The Toronto Sceptres picked up a point in their sixth straight game, with line shuffles, physical play, and a renewed penalty kill to thank.
The Toronto Sceptres picked up a point in their sixth straight game, with line shuffles, physical play, and a renewed penalty kill to thank.
The Toronto Sceptres extended their point streak to six games with a 2-1 win over the Boston Fleet Friday night at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Here are three takeaways from the Sceptres latest win.
Line shuffle works for Sceptres
Troy Ryan’s new line of Blayre Turnbull, Jesse Compher and Hayley Scamurra was dynamic for the Sceptres from the drop of the puck.
Less than a minute into the game they created one of Toronto’s best scoring chances, as a shot from Renata Fast was tipped by Compher who had three whacks at the puck before the whistle.
Later in the period the line created more havoc for the Fleet as Turnbull sent a saucer pass cross crease to Compher for a one timer that Arein Frankel denied.
“Obviously it’s nice to have scams back in the lineup, she just gives a steady presence to that line and both Blayre and Compher have been great year to date," said Troy Ryan. “Scams [Hayley Scamurra] plays the right way, she's heavy and strong on pucks, and wants to make the right decision.”
Compher ultimately got the last laugh tipping a Turnbull shot with 2:29 remaining in the third to extend the Sceptres' lead to 3-1.
Beyond scoring changes, the trio consistently forced the Fleet to turnover pucks in transition with a strong forecheck.
Playing In The Mud
The Sceptres and Fleet were not afraid of the rough style of game played last night; if anything, both teams actively instigated.
At the centre for the Sceptres was Hannah Miller, who routinely introduced herself to Boston's blueliners throughout the game.
“I think that plays into our game. I think we're fast and we're strong and want to play a heavy game," said Toronto's Emma Woods. “I think it definitely benefits us if we play that way. So we brought that today.”
In the first period after Miller took a whack at Aerin Frankel’s glove, the Fleet’s Sydney Bard chased Miller giving her a hook and a couple words.
Late in the second period after the whistle Bard and Miller renewed their battle as Bard skated in and cross checked Miller in the head starting a scrum in front of the crease.
Penalty Kill Finds Its Way
After a terrible start to the season, Toronto's penalty kill has turned around and become a dependable part of their game.
The Sceptres have not allowed a power play goal in their last five games and it’s not a coincidence that over that same span they have been able to put together a point streak.
“Getting some experience, a little bit of exposure to it, and also a commitment, a commitment to making the right plays, a commitment to block shots, a commitment to be aggressive," said Ryan. “You're not going to have success in this league unless you can score some power play goals and keep them out of your net, so obviously both are trending in the right direction and I'll take trending in the right direction at this time in the season.”
Heading into the start of the streak the Sceptres sat dead last in penalty kill percentage. After last night's lone kill, the Sceptres sit fourth in the league with a 77.6% success rate, only 2% behind the Montreal Victoire. Over the last five games the Sceptres have killed off a total of 11 straight penalties.