The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) continues its 2025-26 season with a cross-conference matchup between the Toronto Sceptres and the New York Sirens. Toronto, coming off a shootout loss in a neutral-site game, looks to rebound with its balanced attack and veteran leadership, while New York, struggling with a two-game losing streak, aims to capitalize on home ice and emerging depth. As expansion teams in their second season, both squads are building toward playoff contention, making this contest crucial for momentum heading into the holiday break. With low-scoring affairs typical in PWHL games, expect a gritty battle focused on goaltending and special teams.
Venue Location
The game will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This multi-purpose arena, with a seating capacity of approximately 16,514 for hockey, has served as one of the primary venues for the New York Sirens since the PWHL’s inception, providing a vibrant East Coast atmosphere and strong fan support.
Puck drop is scheduled for 12:00 PM EST. The game will be broadcast on MSG and My9 in New York, TSN in Canada, and available for streaming on the PWHL’s official platforms.
Injury Report
Toronto Sceptres: No major injuries reported as of December 20, 2025. The team has been relatively healthy, with recent line changes focusing on integrating players like Kristýna Kaltounková alongside veterans. However, monitor for any day-to-day issues, as the Sceptres have managed minor ailments without long-term absences this season.
New York Sirens: Defender Ella Shelton (LTIR – Lower Body injury, sidelined since the season opener; expected return timeline unclear). Forward Sarah Fillier has been healthy but part of recent line tweaks. The Sirens have called up reinforcements, but Shelton’s absence impacts their blue line depth.
Player Matchups
This game features several compelling individual battles that could decide the outcome:
Renata Fast (TOR, D) vs. Sarah Fillier (NYR, F): Fast (strong defensive play, recent assists) will aim to shut down Fillier (emerging star with speed and scoring, 4 points in recent games), a key matchup for neutral-zone control.
Natalie Spooner (TOR, F) vs. Alex Carpenter (NYR, F): Spooner (leading Toronto’s offense with timely goals) faces Carpenter’s playmaking (consistent points in losses), potentially deciding secondary scoring.
Sarah Nurse (TOR, F) vs. Micah Zandee-Hart (NYR, D): Nurse’s versatility (power-play specialist) tests Zandee-Hart’s shutdown defense, a forward-defenseman clash for high-danger areas.
Kristen Campbell (TOR, G) vs. Sandra Abstreiter (NYR, G): Campbell (recent SO loss but solid saves) vs. Abstreiter (first PWHL start in months, 27 saves in recent game), where Toronto’s edge in net could limit New York’s shots.
Toronto’s veteran forwards give them an advantage, but New York’s youth could force turnovers.
Team Records
Toronto Sceptres: 2-0-1-2 (Wins-OT Wins-OT Losses-Losses), 7 points, mid-pack in the league standings.
New York Sirens: 2-0-0-4, 6 points, near the bottom but with games in hand.
These records reflect performances through December 19, 2025.
Recent Team Forms
Toronto has been competitive, going 2-1-0-2 in their last five games, including a 1-2 shootout loss to Montreal Victoire on December 17 in Halifax. They averaged 2.2 goals for and 2.4 against, with a power play at 20% and penalty kill at 82%. Key wins include over Boston, but the shootout loss highlighted goaltending strength despite the result.
New York is struggling, with a 2-3-0-0 record in their last five, including a 0-2 loss to Boston Fleet on December 17. They averaged 2.4 goals for and 3.2 against, with a power play at 18% and penalty kill at 80%. A 4-3 OT win over Minnesota on December 1 showed potential, but recent shutouts highlight offensive droughts.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Goals For/Against (Last 5) | PP% (Season) | PK% (Season) |
| Toronto Sceptres | 2-1-0-2 | L1 | 11/12 | 19.2% | 81.5% |
| New York Sirens | 2-3-0-0 | L2 | 12/16 | 18.4% | 79.8% |
Series History
The Sceptres and Sirens have a brief but intense history in the PWHL’s young league. Toronto holds a 4-1-1-0 edge over New York from the previous season, with the Sceptres winning the majority of meetings. Games have been close, averaging 4.8 goals, with the home team prevailing in 4 of 6. This is the first matchup of the 2025-26 season, setting the tone for future encounters.
Betting Trends
PWHL games in 2025 have favored unders (hitting in 65% of contests due to low-scoring nature, average 4.2 goals per game). Home teams are 55% SU league-wide, but underdogs like New York cover 52% ATS when priced +100 or higher. Toronto is 3-2 ATS on the road this season, with overs in 4 of their last 6. New York is 2-3 ATS at home, with unders in 4 of their last 5 losses. Head-to-head, unders have hit in 5 of 6 meetings, and Toronto covers 67% as favorites. December trends show unders in 60% of interdivisional games with injuries.
GAME ODDS
Toronto Sceptres – 115
New York Sirens 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 20, 2025
