Boston falls to Montreal in OT
Stacey nets winner before big crowd in Lowell
LOWELL >> Laura Stacey added an exciting new chapter in the Boston-Montreal hockey rivalry.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League forward scored the game-winning goal in overtime, as Montreal topped Boston, 2-1, on Sunday. It was Montreal’s first-ever trip to the Mill City in front of a crowd of 4,210 at the Tsongas Center.
The game served as sweet revenge for Montreal (4-2-2-1) after Boston (2-3-02) spoiled its home opener with a 4-3 overtime victory on Jan. 13 at a sold-out Verdun Auditorium. Amanda Pelkey was the overtime hero that night, netting her first of the season.
Stacey evened the score this time around, taking a feed from Erin Ambrose to net the game-winner just 2:36 into the extra session.
“We’re disappointed,” said Boston coach Courtney Kessel. “It was a great game. Both sides played some great hockey. I’d love to see us create more offensive chances. We’ve just got to find the back of the net. We could have took the game in the third, but we’re building and going the right way.”
Ambrose gave Montreal the lead late in the first period. The defenseman powered her way out of the right corner to the goal crease, before snapping a crisp backhander past Aerin Frankel at 15:59. Marie-Philip Poulin and Maureen Murphy picked up the assists. Montreal held a 1-0 lead at the first intermission.
Jamie Lee Rattray tried to provide a second-period spark for Boston. The energetic winger, who was promoted to Boston’s top line with Alina Müller and Loren Gabel, skated in on a great individual rush, but was stymied by Montreal goalie Elaine Chuli on the shot and subsequent rebound early in the stanza.
According to Kessel, Rattray is the perfect person to pick that line up, especially with team captain Hilary Knight off to a somewhat slow start.
“I think those two need someone that’s going to get them the puck and play physical,” said Kessel. “And we have to find a way to get Knight going, so that’s our hope with Ratty. I think they did a good job.”
Meanwhile, Frankel (28 saves) held her own, making a snapping glove save off a Kati Tabin screen shot.
Boston was unable to sustain a lot of offensive pressure in the middle period, coming up empty on two power play chances. Despite outshooting Montreal 8-6 in the second period, Boston still trailed 1512 in that department by the second intermission.
Sophie Shirley provided the spark Boston was searching for. The forward took advantage of a turnover behind the Montreal net. Hannah Brandt broke up the play, feeding Shirley the outlet pass for the onetimer past Chuli (27 saves), tying game at 1-1 at 4:12 of the third period.
“It was a chip to Hannah,” said Shirley. “She made a really good forecheck play, was able to take the body, and was able to sweep it to me right out in front. I just tried to shoot it as hard as I can. It was really nice to see that go in.”
It was Shirley’s first career PWHL goal.
“I think it’s super cool,” said Shirley. “It kind of sucks that we weren’t able to come out with a win, but it’s one that I will remember.”
“(Sophie’s) been tremendous,” said Kessel. “She’s a young player coming out of Wisconsin that probably didn’t have to play defense, because they’re that good. It’s nice to see her commit to playing defense, trying to add different tools to her toolbox. We all know she’s an offensively gifted player. She’s someone we’re relying on in situations that to be honest I didn’t think we would at this point in the year. I’m thrilled for her.”
Montreal outshot Boston 11-8 in the third period, and 27-24 entering the extra session.
Held scoreless in Sunday’s
action, Müller is tied for first in league scoring with nine points in eight games, including a league-leading seven assists. Gabel (three goals) and Jamie Lee Rattray (four assists) are tied for second on the team with five points. Knight got her first two points of the season last Saturday against Minnesota, including the overtime winner.
The game marked Montreal forward Jillian Dempsey’s first professional game in the Bay State. The 33-year-old from Winthrop played eight seasons for the PHF’s Boston Pride, including six as captain, capturing three Isobel Cup championships.