Riveters Fall 4-1 to Boston in Heated Rivalry Battle at American Dream

East Rutherford, NJ – The Rink at American Dream was electric with anticipation as three floors of passionate fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder to witness the Metropolitan Riveters take on their bitter rivals, the Boston Pride. In what promised to be a goaltending showcase between two of the world’s elite netminders, the Pride ultimately prevailed 4-1 in a chippy, controversial affair.

A Goaltending Duel for the Ages

This marquee matchup featured a compelling storyline: Katie Burt’s emotional return to face her former Boston teammates. Burt, who joined the Riveters after Rachael McQuigge’s injury, has formed a formidable tandem with Eveliina Makinen this season.

The Riveters entered this highly anticipated matchup riding high from their festive 5-2 victory over Connecticut just before the Christmas break, where Amanda Pelkey’s two goals and three goals in 91 seconds had sent them into the holidays with tremendous momentum and confidence.

On the opposing end stood Corinne Schroeder, Boston’s undisputed number one who leads the league in wins, shutouts, GAA, and save percentage…

“Great weekend for us obviously, it’s hard carrying over back-to-back with travel getting in late last night. Our team worked hard and played as a team. We battled and kept our intensity,” said Boston head coach Paul Mara.

First Period: Deflection Heartbreak

The Riveters burst out of the gate with purpose, registering the game’s first shot just 15 seconds in. Madison Packer, Fanni Garat-Gasparics, and Sarah Bujold peppered Schroeder early, while Boston didn’t manage their first shot until 3:39.

The opening period showcased why both goaltenders are considered world-class, as neither team generated high-quality scoring chances. Both Burt and Schroeder stood tall, keeping everything to bad angles and long-distance attempts.

Unlucky Bounces Doom the Riveters

At 11:34, Boston struck first on a play that epitomized the Riveters’ frustrating night. Kali Flanagan’s shot from distance deflected off multiple Riveters defenders before sneaking past a screened Katie Burt. Olivia Zafuto and Sammy Davis earned assists on the deflection goal.

The period’s final moments brought more heartbreak. With 1:21 remaining, Jillian Dempsey flung the puck across the crease, where it struck Ebba Bergland’s skate and trickled into the net. The second deflection goal of the period gave Boston a 2-0 intermission lead.

Despite the scoreline, the Riveters had matched Boston’s intensity while shaking off holiday rust against a team coming off a game the previous night in Connecticut.

Second Period: Controversy and Frustration

The middle frame transformed into a penalty-filled affair marked by questionable officiating and escalating tensions.

Sarah Bujold drew the first penalty at 2:39 for cross-checking – a call so minor that few in the arena realized it had been made. The inconsistency that has plagued the league all season reared its head again.

Boston Extends the Lead

Elizabeth Giguere extended Boston’s lead with a goal initially ruled unassisted, though Loren Gabel and Kaleigh Fratkin were later credited with assists. The play saw Burt make two spectacular saves before a Boston player fell into her path, preventing any chance at a third stop.

The Riveters challenged the goal for goaltender interference, but officials ruled that Regan Rust’s light contact caused the collision. The failed challenge resulted in a penalty, putting Boston on the power play up 3-0.

At 15:59, Kayla Friesen capitalized on a rare mistake by veteran defenseman Minttu Tuominen, blasting home a slot shot to make it 4-0.

Tensions Boil Over

The game’s most controversial moment came when Boston’s Olivia Zafuto delivered what appeared to be a dangerous hit to the head of a defenseless Riveters player, receiving only a two-minute boarding penalty. The hit drew widespread criticism and calls for league review.

Adding insult to injury, Zafuto was later awarded a diving call when Kelly Babstock approached her, further frustrating the home crowd.

“We possessed the puck really well like we wanted to do, and we were able to break out of our zone well,”reflected Riveters head coach Venla Hovi.

Third Period: Too Little, Too Late

The final frame saw a transformed Riveters squad skating with fury and determination. At 4:23, Kennedy Ganser capitalized on a power play rebound to cut the deficit to 4-1, with assists from Anna Kilponen and Regan Rust.

Despite sustained pressure and quality chances, Schroeder stood firm for the remainder of the contest, preserving Boston’s victory.

Looking Forward

While the 4-1 scoreline suggests a lopsided affair, the Riveters proved they could match Boston’s intensity. Several deflection goals and questionable officiating decisions shaped the outcome more than any significant skill gap.

The Riveters will look to bounce back against the Connecticut Whales, hoping Sarah Bujold and Fanni Garat-Gasparics recover from their injuries sustained in this physical encounter.

Final Score: Boston Pride 4, Metropolitan Riveters 1

Goals:

• Boston: Kali Flanagan, Jillian Dempsey, Elizabeth Giguere, Kayla Friesen
• Riveters: Kennedy Ganser

Goaltending: Katie Burt (33 saves on 37 shots), Corinne Schroeder (28 saves on 29 shots)

Attendance: Capacity crowd at The Rink at American Dream