LPHF: Minnesota eliminates Toronto with third straight win

Taylor Hayes scored twice, including one that broke a 1-1 tie midway through the third period, Friday, and the LPHF's Minnesota beat Toronto 4-1 in the fifth and final game of the semifinal series.

After two losses in Toronto to start the series, the Minnesota representatives signed a three-game winning streak, including shutouts in Games 3 and 4, against the team that picked them as semifinal contenders after finishing atop the standings in the regular season.

Minnesota advances to the final where they will face Boston, which swept Montreal in three games in the other semifinal.

Without being able to open the scoring, the Toronto Women dominated the game's first 36 minutes by shooting 21 of the game's first 30 shots until a Sarah Nurse penalty for tripping sent Minnesota to the digital advantage.

Denisa Krizova then took advantage to put Minnesota ahead by scoring the comeback goal at 7:29 of the second period.

Rebecca Leslie responded quickly for Toronto, completing a pass from Victoria Bach on a two-hander 38 seconds later.

The third period was a Minnesota affair.

Heise hit the target with a brilliant shot from the circle while Jocelyn Larocque was in the box to connect.

Sofia Konin and Hayes completed the scoring with two empty-net goals.

Minnesota had a 12-4 upper hand in shots on goal during this deadly third period for Toronto.

Captain Kendall Quinn Schofield and Sophie Jacques each had two assists for Minnesota.

Maddie Rooney made 27 saves in the win, the same number as her opponent, Christine Campbell.

Toronto was without Natalie Spooner for the third straight game. The LPHF's top scorer on the calendar had his season ended prematurely due to a knee injury suffered in the third game of the series.

The final begins Sunday in Boston (5 p.m. EST). RDS2).