Things did not end as expected for the PWHL's Boston Fleet. With three games remaining the Fleet were never out of a playoff spot until the final game of their year. It involved a combination of circumstances including wins by the Ottawa Charge and Minnesota Frost, and Boston's inability to gain a point in their final game of the season.
The result was Ottawa moving up to third, and Minnesota moving into fourth, with Boston falling from third to fifth in an instant, causing the Fleet to miss the playoffs.
"I want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you for being with us every step of the way," Boston general manager Danielle Marmer wrote in a public letter to fans. "Your passion, loyalty, and belief in this team were felt every game, from puck drop to the final buzzer."
"This season didn’t end the way any of us wanted. We set high expectations, and we worked all year to put ourselves in a position to meet them," she continued. "We were one point away from extending our season, and while that’s a tough pill to swallow, it also shows how close we are—and how much potential this group has. You made the Tsongas Center an incredible place to play, and we never took that for granted."
Boston finished tied with both Ottawa and Minnesota with 44 points, but fell short on tie breakers. The Fleet advanced to the Walter Cup finals in the PWHL's first season falling in game five to the Minnesota Frost.
"We will be back in pursuit of the Walter Cup next season—and we are determined to build a Fleet that cannot be stopped," wrote Marmer.
Boston missed the postseason losing a head-to-head against Minnesota in a crushing 8-1 result. While the loss was difficult, Boston coach Courtney Kessel believes in what the Fleet have built both on and off the ice.
"We’re here to coach the game and we want to win, but at the end of the day, you’re around 27 individuals who are amazing human beings and who show up, work hard and have a smile every day," Kessel said following the loss. "The game is just a small part of a family you create. It’s been a tremendous two years with these players. Obviously with expansion and the unknown, we have no idea who will be back in that room. It’s sad. It’s an honor to be a part of this league, to be a part of this team and represent the Fleet."
Boston will face a variety of offseason roster changes. They have a large number of free agents and also will lose multiple players to the PWHL expansion draft.