ST PAUL, Minnesota — Midway through the second period of Friday night’s PWHL playoff game, Minnesota Frost defender Lee Stecklein recognized an opportunity.
Just over eight minutes after scoring her first career postseason goal, the Roseville native fired a slapshot from the high slot for her second goal of the period. The goal capped a three-goal scoring spree for the Frost, who led 3-1 in a crucial Game 2 against Toronto.
It was also Stecklein’s third point in eight minutes, making her not only the first PWHL defender to score three points in a single game, but also the first player to do so in a single postseason period.
“It goes back to our team, and the way we’ve been playing these last few games has opened up some things,” said Stecklein, who has five goals in her last four games. “Obviously, we have some offensive threats and people to be concerned about, which opens up some opportunities, and you just have to be prepared to take advantage of them. Fortunately, things have gone my way so far.”
The Frost won 5-3 to tie the series and give Minnesota home ice advantage for the rest of the series.
“She was outstanding. She is clearly regarded as a world-class defensive defender. “He always has a good stick, a good gap, and is difficult to play against,” Frost coach Ken Klee said following Friday’s win. “Tonight, she felt it. You know it’s the playoffs; we know we have to find new ways to score goals, and different players must contribute. She understands that she exemplifies that, which is why she is one of our leaders and top players, and she was fantastic.”
Stecklein and the Frost will host the Sceptres on Sunday at 5 p.m.
