NEWARK, NJ -- Almost three weeks after puck drop on the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL)'s second season, the New York Sirens finally received their pomp and circumstance in front of an exuberant crowd at the Prudential Center on Wednesday night. The last team to play a home opener, the Sirens made the wait worth it as the hosts sent their fans home deliriously happy with a resounding 4-2 victory over the Toronto Sceptres.
It was New York's third win (second in regulation) in their first four games this season and moved them up to eight points in the standings. After a scoreless and evenly contested first period, the Sirens went full throttle during a dominant second period in which they blistered The Rock -- as the Prudential Center is known -- with a four-goal outburst.
From the outset, New York was a constant presence in the 'O' zone and capitalized on virtually every mistake made by Toronto, which suffered its third straight loss. New York's tenacity paid off just under three minutes entering the middle frame. Noora Tulus, perfectly positioned at the low slot to Campbell's left, converted a perfect feed from Alex Carpenter to put New York ahead 1-0. It was Tulus' first goal of her PWHL career, continuing impressive point streaks for Carpenter and Fillier, who have now combined for 12 points already this season.
New York extended its lead to 2-0 at the 7:17 mark, as Emmy Fecteau knocked home a rebound past Campbell for her first career goal. Jade Downie-Landry and Chloe Aurard earned the assists. But the Sirens weren't finished crashing the net and winning puck battles to the loud approval of their supporters. Less than a minute later, on the power play, Micah Zandee-Hart made it 3-0 after converting a one-timer. Jesse Eldridge and Abby Roque contributed the helpers, allowing Zandee-Hart to record her first goal this season.
Late in the second period, following great puck movement by Maja Nylen Persson and Elizabeth Giguere, Jamie Bourbonnais scored on another power play, blasting home from close range for the 4-0 cushion heading to the third. Like the other three Sirens’ goals, it marked Bourbonnais' first this season. The Sirens, who played their best period of hockey, outshot Toronto 14-6.
The Sceptres broke through early in the third period, cutting the deficit to 4-1 when Hannah Miller struck for her second goal of the season with assistance from Renata Fast and Emma Woods. The visitors added another goal with just 33 seconds left as Woods found the back of the net, aided by Miller and Kali Flanagan.
Corinne Schroeder, who was making her fourth consecutive start for New York, handled some tough shots over two shutout periods as the Sirens outshot Toronto 22-13. Campbell performed equally well for the Sceptres, maintaining their slim edge in scoring chances during the first period.
New York welcomed Madison Packer, former player for the Sirens and Metropolitan Riveters, who received rousing applause and a video tribute during the first intermission. Packer, who announced her retirement on November 23, played nine professional seasons, mostly with the Riveters.
For the first time, Newark, NJ Mayor Ras Baraka activated the newly minted 'Sound the Siren' horn, marking the home fans' excitement.
Toronto, now 1-3 on the season, finds themselves at the bottom of the PWHL standings. The Sceptres face Montreal next Saturday, needing to regroup quickly after suffering their longest losing streak since the playoffs last season.
Coach Troy Ryan expressed frustration with the team’s performance, echoing sentiments from forward Emma Maltais: “It’s a different season, it’s a different team, right? I think we need to figure out how to play 60 minutes of hockey correctly.” The Sceptres have allowed 14 goals through their first four games, often succumbing to extended defensive pressure.
New York will enjoy their home victory, gearing up to face Minnesota on Sunday, aiming to build on their early season successes.
