Jill Saulnier proved to be a solid midseason trade pick-up for the Fleet, and she made PWHL history Thursday night.
Boston’s 2-0 lead evaporated after the Charge scored two third-period goals. Every point counts down the stretch, and tensions flared at TD Place. That tension led to a fight between Fleet forward Jill Saulnier and Ottawa forward Tereza Vanišová. The pair kept their helmets and gloves on, but full-blown punches were thrown. The forwards were assessed two-minute minor penalties after officials broke up the brawl.
It’s the first fight in PWHL history and came four days after Saulnier scored her first goal with the Fleet. Fights are against the PWHL rulebook, but fans were glued to their screens after seeing the Boston forward and Vanišová go at it.
Susanna Tapani, who scored the game-winner in overtime, admitted she had never seen a fight in her playing career. Theresa Schafzahl, who scored her first goal of the season Thursday night, credited Saulnier for providing the Fleet a spark.
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Boston acquired Saulnier from the New York Sirens on Jan. 21 in exchange for Taylor Giard. Head coach Courtney Kessel commended the 32-year-old for her physical play, though it’s unlikely she could have foreseen her throwing hands in a game.
Boston moved to fourth in the PWHL standings after Thursday night’s win. The Fleet will play New York at KeyBank Centre on Sunday.
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Featured image via /PWHL
