LOWELL — The Boston Fleet took three penalties on Tuesday night against the Ottawa Charge, including one in the final six minutes of the game.
Boston went a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill in its thrilling 3-2 win at Tsongas Center, but penalties have been a problem for the Fleet this season with 18 through their first four games. Courtney Kessel doesn’t believe any of the penalties taken have been egregious ones and understands there are new officials in the league trying to adapt to the game.
“I feel like the players are dialed in, committing to what the game plan is for the PK and knowing that everyone’s got to buy in,” the Fleet coach said after Tuesday’s win. “… I honestly don’t think they’ve been egregious penalties. I think the refs are trying to figure it out. There’s a few new ones in the league and hopefully it gets figured out. But I’m not mad at anyone that took penalties (Tuesday). It’s just kind of unlucky in our favor every single game.”
The penalties didn’t overshadow the win, though. Shay Maloney scored her first PWHL goal. The Brown university alumna was drafted by the Fleet in the 2024 PWHL Draft.
“I think we win when our best players score goals, and Shay has been a tremendous addition to our team,” Kessel said. “Offensively, obviously scoring goals, but also the mentality that she has brought here.”
Hannah Brandt, who scored the game-winning goal in the third period, echoed her coach’s sentiments.
“I knew right away that she would fit into this league, obviously because physicality is huge, and she has been great getting plays going and scoring a goal was huge,” she said. “She’s been working really hard, and it has been fun to watch her, and she has a really bright future in this league.”
Tuesday’s win marked the second of the season for the Fleet and now have their first win streak of the season. They had a nine-day break between their last win and Tuesday’s, and will now have 10 days off before they take the ice again and play the Toronto Sceptres.
