Sunday, December 22, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. ET | Prudential Center
WATCH LIVE: MSG/MSGHD, FanDuel Sports Network North, TSN 4, TSN.ca, PWHL YouTube & thepwhl.com (U.S. / International)
David Korzeniowski (Play-by-Play), Dave Starman (Analyst), Abby Labar (Reporter)
MINNESOTA FROST
3-0-1-0 | 10 PTS | 1ST PLACE
Top Scorer: Claire Thompson – 4 GP, 1-5-6 PTS
Last Game: 5-2 W vs. OTT on Dec. 19
NEW YORK SIRENS
2-1-0-1 | 8 PTS | 2ND PLACE
Top Scorer: Sarah Fillier – 4 GP, 2-5-7 PTS
Last Game: 4-2 W vs. TOR on Dec. 18
2024-25 SEASON SERIES: NEW YORK LEADS 2-1 IN POINTS (MIN WON 9-6 IN 2024)
Dec. 1 at MIN: 4-3 NY (OT) | Dec. 22 at NY | Jan. 4 at MIN | Jan. 15 at NY | Mar. 16 at NY (Detroit) | Apr. 26 at MIN
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The Sirens came away with a 4-3 overtime win when these teams met in Minnesota on Dec. 1, the season opener for both teams. Three of the six all-time meetings between these teams have been decided in OT, the most in any PWHL matchup.
The Frost are riding a three-game winning streak with a 5-2 home win against Ottawa on Thursday after beating Toronto 6-3 in their previous game. They’re the first team in PWHL history to score at least five goals in consecutive games. Including playoffs, Minnesota had played 36 games prior to those last two games and had scored five goals once (5-1 win over New York on Mar. 16). They lead the PWHL with 16 goals.
Claire Thompson had a goal and three assists on Thursday, tying the record for most points in a PWHL game (Erin Ambrose had four assists for Montréal vs. Minnesota on Apr. 18). The No. 3 overall draft pick had two assists in her first three games.
For the second straight game, Minnesota had two players score multiple goals (Britta Curl-Salemme and Michela Cava on Dec. 7, Kelly Pannek and Grace Zumwinkle on Thursday). There had not been such a game in the PWHL prior to that.
Frost defender Maggie Flaherty returns to the lineup after serving a two-game suspension. The team has also signed defender Charlotte Akervik from the Reserve List while placing Sophie Jaques on LTIR.
Last season, New York snapped Minnesota’s three-game winning streak with an OT victory on Jan. 14. A regulation victory would move the Sirens into first place for the first time since Jan. 1 following the first game in PWHL history.
After starting the season with a three-game road trip, the Sirens are playing their second of three straight at home. New York beat Toronto 4-2 on Wednesday for their third win of the season. Last season, New York had three combined wins in their first eight games (2-1-1-4). The Sirens have scored at least four goals in three of their four games this season – they did so in just five of their 24 total games last season.
Four different Sirens players scored their first goals of the season on Wednesday, including Noora Tulus, Micah Zandee-Hart, Emmy Fecteau, Jaime Bourbonnais. Eleven different Sirens have scored this season – the most of any PWHL team.
Zandee-Hart’s goal was the first of her career and gives the captain at least one point in all four games this season (1-4-5) after recording three total points (all assists) in 19 games last season. She’s one of five players to record a point in each of her team’s games this season (also teammates Sarah Fillier & Alex Carpenter, plus Hilary Knight (BOS) & Renata Fast (TOR)).
Defender Olivia Knowles will make her Sirens debut. She appeared in 20 games for Toronto in the inaugural season.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“This is going to be a real test for us. It’s a quick turnaround trip, we’re a little nicked up, and New York has already demonstrated that they are a premier team in this league. We have to keep getting better every night because every other team is doing the same and I expect New York to give us a tough test.” - Frost Head Coach Ken Klee.
“Every game lays the foundation for our season, and while we’ve had a good start, building consistency in our play remains the key to sustained success. These first five games serve as an important measuring stick, and we’re focused on heading into this holiday break feeling proud of the effort and progress we’ve made. I’ve been encouraged by the growth we’re seeing day-to-day and look forward to seeing us take another step forward against a strong Minnesota team.” - Sirens Head Coach Greg Fargo.
SUNDAY’S GAME: The Sirens host a special Holiday Game at Prudential Center. Embracing the spirit of giving, this festive event will bring the community together through meaningful initiatives that celebrate the season. During the second intermission, fans will have the opportunity to participate in a Teddy Bear Toss with each toy to be donated to the Animal Welfare Association. Upon entry to the game, fans are invited to take part in a Food Drive to support Oasis in their mission to help families in need.