Goldeneyes fall to Boston in overtime but find positives after strong performance
The Boston Fleet edged the Vancouver Goldeneyes 2-1 in overtime on Tuesday, marking Boston’s sixth consecutive win. Shay Maloney scored the game-winner early in the extra period. Vancouver’s goaltender Kristen Campbell shone with 25 saves, helping her team secure an equalizer late in regulation. Vancouver aims to regroup for their next match against Ottawa.
Photo: Elizabeth Ruiz
The Boston Fleet defeated the Vancouver Goldeneyes 2-1 in overtime Tuesday night in Professional Women’s Hockey League action, extending Boston’s winning streak to six games.
Shay Maloney scored just 41 seconds into the extra period to secure the victory for Boston, which improved to 9-4-2-2 on the season.
Despite the loss, Vancouver (5-1-3-9) pushed the league leaders to overtime after a strong defensive performance and a standout effort from goaltender Kristen Campbell.
Goaltending duel defines the game
Much of the game was shaped by a battle between the two starting goaltenders.
Campbell and Boston netminder Aerin Frankel combined to stop 34 shots through the first two periods as both teams struggled to break through offensively.
Boston opened the scoring early in the third period when defender Haley Winn found the back of the net.
Vancouver responded late in regulation when Hannah Miller scored to tie the game and force overtime.
Campbell delivers strong performance in net
Campbell finished the game with 25 saves and played a key role in keeping Vancouver within reach throughout the contest.
“She was terrific. She gave us a chance,” Goldeneyes head coach Brian Idalski said. “I thought she was really strong, especially on the penalty kill.”
The 28-year-old goaltender is known for her vocal presence on the ice, often directing teammates and calling out plays to help organize the defense.
“One thing I try to do in my game is command the ice and communicate as much as possible,” Campbell said. “Staying connected with everyone helps us play as a unit.”
Campbell adjusting to new role in Vancouver
Campbell joined Vancouver after spending the previous two PWHL seasons in Toronto, where she carried a significant workload.
This season she has shared goaltending duties with Emerance Maschmeyer, posting a 2-1-0-3 record along with a 2.17 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.
Maschmeyer missed Tuesday’s game with an upper-body injury and is expected to be evaluated further, which could lead to increased playing time for Campbell.
Campbell said her approach will remain the same regardless of workload.
“I’m just showing up every day and doing what I can to help the team win,” she said.
Vancouver looks ahead to next matchup
The Goldeneyes are currently in the middle of a five-game homestand and will look to build on their performance when they host the Ottawa Charge on Saturday.
Despite the overtime loss, players said the effort against the league leaders provides confidence moving forward.
“It’s a tough league where every game can go either way,” Campbell said. “But I think we showed a really strong effort tonight and that’s something we can build on.”
