Hilary Knight recorded her first career hat trick, Aerin Frankel turned aside 38 shots, and the Boston Fleet wrapped up a season sweep of the New York Sirens with a 5-2 victory on Wednesday night.
Knight sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final seconds, capping off a four-point night that also included an assist. The victory pushed Boston (7-5-3-6, 34 points) into second place, edging ahead of Toronto.
Six of Boston’s wins this season have come against New York, with two decided in shootouts. Knight has been a force in those matchups, contributing five goals and seven assists. Alina Müller notched a goal and two assists, Susanna Tapani tallied her ninth goal of the season along with an assist, and Shay Maloney chipped in two helpers.
Frankel, who matched her season high in saves, has backstopped all six wins against New York. The Sirens dominated the shot count early, outshooting Boston 32-11 through two periods, but the Fleet responded with a stronger third, holding a 9-8 edge.
Sirens’ Struggles Continue
New York (4-3-4-10, 22 points) remains winless in nine games, despite Elizabeth Giguère opening the scoring. It was only the second time in their skid that they struck first.
Müller responded with her sixth goal of the season to level the game in the first period.
Knight then took over, scoring on a power play and later on a breakaway to give Boston a 3-1 advantage. Sirens rookie Sarah Fillier pulled one back on a power play, netting her eighth goal of the season and moving into a tie for the league lead with 22 points.
Knight, now up to 21 points with 11 goals, remains hot as Boston continues its push up the standings.
