3 Takeaways From Fleet’s 2-1 Win Over Charge in Game 1 – The Hockey Writers – Boston Fleet

On Thursday, April 30, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Walter Cup Playoffs kicked off. The Boston Fleet hosted the Ottawa Charge for Game 1 of their five-game series. 

The Fleet received a five-minute major penalty 15 minutes into the game, which the Charge managed to score on three minutes later for the game’s opening goal. The Fleet evened the score 17 minutes into the second period and scored a second goal two minutes later to take their first lead of the game. That lead held up through the third, and Boston took Game 1 with a 2-1 win on home ice. 

Muller Scored the First Goal for the Fleet

Into the second period, the Fleet were down by one, but they managed to even the score late. Jessie Eldridge intercepted the puck and skated it into Boston’s zone. She passed it to Alina Muller in the center of the ice, who skated up to the net and banked a shot off the crossbar to tie the game. 

This is Muller’s second time in the postseason with Boston. In 2024, she played in eight games and recorded three points. She recorded two points in her first game of this playoffs after posting a career-high 21 points in the regular season. She continues to excel offensively and will be a great player to watch as the series continues. 

Eldridge Stuns in First PWHL Playoff Game 

Eldridge not only recorded the assist on Muller’s goal, but the pair also recorded assists on Jamie Lee Rattray’s goal, giving both players two-point nights. Muller made it all the way to the Walter Cup Finals in the 2024 season with the Fleet, so she has experience playing in the postseason. For Eldridge, this is her first time. 

Eldridge spent her first two seasons in the PWHL with the New York Sirens. During the 2025 offseason, she was selected by Seattle Torrent in the expansion draft and played 19 games with the Torrent, recording 13 points. On March 16, the Torrent traded Eldridge to the Fleet in exchange for Theresa Schafzahl. Eldridge ended the season recording 10 points in 11 games. Seven of these points were recorded in her last four games, ending the season on a streak and a high note. 

The trade for Eldridge has certainly worked out in the Fleet’s favor. She has added great offensive depth and already has two points in her postseason debut. All eyes will also be on her as the Fleet continue the series. 

Fleet Have to Keep Special Teams Strong 

The Charge scored their only goal of the game on a five-minute power play. Rylind MacKinnon received a major for an illegal check to the head, as well as a game misconduct, exiting her postseason debut after just 4:13 in ice time. 

The Fleet took an additional four penalties, giving the Charge more chances to score on the extra-player advantage. The Charge also had five penalties of their own, including on a four-on-three opportunity for Boston. The Fleet failed to score on these chances as both goals being scored at full strength. 

The Fleet have to make sure they are capitalizing on each opportunity they receive, especially when they have the upper hand with more players on the ice. They also need to limit their penalties, as the Charge’s power-play goal gave them the lead. As the series progresses, the Fleet have to keep their special teams strong in order to make a run for the Walter Cup. 

Fleet Host Ottawa for Game 2 on Saturday 

The Fleet will remain home to host Ottawa for Game 2 on Saturday, May 2, at 7 PM ET.