The 2025-26 PWHL season brings a neutral-site matchup as part of the PWHL Takeover Tour, featuring the expansion Vancouver Goldeneyes against the surging Boston Fleet. Vancouver has struggled to find consistency in their inaugural season, relying on star power like Sarah Nurse to spark offense, while Boston continues to dominate with a balanced attack and elite goaltending from Aerin Frankel. This game could showcase Boston’s depth against Vancouver’s resilience, with the Fleet aiming to extend their strong start and the Goldeneyes seeking an upset to build momentum heading into the new year.
Venue Location
Little Caesars Arena, located in Detroit, Michigan. This multi-purpose venue has a capacity of approximately 20,000 for hockey and is hosting the game as part of the PWHL Takeover Tour, providing a neutral site for this inter-conference clash.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT, 6:00 p.m. CT).
Injury Report
Vancouver Goldeneyes: Defender Nina Jobst-Smith has been activated from long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and is expected to play after missing time earlier in the season. No other major injuries reported, with the team maintaining a mostly healthy roster heading into the matchup.
Boston Fleet: No significant injuries noted in recent reports. The Fleet have avoided major setbacks this season, with key players like Megan Keller and Alina Müller fully available.
Key Player Matchups
This game pits Vancouver’s offensive stars against Boston’s defensive strength, with goaltending likely to play a pivotal role in a potentially low-scoring affair.
Sarah Nurse (VAN, F) vs. Megan Keller (BOS, D): Nurse, a dynamic forward with elite speed and scoring touch (leading Vancouver in points), will challenge Keller, Boston’s shutdown defender known for her physicality and international experience.
Abby Boreen (VAN, F) vs. Alina Müller (BOS, F): Boreen’s two-way play and net-front presence meet Müller’s playmaking and finishing skills, potentially dictating control in the offensive zone.
Tereza Vanisova (VAN, F) vs. Aerin Frankel (BOS, G): Vanisova’s shot volume and creativity will test Frankel, who leads the league in wins and save percentage, in a battle that could highlight Boston’s goaltending edge.
Sophie Jaques (VAN, D) vs. Susanna Tapani (BOS, F): Jaques’ defensive poise faces Tapani’s scoring threat, with this matchup key to limiting Boston’s transition opportunities.
Recent Team Forms
Vancouver Goldeneyes: The Goldeneyes have gone 1-1-1-2 in their last five games, showing flashes but struggling defensively. Recent results include a 2-0 loss to New York on January 1, a 4-3 OT win over Seattle on December 27, a 5-1 loss to Ottawa on December 23, a 3-4 win vs. Toronto on December 20, and a 4-0 shutout loss to Montréal earlier in December. They’ve been outscored 14-12 in this stretch, with goaltending inconsistencies a concern.
Boston Fleet: The Fleet are 4-0-1-0 in their last five, maintaining top form. Highlights include a 3-2 shootout loss to Ottawa on January 2 (snapping a win streak), a 5-2 win over Montréal on December 30, a 4-1 victory vs. Toronto on December 27, a 3-1 win at New York on December 23, and a 2-0 shutout over Vancouver on December 3. They’ve outscored opponents 17-8 recently, led by strong special teams.
Series History
The teams have met once this season, with Boston holding a 1-0 edge after a 2-0 shutout victory over Vancouver on December 3, 2025, at Tsongas Center. As an expansion team, Vancouver has no prior history against Boston beyond this matchup, but the Fleet’s defensive masterclass in that game (outshooting Vancouver 35-22) sets the tone for a rematch.
Betting Trends
Boston is 7-2 ATS this season, covering in 5 of 6 as favorites and all home/neutral games. They’ve hit the under in 6 of 8 contests, averaging 4.2 combined goals with stingy defense.
Vancouver is 3-6 ATS, but 2-2 as underdogs. They’ve gone over in 5 of 9 games (averaging 5.0 goals), often due to defensive lapses despite solid offense.
In their lone head-to-head, the under hit easily (2-0 final). PWHL neutrals trend toward unders (60% this season), but Boston’s games average 4.8 goals against weaker teams. Favorites have covered 65% league-wide in 2025-26.
GAME ODDS
Vancouver Goldeneyes 4.5
Boston Fleet – 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026
