Susanna Tapani kept Boston’s PWHL playoff dreams alive Thursday night at the Tsongas Center.
The Finnish forward netted what proved to be the game-winning goal and added an assist during an electric second period, as Boston topped first-place Toronto, 2-1, during Professional Women’s Hockey League action in front of 4,084 in Lowell.
“It was awesome,” said Tapani. “I think we played very well all three periods. We skated hard, battled hard, it was a very physical game. I think this is how we can absolutely play when we play our best game.”
The victory couldn’t have come at a better time for Boston (5-4-2-9), which remains in fifth place with 25 points, three ahead of New York and just two behind Ottawa for the fourth and final playoff spot with four games remaining on the regular season schedule. Teams are awarded three points for a regulation win, two points for an OT or shootout win, and one point for an OT loss.
Toronto (10-3-0-7) hit the ice holding first place in the overall standings with 36 points, one ahead of Minnesota and three up on Montréal.
Locked in a scoreless tie, Tapani helped turn the tide for Boston in the second period. The slick-skating center helped set up defenseman Emily Brown with the opening goal at 14:28 of the middle period. She struck again less then four minutes later, deflecting a Jess Healy blueline blast past Toronto goaltender Kristen Campbell (19 saves) at 17:45.
“I won the faceoff and the D just took a shot to the net,” said Tapani. “It was very nice. I like to tip in goals and it went in.”
Toronto made a game of it midway through the third period. Renata Fast solved Aerin Frankel at 9:03, giving Boston cause for concern. But the netminder held the fort for Boston the rest of the way, making 23 saves for the victory.
With four games left and as many as 12 points remaining for the taking, Boston remains focused.
“We know that all the points are waiting for us,” said Tapani. “This is the playoffs for us already, so we just have to be ready to battle.”
Seven Boston players returned to the Tsongas following their International Break, with four sporting some well-earned hardware, after competing in the Women’s World Championship in Utica, NY.
Boston assistant captain Jamie Lee Rattray won gold with Team Canada. Frankel, forwards Megan Keller and Hilary Knight scored silver medals for Team USA, while forward Susanna Tapani netted a bronze with Finland.
Also competing in the tourney was Boston goaltender Emma Söderberg for Sweden and forward Alina Müller with Switzerland. Boston head coach Courtney Kessel also garnered gold behind the bench for Canada, as an assistant coach.
Knight tied for the tournament lead in scoring with 10 points, including four goals and six assists in seven games. She is now the most decorated player in tournament history earning her 14th medal. She’s looking forward to the stretch run.
“With our team being back together, you can feel this rejuvenated energy,” said Knight before the game. “People were able to have a little bit of time off, but I think people are excited to get back together and get going. Hopefully that energy can feed us some wins.”
Keller, who ranks second among PWHL defenders in scoring with 12 points, was named one of Team USA’s Best Players as selected by the coaches. Frankel, who set a tournament record with four shutouts, and Müller who led Switzerland in scoring with four points, also earned similar accolades. Müller leads Boston in scoring with 13 points, including 10 assists, tying her for third in the league. Tapani recorded six points in seven games for Finland, tying for the team lead.
