PREVIEW: Boston Hopes to Keep Good Times Going in Minnesota

Boston is hitting the road again, as they visit Minnesota tonight while looking to build off Sunday’s exhilarating 3-2 OTW over New York.

The Basics: Weds, Mar 13 @ MIN- 8 p.m. EDT, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN (NESN+, Bally Sports North, Sportsnet Pittsburgh, TSN, PWHL Youtube Channel)

What to Expect

Boston and Minnesota have split their previous two meetings this season. Minnesota took the first one in Lowell 3-2 back on January 3rd. Minnesota came out with fire while Boston came out flat, and Boston couldn’t overcome the early deficit they put themselves in. Then, on February 25th, Boston left Minnesota with a 2-0 win thanks to a lights-out performance from Aerin Frankel.

Boston is coming into this game fresh off perhaps their best team game of the season. After several games of the same problems, Boston finally brought urgency from puck drop, and they got tons of quality shots on goal. Had it not been for Abbey Levy standing on her head, they easily could’ve blown New York out of the water instead of going to overtime. But, regardless, Boston hopes to bring that same energy tonight and keep building momentum heading into the stretch run of the season.

As for Minnesota, they’ve had a little over a week off. Their most recent game was last Tuesday, a 4-3 SOW over Ottawa. Minnesota jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period before Ottawa roared back to take the 3-2 lead shortly into the second on the back of two power-play goals. But, Minnesota managed to tie it in the third before winning the shootout. They’ve been solid all year, and thanks to the week off, they’ll be the fresher tonight as they look to secure a regulation win to throw their hat into the first-place tie ring.

In goal, expect to see Nicole Hensley for Minnesota. Both of Minnesota’s goaltenders have been outstanding, and that’s earned them pretty equal playing time lately. Rooney has started the past two games following two starts from Hensley, so it makes sense for Hensley to start tonight. She’s also started both games against Boston this season, and she’s certainly done her part in both games. Hensley is 3-2-1-3 on the season, with a 1.98 GAA and 0.930 SV% (both fourth in the league).

Meanwhile, look for Frankel to get back in goal tonight for Boston. She stole them the game last time they were in Minnesota, and Boston will be hoping she brings that magic again while shaking off being pulled last week against Toronto. Plus, Emma Söderberg started their previous game, and while she played great, she hasn’t been given consecutive starts since January 17th and 20th. Frankel has also started both games against Minnesota this season, so all things considered, it would be a bit of a surprise if it isn’t her. Frankel is 3-1-2-4 on the season, with a 2.02 GAA (sixth in the league) and 0.931 SV% (third in the league).

Boston’s Key to the Game

Build on Sunday's momentum. Against New York, Boston finally looked like the team that many expected they could be. They were extremely dangerous offensively, mostly solid defensively, and their goaltending was there when needed. They also brought urgency from puck drop after waiting until they were trailing to turn it on in the past several games. If they bring that same game again tonight, they’ll put themselves in a good spot to win. But, if they slip back into any frustrating old habits, they’ll likely be heading into the showcase weekend disappointed.