Going into the 2021 Isobel Cup Playoffs, the Boston Pride vs. Toronto Six game was expected to be a contentious matchup, which it was ¾ though only for the first half of the game. Unfortunately for the Six, things quickly fell apart late in the second period during which the Pride scored two consecutive goals within 40 seconds…for the second time. Let’s breakdown the Isobel Cup Semi-Finals match.
Considering that after the suspended season resumed; Toronto was ranked as the top seed with Boston sitting at fourth, it would not be a far cry to call tonight’s outcome unexpected.
In a demonstration of grit and passion characteristic of the Six’s head coach Digit Murphy, though; Toronto played it out to the end.
Despite the five-goal gap looming over the Canadians’ heads; Mikyla Grant-Mentis slipped in her first goal of the evening at the closing of the game. Though yesterday’s tilt may not have been her most impressive play, Grant-Mentis’s skill has been a huge asset for her team this season.
Leading the NWHL in goals, game-winning goals, and points per game average, the young player’s future with the Six is certainly promising.
Assisting Breanne Wilson-Bennett to score the first(Toronto Six) goal of the evening, Grant-Mentis made an impressive backhand shot, leaving Wilson-Bennett a tremendous opportunity to simply shovel the puck in for a goal.
Though she is a commendable player, Grant-Mentis is far from being the only noteworthy talent on her roster. Toronto Six goalie Elaine Chuli, for one, is in the lead amongst goalies for most wins.
The Pride, too, can boast its impressive roster. Defencewoman Kaleigh Fratkin leads the league in points and assists, while Jillian Dempsey leads in powerplay goals. Then, there’s Sammy Davis, the first overall pick in the 2020 WNHL Draft.
Throughout the initial ten minutes of the match, each team’s offensive control ebbed and flowed. This flow was interrupted when the Six made the mistake of failing to close defensive gaps when they needed the most.
Forwards like Sammy Davis and Tereza Vanisova just can’t be allowed to skate into the crease while they’re in possession. When facing other teams, the Six’s defensive faux-pas may not have resulted in catastrophic outcomes. But the Pride sure knows what to do with extra room.
When it comes down to it; the Pride are an offensive powerhouse. After all, six different players scored six different goals tonight. Boston worked hard for its win; pushing through for long enough to catch breaks in the Six’s generally solid defensive play.
Thanks to all their hard work; the Pride will go on to face the Minnesota Whitecaps at 7 PM EST on March 27th as they battle it out to claim the Isobel Cup.
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