Minnesota Frost Force Game Five Behind Sidney Morin’s Heroics
Sidney Morin scored twice in the third period as the Minnesota Frost defeated Montréal 3-1 to force a decisive game five.
By Robert Brent
The Minnesota Frost took the ice at Grand Casino Arena for the second night in a row for game four in their semifinal matchup with the Montréal Victoire. The Frost entered the game trailing 2-1 in the series, facing elimination for the first time this postseason.
The Frost carried significant experience in elimination games going into game four, amassing a 4-0 record in their short history.
While Minnesota dropped the previous game, it was a solid effort from the team. That positive play was particularly present at the beginning and end of the matchup. Defender Sidney Morin spoke before the game about how the team hoped to carry that momentum into Friday night’s contest.
“I thought we came out hard last night, and we played a really good game – probably one of the best games we’ve played all series,” Morin said. “We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we’re looking forward to playing again today in front of our home crowd and getting this must-win game.”
Recap
Just as in the previous games of the series, Maddie Rooney and Ann-Renée Desbiens started in net for their respective clubs. Normally, in a back-to-back, there’d be some consideration about mixing up the starting goaltenders. That being said, both performed too well coming into Friday’s game to warrant a change.
Minnesota carried some momentum from the end of game three into the beginning of this matchup, registering nine shots on goal before the halfway point of the first period. Despite the offensive push, the Frost were unable to score.
A boarding call on the Frost halfway through the period completely shifted the momentum, with the Victoire producing a sustained period of pressure themselves. Montréal manufactured nine straight shots on goal against Maddie Rooney, but also couldn’t find the back of the net.
The first period wound down from there, with the score remaining 0-0 and 12 shots on goal apiece.
Montréal and Minnesota played a very similar second period, with each team gaining momentum throughout different portions. While both squads had good luck, no scoring plays occurred.
The scoreless period set up a 0-0 tie going into the third frame, just as it had in the stunning game two triple overtime performance. This time, the Frost would need to come out on top to stave off elimination.
Maureen Murphy scored the first goal of the game to put Montréal ahead just a minute into the third period. Murphy’s goal was her first of the postseason and came off a net-front scramble.
The Frost responded roughly eight minutes later when Sidney Morin scored her third goal of the series. The play was nearly identical to her goal from the previous night. Morin slid the puck into the net from just inside the blue line while an excellent screen provided chaos in front. Katy Knoll set the screen on the game-tying goal.
Sidney Morin struck again minutes later with another shot from above the faceoff dot that Ann-Renée Desbiens wasn’t able to see. The shot from Morin ricocheted off a Victoire defender in front and trickled in.
Minnesota put the finishing touches on the comeback win with an empty net goal from Kelly Pannek with a minute left in the game. The victory pushed the series back to a deciding game five in Laval.
Key Takeaways
Sidney Morin Saves the Day
When the Frost began their series against the stingy Victoire, it was clear that the team was going to have to get some goals throughout the lineup. Even with that fact, it was hard to imagine the impact Sidney Morin would have on the Frost’s offense.
The defender is known for her solid defensive play and ability to play big minutes. Still, she didn’t score a goal this season. Her game-winning and game-tying goals Friday night were her second and third goals of this series.
Morin’s scoring outburst was especially needed, given the difficulty the Frost have had scoring on Ann-Renée Desbiens since their game one victory. Over games three and four, Morin scored three straight goals for Minnesota. Each goal also came in a very similar way, with a shot from near the top of the faceoff dot that also got a great screen.
If the Frost are to win game five, they’ll need to try to recreate those plays.
Maddie Rooney Strikes Back
The play of each team’s respective goaltenders has been a major factor in determining the winner of games in this series. That trend continued again tonight with a fantastic performance from goaltender Maddie Rooney.
Rooney gave up just one goal, which came from an unfortunate net-front play that was difficult to blame her for. Apart from that blemish, Rooney was perfect all night, making 29 saves on 30 shots on goal.
While Rooney’s play has been outstanding, it certainly shouldn’t come as a surprise. The goaltender has made a name for herself by performing in the biggest moments. Her career playoff numbers are stellar: 14 games played, a .938 save percentage, and a 1.52 goals-against average.
If Rooney continues her dominance in the next game, the Frost will have every chance to survive and advance.
Winner Takes All
With the victory in game four, the Frost earned themselves a one-game opportunity to advance to the Walter Cup Championship. The semifinal series will all come down to one final showdown in Laval.
If Minnesota is looking for positives, they can easily find them in the team’s extensive experience in series-clinching games. The Frost have won two straight Walter Cup Championships, going 5-0 in elimination games.
The Minnesota team has no quit, despite things looking bleak in the third period of Friday night’s game. Game five will commence Monday night at the Place Bell. Be sure to check it out; there will certainly be fireworks.
