Banner Night: Title Defense Begins with 6-4 Win Over Minnesota
I’ll say this: you brought it tonight, Warrior. With fans in the stands for the first time since 2020’s Isobel Cup Semi Final, the energy was unmatched.
Pride fans weren’t the only amazing thing about tonight’s game as Boston took home 3 points with a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Whitecaps. Let’s break it down.
Banner Raising:
Oh yeah. It’s up and it’s beautiful. Of course, my girlfriend would be upset if I called it more beautiful than her, so it's the second most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Before puck drop the 2021 team was honored with the unveiling of the 2021 Isobel Cup Championship Banner. All members of the team were in attendance either on the Pride, in the stands, or on Minnesota. A picture commemorated the moment and the title defense began.
If you can, swing by Warrior and catch a game to see it in all its glory.
Period 1:
After last season, it was vital that Boston have a good showing tonight. Of course, Taylor Wenczkowski put the Pride on the board first with an assist from Friesen and Putigna on the Power Play.
While I was still whirling from that goal, captain and GOAT Jillian Dempsey notched her first of the season and 50th as a member of the Pride. As the league’s all-time leading goal scorer, she became the first player in the NWHL/PHF to score 50 goals.
Both goals were clean setups and beat Amanda Levielle to the punch. After the first, Boston was up 2-0.
Period 2:
If you thought period 1 was crazy, may I introduce you to two of the nicest goals I’ve ever seen. Period.
McKenna Brand notched her first goal of the 2021 campaign and it was phenomenal. A perfect backhander to put it past Lev.
A closer look at @mckenna_brand’s goal 👀 pic.twitter.com/6pMqBULJ0P
— Boston Pride (@TheBostonPride) November 7, 2021
Which, all said and done, is not even the crazy part. Because Meghara McManus proceeded to deke Lev off a perfect dish, and then celly hard. It is not easy to beat Leveille down low and McManus made it look easy. Pride entered the third up 4-0.
Period 3:
The Whitecaps had their fun come the third when Curtis put one past Selander, followed immediately by Kayla Friesen getting the point back. It’s her first as a member of the Pride and she made it count.
Which brings us to another newcomer’s goal. Evelina Raselli scored her first in the PHF when she sent home a rebound and increased Boston’s lead to 5.
Allie Thundstrom would send home 2 goals that sandwiched a Lexi Lang goal for her first as a Whitecap. It hurt. A lot. Nonetheless, Lang meshed well enough with her new team to put in a revenge goal.
Takeaways:
Overall, I’m impressed. Boston fired on all cylinders offensively and defensively. Sammy Davis jumping up a line gave her 2 assists and might be one of the best choices Paul Mara has made so far. Putigna on the second line looks to be a huge positive once the season finds its flow.
Dempsey looks in tip-top shape, as well as Jenna Rheault. While both injuries healed before the Isobel Cup last season, it’s good to see no long term effects.
Every new teammate fit in as well. While Cook and Russ weren’t watching goals, I noticed them on the ice. Russ more than Cook, but nonetheless they fit well.
Defensively the team kept to their zones and persons well for 2 periods. Heck, for 2 ½ periods. Sloppiness and fatigue I think played a factor in the end. They looked good and this defensive core is stacked.
Selander was on her game tonight for the first two periods. Consistent elite saves in all three periods, but especially the second. Or maybe it’s because I noticed it more on my end. Either way, I wouldn’t worry about the 4 goals.
Game 2 takes place at 1:00 on 11/7/21 on ESPN+.