ST. PAUL, Minn.
— In a thrilling matchup, Jesse Compher delivered the decisive moment for the Toronto Sceptres by executing a one-timer from the center of the ice, successfully beating Maddie Rooney of the Minnesota Frost to secure a 2-1 victory. This win allows the Sceptres to claim sole possession of second place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
The encounter saw both teams entering with an even 29 points each, currently trailing the top-ranked Montréal squad by five points, while maintaining a one-point lead over the fourth-place Boston team. The latest triumph boosts Toronto’s point total to 32, now positioned just two points behind the league leaders from Montréal.
Furthermore, this victory marked Toronto’s sixth consecutive win, also their first triumph over the Frost in three encounters this season.
The game started with Minnesota taking the lead early on through Michela Cava, who netted a power play goal in the first period. With a precise short pass from Dominique Petrie, Cava maneuvered near the crease, exploited a moment of vulnerability from Toronto’s goalie Kristen Campbell, and successfully lifted the puck to score, giving Minnesota a 1-0 edge.
Toronto managed to equalize shortly after when Minnesota’s Brooke McQuigge received a five-minute major penalty for a dangerous head check, resulting in a game misconduct late in the second period. Capitalizing on the power play, the Sceptres’ Emma Maltais unleashed a wrist shot from the top of the slot, finding its way past Rooney just as the power play was nearing its conclusion, tying the game at 1-1.
Since launching their win streak on January 25 with a 4-2 victory over the Sirens, the Sceptres have impressively converted on 48% of their power play chances.
In goal, Campbell made a noteworthy 22 saves out of 23 shots faced, clinching her fifth win of the season. Rooney, on the other hand, recorded 21 saves on 23 shots and holds a season record of 7-4-1-1.
Looking ahead, Toronto has the opportunity to leap into first place with a regulation win against the Victoire this upcoming Tuesday in Montréal. Meanwhile, Minnesota, having just concluded a four-game road stint, will enjoy a 10-day break before their next game against the Victoire on March 4.
