In Focus After Four: PWHL New York Proving to Be the Ones to Beat

PWHL New York is 2-2-0 after its first four games of the season and things are just getting started. What makes New York the team to beat?

The Season So Far

The first-ever PWHL game set the tone for the season. Defender Ella Shelton scored the first goal in league history and the flood gates opened. New York shutout Toronto in a 4-0 victory. Goaltender Corinne Schroeder made 29 saves in her debut.

New York fell short in their first two home games, though. It was a back-and-forth game in their match-up against Toronto but were ultimately bested.

Marie-Philip Poulin snapped her nine-month goalless drought when Montreal visited Long Island. She scored not one, not two, but three goals in Montreal's 5-2 win over New York.

In their latest win, New York handed Minnesota its first loss of the season in a 3-2 overtime win. Emma Woods completed the comeback with her first goal of the season. Schroeder set a league record for most shots saved in a single game with 39.

One of the most impressive things about New York is that they never take their foot off the gas. There is a level of competitiveness and hunger that shows up for the full 60 minutes and then some. Their roster is filled with two-way players and playmakers. Now can they string a couple of wins together?

Who's Hot?

Schroeder has held it down for New York. She leads the league with the most saves and is tied with Maddie Rooney for shutouts with one apiece. Schroeder is ranked third amongst goaltenders with a .942 SV% and 1.96 GAA. There is no doubt that she is a brick wall. Schroeder holds up her end of the ice while her teammates do their thing.

Ella Shelton leads the team in scoring with six points (2G, 4A). Half of her points come on the powerplay, including one goal. Shelton may be a defender but is more than capable of finding the back of the net.

Right behind Shelton is Alex Carpenter with three goals and two assists. Carpenter has also come alive on the powerplay recording one goal and one assist. Ahead of the season, Carpenter was touted as a force to be reckoned with. She has lived up to those expectations just four games in.

Injury Bug Bites Early

Injuries are nearly unavoidable in sports and New York is not immune.

Captain Micah Zandee-Hart went into camp with an undisclosed injury and only played in the first game of the season. Black Rosie Media reported what Zandee-Hart's injury status is recently:

Jill Saulnier was placed on long-term injured reserve earlier this month after suffering a lower-body injury. Saulnier recorded one goal in the season opener.

Madison Packer sustained an injury during an intrasquad game during camp. She ended up missing the first game but has suited up since. Packer is still searching for her first point.

The Next Four

New York rounds out the first month of the season with these next four games. They play the next three of four on the road before wrapping it up at home:

Jan. 16 at Bell Place against Montreal (2-1-1). Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Tsongas Center against Boston (1-1-1) Puck drop is set for 12:30 P.M.

Jan. 26 at Mattamy Arena Center against Toronto (1-3-0). Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.

They return home to Total Mortgage Arena on Jan 28, when Minnesota comes to visit. Puck drop is set for 1:00 p.m.