PWHL Minnesota vs. New York game preview: broadcast info and analysis
Rachel Blount's analysis: Alex Carpenter leads a stacked New York team, but Minnesota will look to keep riding fans' enthusiasm at Xcel Energy Center.
January 13, 2024 at 9:42PM
3 p.m. Sunday vs. New York at Xcel Energy Center
TV: BSN
For the fans: Selected Minnesota players will sign autographs in the main concourse after the game.
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Rachel Blount's preview:
Opening bell: At 3-0, Minnesota is the league's only undefeated team. That includes a 2-0 record at Xcel Energy Center, making Minnesota the only PWHL team to win a home game during the first 12 days of the season. Much of the credit goes to goaltenders Nicole Hensley and Maddie Rooney; Rooney leads the league in save percentage with a shutout in her only start, and Hensley is second at .955. New York has dropped two in a row after shutting out Toronto in the league opener Jan. 1, including a 5-2 loss to Montreal last Wednesday. It's led by forward Alex Carpenter and defender Ella Shelton, who have two goals each.
Watch her: Minnesota fans expected great things from Taylor Heise, and she delivered last Wednesday, with a pair of highlight-reel goals in a 3-1 win over Toronto. The first-year pro has scored three of her team's nine goals this season.
Forecast: Against New York, Minnesota will face a roster stocked with excellent young defenders, a solid goaltender in Corinne Schroeder and a big-time scorer in Carpenter. But Minnesota has passed every test so far, and it's getting a boost from supportive crowds at Xcel. Minnesota coach Ken Klee didn't disclose whether Hensley or Rooney would start in goal; either will pose a challenge to a New York offense that has scored two goals in each of its past two games.
Jose Miranda might end up as the primary DH for the Twins, as third and first base appear to be occupied.
