Eldridge and Müller Power Boston Fleet to Thrilling 3–2 Win Over Frost

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Following a historic night at TD Garden, the Boston Fleet (15-5-2-5) returned to the Tsongas Center to face an old rival, the Minnesota Frost (13-3-4-7), before a crowd of 4,170. These two franchises have shared epic battles in the league’s early history, and with the playoffs looming, a postseason reunion seems likely.

The goaltending matchup featured Minnesota’s Nicole Hensley (7-2-2-0, 2.43 GAA, .915%) against Boston’s standout Arnie Frankel (17-4-0-2, 1.16 GAA, .954%).

Early Advantage for the Fleet

At the 4:55 mark of the first period, the Fleet took a 1-0 lead courtesy of Jessie Eldridge. It was her 11th goal of the season, assisted by Alina Müller. Eldridge has been sensational since being acquired at the trade deadline, netting five goals in her first five games with the team. On this play, she beat Hensley top-shelf on the left side off a cross-ice feed from Müller. That stood as the only goal of a disciplined first period that saw no penalties and an even 5–5 split in shots.

Power Play Production

Boston extended the lead in the second period by capitalizing on the man-advantage. After Frost defender Kendall Cooper was called for hooking at 6:12, Eldridge struck again just 27 seconds later. Her second goal of the night (12th of the season) came at 6:39, with assists from Müller—marking a two-point night—and Hadley Winn.

The goal was only the 12th power-play tally of the season for the Fleet and their seventh at home. Despite Minnesota receiving a power play chance of their own, they were unable to convert. Boston dominated the frame, outshooting the Frost 12–7 to take a 17–12 shot advantage and a 2-0 lead into the second intermission.

A Third Period Fight

The Frost found life early in the third period when Kendall Cooper put one past Frankel at 4:01 to make it 2-1. The goal, which deflected off Frankel’s stick, was Cooper’s second of the year and was assisted by Taylor Heise and Katy Knoll.

However, the Fleet restored their two-goal cushion just two minutes later. At 6:09, Müller (1 G, 2 A) beat Hensley (33 saves on 36 shots) for her fourth of the year, snapping an 11-game goal drought. Abby Newhook and Eldridge (2 G, 1 A) provided the assists.

Minnesota head coach Ken Klee pulled Hensley with just under three minutes remaining, a gamble that paid off when Britta Curl-Salemme notched her 11th of the year at 18:24. Assisted by Cooper and Lee Stecklein, the goal cut the deficit to 3-2. The Frost mounted a frantic push in the final minute, but Frankel (20 saves on 22 shots) and the Fleet defense held firm to secure the victory.

Post-Game Reactions

Coach Klee noted that “two really good teams played a good hockey game,” emphasizing that he is focusing on “details and habits” to prepare his squad for the postseason.

Fleet head coach Kris Sparre called it a “good win,” acknowledging that while the team didn’t start great, they found their legs as the night progressed. Stars of the game Jessie Eldridge and Alina Müller spoke about the joy of playing together, each crediting the other for their recent success.

Up Next: The Fleet face a massive test on Friday night as they travel to Montreal for a high-stakes battle for first place.