Goal by Goal: Riveters win NWHL play-in game, 5-2

In the first ever play-in game in NWHL history, the Metropolitan Riveters defeated the Connecticut Whale, 5-2.

The wild game opened with four goals in the first period. On the Whale, Katerina Mrázová used her speed and silky hands to set up the first goal and then score the second goal. The second period was littered with penalties. Nine different penalties were called — five on the Riveters and four on the Whale. In the third, Audra Richads and Alexa Gruschow secured the game for the reigning Isobel Cup champions.

The Riveters will head to Minnesota to face the top seed Whitecaps in front of a sold out crowd on Sunday.

WHALE GOAL - Emily Fluke (Katerina Mrázová) at 14:57 in the first period

Whale - 1
Riveters - 0

RIVETERS GOAL - Courtney Burke (Miye D’Oench) at 10:28 in the first period

Whale - 1
Riveters - 1

WHALE GOAL - Katerina Mrázová (Shannon Doyle, Jordan Brickner) at 8:32 in the first period

Whale - 2
Riveters - 1

RIVETERS GOAL - Alexa Gruschow (Jenny Ryan) at 5:15 in the first period

Whale - 2
Riveters - 2

RIVETERS GOAL - Audra Richards (Kristin Lewicki) at 17:26 in the third period

Whale - 2
Riveters - 3

RIVETERS GOAL - Alexa Gruschow at 3:31 in the third period

Whale - 2
Riveters - 4

RIVETERS GOAL - Audra Richards (empty net) in the third period

Whale - 2
Riveters - 5

just imagine a puck sailing into an empty net, it’s a mental gif