vs. Boston, Xcel Energy Center, 7 p.m. Wednesday
PWHL Minnesota vs. Boston game preview: Broadcast info and analysis
Rachel Blount’s breakdown: After failing to score against Aerin Frankel last time, Minnesota will have to find a way. Boston is 5-0 when scoring first.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
March 12, 2024 at 11:11PM
TV: BSN
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Rachel Blount’s preview
Opening bell: Minnesota has bad memories of its last game against Boston, a 2-0 home loss Feb. 25. The team outshot Boston 41-23 but was shut out for the only time this season, thanks to a standout performance by Boston goaltender Aerin Frankel. Boston has won the past two in the series after Minnesota took the season opener 3-2. Minnesota has won its past two games and has points in its past three, keeping it seven points ahead of Boston and Ottawa for third place in the PWHL standings. Boston defeated New York on Sunday to end a two-game skid.
Watch her: Minnesota forward Grace Zumwinkle leads the team in goals (7) and shots (61). But her passing powers the offense, too. Zumwinkle has four assists during a three-game point streak; last week, she set up two goals with perfect passes, then scored one in the shootout that gave Minnesota a 4-3 victory over Ottawa. She’s performed well against Boston, with two goals and an assist in three games.
Forecast: If these two teams stay true to form, don’t expect to see much scoring. Minnesota is tied for last in the PWHL in goals per game (2.19), and Boston is third from the bottom (2.2). After failing to get the puck past Frankel last time, Minnesota will have to find a way. And the sooner, the better, since Boston is 5-0 when scoring first.
Jayden Daniels was not worried when he and the Washington Commanders trailed the Philadelphia Eagles by 14 points after just seven minutes, and the rookie quarterback was similarly undaunted staring down a 13-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, long after Jalen Hurts was sidelined with a concussion.
