Venue: Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul, Minnesota
The Boston Fleet (5-0-0-0) head to Minnesota to face the Frost (2-0-0-2) in a rematch of their December 7 clash. Boston enters undefeated and atop the PWHL standings after a dominant start to the 2025-26 season, while Minnesota looks to rebound from an early-season stumble and capitalize on home ice following the international break (Dec. 8-15).
Team Records and Standings Context
Boston Fleet: 5-0-0-0 (likely formatted as Regulation Wins – OT Wins – OT Losses – Regulation Losses). This translates to a perfect record through five games, with all wins in regulation. Boston leads the league in points and has established itself as the early pacesetter, boasting the best goal differential and defensive record.
Minnesota Frost: 2-0-0-2. The two-time defending Walter Cup champions (from prior seasons) have split their four games, with both losses coming in regulation. They sit mid-pack in the standings, tied or near teams with similar points but seeking consistency.
Recent Team Form
Boston Fleet: On a five-game win streak, Boston has been unstoppable. Their most recent outing (Dec. 17) was a 2-0 shutout road win over the New York Sirens, where goaltender Aerin Frankel stopped all 33 shots faced. Prior to that, they defeated Minnesota 4-1 on Dec. 7 at home, with strong contributions from defenders like Megan Keller (goal + assist) and multi-point games from forwards. Boston’s form features elite goaltending, disciplined defense, and efficient scoring – they’ve outscored opponents significantly while allowing the fewest goals league-wide.
Minnesota Frost: The Frost have not played since their 4-1 road loss to Boston on Dec. 7, due to the international break. Before that defeat, their record showed promise with two regulation wins but vulnerability in regulation losses. Minnesota’s offense, led by stars like Taylor Heise and Kendall Coyne Schofield, has flashed potential, but defensive lapses and goaltending inconsistencies have cost them against top teams.
Boston enters refreshed and rolling; Minnesota will aim to use the home crowd and extra rest to disrupt the Fleet’s rhythm.
Injury Report
No major injuries reported for either team heading into this game as of December 17, 2025. Both rosters appear largely healthy following the international break. Earlier in the season (pre-December), Minnesota dealt with minor issues (e.g., Taylor Heise managing a knee concern), and Boston had concerns around forward Alina Müller from a hit in late 2024, but all key players are expected to be available. Monitor official PWHL updates for any last-minute changes.
Key Player Matchups
Aerin Frankel (BOS G) vs. Minnesota’s Forward Group: Frankel has been the PWHL’s top netminder early on, posting shutouts (including Dec. 17) and dominating high-danger chances. She’ll face Minnesota’s speedsters like Heise, Coyne Schofield, and Grace Zumwinkle, who can generate rush opportunities.
Hilary Knight/Alina Müller (BOS Forwards) vs. Minnesota Defense: Boston’s captain Knight and skilled forward Müller provide veteran leadership and finishing ability. They’ll test Minnesota’s blue line, which has struggled containing structured attacks.
Taylor Heise (MIN F) vs. Boston Defense (led by Megan Keller): Heise, a dynamic scorer and homegrown talent, needs a bounce-back performance at home. Keller’s physicality and positioning could neutralize Minnesota’s top line.
Goaltending Battle: Frankel vs. likely Nicole Hensley or Maddie Rooney for Minnesota. Boston’s edge in net has been a storyline all season.
This game could hinge on special teams and goaltending – Boston excels in both areas so far.
Series History
2025-26 Season: Boston leads 1-0 after the 4-1 victory on Dec. 7 at Agganis Arena (Boston). The Fleet controlled play, outshooting Minnesota and capitalizing on power plays.
All-Time (including prior seasons): Minnesota holds a historical edge (approximately 10-6 in some aggregations), bolstered by their championship pedigree. However, Boston has won recent meaningful matchups and appears to have flipped the script this year.
Betting Trends
Home underdog trend for Minnesota: As champions, they’ve drawn some contrarian action at plus-money, but volume is low overall for PWHL.
GAME ODDS
Boston Fleet – 820
Minnesota Frost 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
