Minnesota Frost and Boston Fleet Battle for Playoff Spot

LOWELL, Mass. — The Minnesota Frost and Boston Fleet face off Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET at the Tsongas Center, with critical playoff implications on the line. Minnesota can secure a playoff berth with a regulation win, while Boston needs at least a point to clinch a spot in the postseason.

Both teams enter the game with different playoff scenarios. The Frost have a record of 9-5-4-11 with 41 points, placing them fifth in the standings. Their top scorer, Kendall Coyne Schofield, has registered 23 points this season. Boston, slightly ahead in the standings, sits third with a 9-6-5-9 record and 44 points, boasting leading scorer Hilary Knight, who has accumulated 29 points this season.

The stakes are high. If Minnesota wins in regulation, they will secure their spot, or they can also clinch with an overtime or shootout win, depending on the outcome of the game between Ottawa and Toronto. Meanwhile, Boston needs to earn at least one point from the matchup or rely on an Ottawa loss to book their playoff ticket.

Recent performances highlight both teams’ strengths. The Frost are coming off a strong showing, having defeated Ottawa 3-0 on Wednesday, keeping their playoff hopes alive. In contrast, Boston faces pressure after losing to the Victoire in their last game, ending a streak of points earned.

Key players to watch include Frost’s Lee Stecklein, who scored her first two goals of the season against Ottawa, and Nicole Hensley, who recently achieved her first shutout this season. Boston’s Hilary Knight enters the game as the league’s top scorer and boasts a consistent record.

This matchup marks Minnesota’s fourth Saturday game this season, and they have struggled historically on this day, winning only one of the previous three. Meanwhile, Boston has maintained a strong home record and is expected to bring significant crowd support.

As the teams skate into this crucial match, both coaches expressed the gravity of the situation. Frost Head Coach Ken Klee emphasized the significance of playing elimination games. Fleet forward Hannah Bilka echoed similar sentiments, hoping to capitalize on the momentum and continue their physical play.

The game promises excitement as both squads strive for postseason success, fueled by the fervent hopes of their fans.