Gosling’s 2-goal game helps Sceptres secure series opener against Frost

Julia Gosling made a memorable playoff debut for the Toronto Sceptres, scoring her first even-strength goal of the season in a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Frost in Game 1 of their PWHL semifinal series. The rookie, who had previously scored all four of her regular-season goals on the power play, netted two crucial goals to help her team secure the win.

“It was really exciting and it’s my first 5-on-5 goal,” Gosling said, beaming with pride. “Just the way we were playing and the way our lines were changing, I think it just put me in a great spot to get that opportunity and then just use my shot. So it was just super fun to get it done at home.”

Captain Blayre Turnbull also found the back of the net for Toronto, while goaltender Kristen Campbell made 24 saves to preserve the victory. Head coach Troy Ryan praised his team’s effort, emphasizing the importance of playing a responsible game both offensively and defensively.

Minnesota responded with goals from Britta Curl-Salemme and Katy Knoll, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Toronto’s early lead. Despite falling behind 3-0, the Frost put up a strong fight and made it a close contest until the final buzzer.

The two teams had a history of intense matchups, with Minnesota coming out on top in last season’s semifinal series. This time around, Toronto was determined to get their revenge and set the tone early with a strong first period performance.

Gosling’s second goal of the game came on a power play opportunity, showcasing her offensive prowess and ability to capitalize on scoring chances. The Frost managed to close the gap with goals from Curl-Salemme and Knoll, but Toronto’s solid defensive play in the final minutes secured the victory.

The game wasn’t without its physicality, as Curl-Salemme was ejected for a dangerous hit on Toronto’s Renata Fast. Despite the intense moments, Turnbull commended her team for staying composed and focused on the task at hand.

Overall, it was a thrilling start to the semifinal series, with both teams showing their determination to come out on top. Toronto’s strong performance in Game 1 will undoubtedly give them confidence heading into the rest of the series, as they look to advance to the next round of the playoffs.