Kelly Pannek and Abby Boreen scored two minutes, 22 seconds apart early in the second period and Maddie Rooney made 29 saves to lift Minnesota to a 2-0 win over host New York on Sunday in Professional Women’s Hockey League action.
Minnesota (6-2-3-4) ended a three-game losing streak and vaulted into second place in the PWHL standings with 25 points. New York (2-4-2-6), which has lost three straight, sits in last place with 16 points.
“Those are three huge points for us,” said Minnesota Head Coach Ken Klee. We played well in every facet of the game today. We put pressure on New York, didn’t give them many good looks, and Maddie Rooney shut the door. It was a total team effort today.”
Minnesota got the only goal it would need just 1:33 into the second period when Denisa Křížová stole the puck in the New York end, and found Grace Zumwinkle in the left circle. Zumwinkle centred to Pannek, who had an easy one-timer for her second goal.
Boreen was credited with her third goal on the power play at 3:55, courtesy of a scramble in front of the goal.
Minnesota also got Taylor Heise, the top overall draft pick, back after she missed five games with an injury.
Minnesota had 27 shots on goal and Corrine Schroeder had 25 saves for New York. Both teams had two power plays.
WATCH l CBC Sports’ Hockey North looks at best moments around the PWHL:
Host Rob Pizzo is joined by Saroya Tinker to break down the biggest stories from Week 8 of the PWHL season.
Source Agencies
