through traffic to put the University of Minnesota on the scoreboard for the first time in the best-of-five series. On Monday night, the team survived a PWHL semifinal loss to top-seeded Toronto and remained the winner with Minnesota's 2-0 win.
This record beat the team goal of 159:51. He hasn't scored since the final regular season game in New York on May 4.
“We had a great chance and it was just a matter of time before we broke through,” said forward Liz Shepards, who assisted on both goals in her first multi-point game in the PWHL. “A quick play from low to high, McGee hit a great shot off a screen.
“I think we can take a breather there and realize we can do this.”
Minnesota's victory in front of a small but always energetic crowd of 3,344 at Xcel Energy Center marked the team's first playoff victory in the first round of the playoffs. It was also a tough loss for Minnesota this season, going 0-7. Minnesota returns to the X for Game 4 on Wednesday night and carries a similar message to Game 3.
“The message was we needed to win one game,” Minnesota coach Ken Clay said. “that's it.
“I’m certainly happy with today’s result.”
Maddie Rooney made 18 saves to help end Toronto's six-game winning streak, which had not been shut out since the season opener on Jan. 1. (MHM Photo/Rick Olson)
Minnesota goalie Maddie Rooney made her second consecutive start and earned a shutout victory with 18 saves. She also kept Toronto off the scoreboard for nearly the entire second game until Jesse Compher scored with 1:25 left in regulation time. On Monday, Minnesota fans showed their love for Looney by chanting his last name during the game while waving white PWHL playoff towels.
“The chants are always fun,” Rooney said, praising his teammates in front of him for their defense. “We had a lot of blocked shots today. It was a really fun atmosphere clearing rebounds and playing back home building when they were there.”
End a long losing streak with a victory
It's been about seven weeks since Minnesota last won a game, an exciting shootout win against Montreal on March 24th. They had won five straight heading into the international break. However, that momentum disappeared and the regular season ended with an 0-5 record, with Minnesota returning to the PWHL playoffs as the No. 4 seed thanks to a loss to Ottawa on the final day of the regular season. It reached its climax. .
They spent most of the season in first or second place in a six-team league, with not only an eye on making the playoffs, but home-ice advantage as well.
In Game 3, Minnesota's third line produced points. Flaherty, a Lakeville native, scored the first goal, with assists from Shepards, a Mound Westonka native, and Claire Butorac, an Andover native. It was Flaherty's first goal since Valentine's Day. The Shepherds scored for the first time since January 27th.
Melissa Channel and a Toronto player tangle on the boards in game three. (MHM Photo/Rick Olson)
Their second goal, about six minutes after the first, was a bit of luck from the hockey gods and probably made up for some tough bounces and situations recently. Toronto goalie Kristen Campbell, who entered the game with a 153:34 shutout streak, had no idea where the puck was underneath her in the crease when it was sent into her zone. Denisa Kryzova was right there to score her fourth goal of the year.
“It was definitely good to finally get a bounce for us,” Clay said. “Now I can breathe a little easier.”
Toronto was 'unconventional'
While Minnesota felt confident with the win it needed to extend its season, the Toronto game was followed by what manager Troy Ryan called “a very long locker room chat.” He called Monday's game the team's “worst game of the year.” They were outscored 11-2 in the first period and 22-9 through the second period.
“I can't say that any of us, our staff or players, were happy with that performance,” Ryan said. “That's a little out of character. Our passing missed.
“Just by not doing the little things, our group was able to have success all year. We have to be better in all areas, without a doubt.”
Whether it was Toronto not playing like themselves or Minnesota finally getting things going their way, Clay said he was proud of his team's effort and resilience.
When asked for a word to describe the game, Rooney cited the word “resilient.” Shepards also called Minnesota a “resilient group” in that the coaching staff and team leaders have done a good job of instilling belief within the team through this tough winless period. is. Shepards said they haven't felt their trust in each other diminish even though they've had a number of close games.
“It's great to get back in the win column tonight. It was obviously a big moment,” Shepards said. “But it's a credit to the character of our group and the fact that we never quit on each other.
“We are working on this issue now.”
