Luckless Sceptres Do Everything Right, Except Win In Controversial 1-0 Overtime Contest

The Toronto Sceptres looked like they were doing everything right to halt their recent losing streak, but lost 1-0 in overtime on Sunday afternoon.

After a slow start in the first period against the Sirens in Newark, NJ, the team turned on the jets and took over the game in the second and third. Both goaltenders, Corinne Schroeder for New York and Kristen Campbell for Toronto, were outstanding in the scoreless game that ultimately went to three-on-three overtime.

After outshooting New York 24-8 in the final two frames, and some frantic chances that were denied by Schroeder, Toronto again seemed to deserve a better fate, but settle for a single point. Schroeder becomes the first-ever goaltender to post back-to-back shutouts during the PWHL regular season.

The game was marked by two controversial plays — both apparent goals by the Sirens. In the third period, a scramble play in Campbell’s crease led to the puck landing behind the goal line after players collided. The whistle had blown when the puck appeared to bounce off defender Allie Munroe’s skate and over the line. However, after a video review, it was deemed that the stoppage with the whistle had occurred before the puck crossed the line.

The second controversial moment was the actual game-winning goal by New York’s Jessie Eldridge at 3:37 of overtime. The Sceptres were pressing when the puck was cleared by Sarah Fillier all the way to the far blue line where Eldridge was ahead of the play. However, replays showed that Eldridge was inside the offensive zone before the puck entered. Eldridge gathered the puck quickly and skated to the stick side of Campbell, where she roofed an impressive shot for the game-winning goal.

There was a celebration, then a momentary delay as officials went to the scorers’ booth, but ultimately the play stood according to PWHL rules that don’t include offside as a reviewable play.

The game was the first in PWHL regular-season history to end in regulation time at 0-0.The line adjustments made by Sceptres’ coach Troy Ryan looked to provide better balance, with Emma Maltais shifting to the center position on the third line. Sarah Nurse centered Daryl Watts and Hannah Miller on the top line, and Blayre Turnbull was between Hayley Scamurra and Jesse Compher, reflecting the improved play of both Miller and Compher in recent games. In the first period, New York had the run of the play, after Toronto had an early chance by Turnbull in close on Schroeder. After that, the Sirens grabbed momentum and outshot the Sceptres 10-3.

The Sirens also had two power play opportunities, but Campbell and the penalty killers kept them off the scoresheet.New York’s top line had Paetyn Levis on the wing with Alex Carpentar and Sarah Fillier, but the third line of Chloe Aurard, Noora Tulus, and Elle Hartje had more of the dangerous opportunities.In the second, Toronto’s forwards had several outstanding opportunities to grab the game’s opening goal, but time after time they were stymied by the outstanding play of Schroeder.

After the game, Toronto coach Troy Ryan said, there were “plenty of offensive changes, plenty of looks. Schroeder had a solid game, that’s what we expect. But plenty of great transitions and getting some odd player rushes and plenty of quality chances – just not putting them away.”

New York head coach Greg Fargo added, “I think [Schroeder]’s been demonstrating the level of her play since day one, but there’s a calmness to her game and a competitiveness that we really like right now.”

Toronto’s top line, especially Daryl Watts, came achingly close with repeated scoring chances. Nurse found Watts with a cross-crease pass eight minutes into the second, but Watts sent it high as Schroeder scrambled to get a piece of the shot. Watts led the game in shots with seven, tying her career-high in the category.

Emma Maltais was stopped on a shorthanded breakaway when she chased down a clearing pass, and almost tucked in a five-hole attempt.

Jesse Compher also had a breakaway with 25 seconds remaining but the puck rolled off her stick after she made a deke to tuck it past Schroeder’s extended pad.

Shots were 17-3 in a lopsided middle frame. Ryan said, “ I think an area to improve is taking away her eyes a little bit more. When a hot goalie is seeing pucks, they generally make saves.”

The third period was played more evenly, with some prime scoring opportunities for both teams. Toronto’s top line continued to pressure, and forced Schroeder into some highlight reel saves.

New York pressed in the final two minutes, but Toronto’s veteran defenders Renata Fast and Savannah Harmon, as well as Allie Munroe and Kali Flanagan, kept the play to the outside and Campbell cleaned up the rest.

The overtime was back and forth and added a fitting finale to one of this season’s most tightly played contests. Eldridge was the scoring heroine, but Schroeder was the first star of the game with the shutout.