Minnesota scored three times in the first period then twice thwarted Toronto comeback bids as the Frost defeated the Sceptres 7-5 in Saint Paul, Minn., to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five PWHL semifinal series.
Liz Schepers, Brooke McQuigge and Lee Stecklein each scored in the first 7:48 of the opening period to give the hosts what looked like control of the game. But the Sceptres answered with one in the first period and a second goal 2:28 into the second to make it a one-goal contest.
McQuigge answered with her second of the game and Sophie Jacques added another as the Frost restored the three-goal advantage. Toronto’s Kali Flanigan scored 22 seconds after Jacques — at 17:57 of the second — and Anna Kjellbin tallied at 5:47 of the third to again make it a one-goal game.
But again, Minnesota pulled away, thanks to a pair of goals by Michela Cava 2:01 apart, and maintained a multi-goal lead the rest of the way.
Minnesota can clinch the series at home Wednesday night. A fifth game, if needed, would be Saturday in Toronto.
–Field Level Media
