Minnesota blanks Boston, wins inaugural PWHL title

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th May, 23:42 2024

Jan 3, 2024; Lowell, MA, USA; Minnesota coach Ken Klee talks with the media after a PWHL ice hockey game against Boston at Tsongas Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Liz Schepers, Michela Cava and Kendall Coyne Schofield scored and Nicole Hensley stopped 17 shots as Minnesota defeated Boston 3-0 in the decisive Game 5 to win the inaugural PWHL title on Wednesday in Lowell, Mass.

Schofield, a three-time Olympian and the captain of Minnesota's roster, was named playoff MVP and took the first victory lap with the Walter Cup.

Mellissa Channell assisted on all three goals for Minnesota, which entered the playoffs on a seven-game losing streak under coach Ken Klee before turning it around.

Hensley, a two-time Olympian, posted her second playoff shutout after notching one during the regular season.

Schepers broke a 0-0 tie about six minutes into the second period, then Cava added an insurance goal midway through the third. Schofield, the oldest member of Minnesota's team, scored an empty-net goal with about two minutes left to seal the title.

In a losing effort, Boston goalie Aerin Frankel made 41 saves.

--Field Level Media