The New York Sirens' valiant effort against the Boston Fleet on Wednesday night ended in disappointment, as they suffered a 4-3 shootout loss. This result extends their losing streak to three games, leaving them with a record of 0-0-2-1. Despite taking the first-place Boston team to overtime, the Sirens ultimately fell short, with Boston's Alina Müller showcasing her skills in the shootout rounds.
Müller's highlight-reel moves in the seventh and eighth rounds proved decisive, as she beat Sirens' goalie Kayle Osborne twice. Maja Nylen Persson kept the Sirens' hopes alive with a snipe in the seventh round, but Aerin Frankel, the Fleet's goalie, made a crucial save in the eighth to secure victory for Boston.
Frankel's performance was exceptional, reaching the 30-save mark for the fourth time this season. With 30 stops out of 33 shots, she improved her record to 9-2-2 in 2025-26. Boston now enters the Olympic break with a two-point lead at the top of the PWHL standings, having accumulated 30 points so far.
The Sirens, however, salvaged a point thanks to Kristyna Kaltounkova's equalizer late in the third period. Her two-goal performance, including the equalizer, helped New York secure a playoff spot, currently sitting fourth overall with 24 points.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The Sirens were gifted a golden opportunity early in the game with two power plays, but their struggling power play unit failed to capitalize. Boston's impressive penalty kill, the best in the League, limited New York to just two shots on goal during the 5-on-3 advantage.
Boston's special teams continued to shine, scoring a power-play goal through their rookie, Abby Newhook, after Kaltounkova was called for roughing. Sirens coach Greg Fargo acknowledged the slow start but praised his team's resilience.
"There were moments where we needed to break through, especially on that 5-on-3. In close games, goals can make all the difference. I thought the team did well to overcome adversity and focus on the next play."
The Sirens' power play redeemed itself in the second period, evening the score with the help of a tripping penalty on Hannah Brandt. Reigning PWHL Rookie of the Year, Sarah Fillier, was instrumental in this goal, setting up Kristin O'Neill for the equalizer.
Fillier, although not scoring at the same rate as last season, has been the Sirens' standout playmaker. Her contribution to the O'Neill goal is a prime example of her impact.
However, Boston regained the lead in the second period and then tied the game early in the third. The Fleet's intense forecheck overwhelmed the Sirens, who struggled to maintain their composure.
And this is the part most people miss...
The Sirens' young roster, the youngest in the PWHL, showed its inexperience in the third period. Despite carrying a 2-1 lead into the final 20 minutes, they couldn't hold off the experienced Boston team.
"We're learning to fight back, but we need to take charge in those moments. We've got to grow and learn from these experiences," Fargo stated.
The Sirens' spirit and fight are undeniable, but they need to find a way to close out games, especially against top teams like Boston.
"It's frustrating because everyone wants to make a difference. We need to keep improving and making those plays that can change the game," Fargo added.
Boston's ability to close out games is a skill the Sirens must develop if they want to compete with the top teams.
But there's hope on the horizon...
The Sirens will welcome back two key players when the PWHL returns from its Olympic break. Rookie Anne Cherkowski, who has been out due to a medical procedure, is expected to be fully recovered for their next game against Montreal on February 26. Taylor Girard, serving a suspension, will also be eligible to return for that game after her suspension was reduced from four to three games.
The Sirens should take motivation from their recent skid, using it as fuel for the second half of the season. Although they've shown they can compete with the best, they need to find a way to beat them consistently.
"We don't want to be discouraged by the loss. It's more of a motivation for us to keep improving and playing the way we want to play," Kaltounkova said.
With the right mindset and some key players returning, the Sirens can look to turn their season around and challenge for a playoff spot.
