Pride Pounce Riveters late
2/4/23
J.J. Pavlick
The Riveters came into the game riding a two-game win streak and coming off a high-emotion shoot-out win over Connecticut. Fanni Garat-Gasparics continued her scoring ways while Kelly Babstock extended her point streak to 17 games. Katie Burt put in another excellent game between the pipes. Minttu Tuominen scored the game-winner in the shoot-out and went into her signature celly. The team arrived in Boston upbeat and ready to go. It is no secret that every point matters for the Riveters as the season is coming to a close. The Riveters are 10 points out of the 4th seed which is held by Connecticut.
The 1st-period was tightly contested, and the Riveters dominated the majority of it. However, it would be Boston that would tally the opening goal at the 15:50 mark of the period. Sammy Davis found just enough space between Burt and the near post. The assist was awarded to Elizabeth Giguere. The Riveters would bounce back but were unable to get one before the period ended. The Riveters outshot the Pride 17 - 10 and controlled most of the play. Newcomer Haley Lunny signed a PTO contract and has made a mark in both games. She's been a blocking machine denying opponents any shooting lanes.
*** 1st-period intermission report with Fanni Garat-Gasparics ***
The second period saw the Riveters come out strong, peppering Schroeder early, the period would settle out with both teams trying to get a leg up on the other. Neither team would budge and a quick whistle by the referees negated a goal-scoring chance by the Riveters late in the 2nd period. The period would go scoreless and both goalies would be tested often. Through two periods the Rivs had 26 shots and the Pride had 21 shots. Penalties have been kept to a minimum on both sides. Over 2 periods Boston and the Rivs have only been called twice. The Riveters are still in this game, the biggest question going into the third is whether they will be able to keep up the intensity for the 3rd after a highly emotional game the night before and getting into Boston late last night for the road game.
*** 2nd-period intermission report with Assistant Captain Amanda Pelkey ***
A bonus interview was done with Riveters President Digit Murphy before the start of the 3rd period.
The third period was not kind to the Rivs who battled but seemed to run out of gas and Boston pounced on the opportunity scoring 4 goals in 10 minutes to open the lead up to a whopping 5-0 lead. It was not the result the Riveters wanted at all, the players threw everything they had at Schroeder, but she stood tall and added another shutout to her already league-leading total. The Riveters will need to push hard to win every remaining game if they want to have any hope of catching the Whale for what's believed to be the final playoff spot. Boston is one step closer to their goal of winning the Isobel Cup, the Riveters will be battling to make the playoffs this season. If they get in, they will be a team that is capable of catching fire and winning it all.