Pride Advance to Semifinals After 6-0 Win Over Beauts

Boston Pride players Amanda Boulier and Christina Putigna celebrate Putigna’s third period goaI. mage via Michelle Jay.

You like goals? Because the Boston Pride brought goals. 

The 2022 Isobel Cup Playoffs are in full swing in Tampa Bay. With Boston facing Buffalo and Metropolitan taking on Minnesota, plenty of high-scoring action took place on opening night. As the Pride prepare to face the Six in the Semifinals for the second season in a row, let’s break down what got them there. 

Period 1 looked a lot like weeks past. While the Pride seemed noticeably more in control throughout, Carly Jackson and the Beauts kept with the defending champs. Most notable in this period was Tereza Vanišová. 

Making her return to Boston after spending the season on the Czech Olympic Team, Vanišová made her presence known in the game. Paul Mara opted to send Vanišová out in the first faceoff of the game. She was a presence in front of the net, and brought a nice bit of speed to the Pride’s game. Ultimately, the period ended tied 0-0. 

Period 2 brought a new game for the Pride. Opening minutes were still a feeling out process, but Boston maintained control and kept the puck in the offensive zone. Taylor Wenczkowski continued her massive hot streak and opened up the scoring. From there, the flood gates were open.

From there a flurry of goals erupted including a power play goal by Kali Flanagan (her first as a member of the Pride). Captain Jillian Dempsey would notch the next goal and create a 3-0 lead heading into the second intermission. 

Period 3 continued the dominance. Another penalty on the Beauts set up the opportunity for Christina Putigna to knock one home and increase the lead to 4-0. Without much time to relax, Tereza Vanišová brought home another power play goal. Of note, Vanišová’s goal marks the third for Pride players returning mid-season. Mary Parker and Meg Rickard also notched goals within a few games back. 

Speaking of Mary Parker, she closed out the Pride’s scoring with a full-strength goal thus gifting a 6-0 lead. Also of note within the game was Katie Burt’s stellar goaltending. Facing difficult and screened shots, Burt looked primed and ready to face anything. 

Main takeaways from this game: Boston proved their game is effective. Head Coach Paul Mara noted earlier in the week that if the team plays their game, others will have to adjust to them. Buffalo couldn’t adjust and faced the consequences. It’ll be tough for other teams to adjust. Especially if the power play clicks. Tonight the Pride scored 3 powerplay goals and while it isn’t confirmation the power play is working, it’s a nice trend. Tereza Vanišová was just what the doctor ordered, offering a huge presence on the power play and 5v5. She isn’t the only reason for the power play’s success, but she didn’t hinder it either. 

Toronto looks ready as well. They’re not happy to be the 2 seed or to come off a loss. Sunday’s matchup will be interesting. That game airs on ESPN+ at 4:30 EST for U.S. viewers, TSN Direct for Canadian viewers, and ESPN+ Affiliates for international fans.