The New York Sirens continue their home stretch in a Sunday matinee game against the Minnesota Frost.
Both teams come into Sunday’s matchup winning their previous game. The Sirens beat the Toronto Sceptres 4-2 and the Frost beat the Ottawa Charge 5-2. Both teams look to build on this winning momentum in Sunday’s match.
The last time these two teams played each other was on December 1 when New York won in an overtime thriller. The game was an exhilarating back and forth affair which should have fans excited for round two of this matchup.
Below is my key factor to victory for both teams:
New York Sirens: The fans
Unlike last season where New York called three arenas home, this year they have one home which is the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The Sirens had to wait a few weeks before their home opener, but it was worth it. The crowd was lively against Toronto and New York hopes to draw the fans back again on Sunday.
The team announced on social media that during the second intermission of Sunday’s game fans can toss teddy bears onto the ice in support of the animal welfare association. The teddy bear toss is a fan favorite as the Sirens look to create initiatives to get fans in the stands.
In a virtual media day hosted on December 11, New York captain Micah Zandee-Hart stated how excited she is to establish a home arena advantage and to make the Rock an intimidating place to come and play games in.
Sirens fans need to come out loud and proud in Sunday’s game to give New York the momentum to beat last year’s Walter Cup champions.
Minnesota Frost: Special Teams
Since dropping their home opener to New York, Minnesota has gone on a three-game win streak. A factor of this streak has been the strong play of the Frost’s special teams.
In the three games, Minnesota’s power play was 37.5% efficient and was how Minnesota scored the game winner in its game against Ottawa. The Frost’s penalty kill has been even better, with a perfect 100% across the three games.
Special teams will be important against a New York team who’s second in the league on the power play and first on the penalty kill. If Minnesota can get the special teams going, it could very well be the X-factor of the matchup.
