The NWHL roster freeze and trade deadline was 3:00 PM on Monday, February 24, much like the NHL. While the process is less intense and consists of far fewer trades than the NHL — due to the nature of the league and salaries — NWHL teams still push to get their rosters ready for the playoffs.
While the trade deadline may not have been eventful, the playoffs — which consist of just four one-off games rather than sets of series’ — can be a lot more intense. Every day is a winner takes all scenario.
Deadline Changes
The Riveters, who are battling a multitude of injuries and availability issues, were sure to make some big signings before the roster freeze. Haley Frade — who played one game with the team already on a PTO — signed for the remainder of the season. Along with her, the Riveters picked up Jayne Lewis of Sacred Heart University.
The Buffalo Beauts and Connecticut Whale, who will battle it out in a play-in game on March 6, loaded up on talent to try and push their way into the playoffs. The only scenario where the Riveters would face either of these teams is in the Isobel Cup finals. However, the Riveters will host the Beauts this weekend in the last regular season series of the year. This is an opportunity to test their strength against a new Buffalo roster.
The Whale added Katelynn Russ of Union College, while the Beauts picked up a Merrimack College duo of Lea-Kristine Demers and Mikyla Grant-Mentis. Demers will be the fourth rostered goalie for the Beauts, but due to an injury to Mariah Fujimagari and some lackluster play from the goaltending unit as a whole, the team was smart to look for some fresh legs. Grant-Mentis is a massive pickup for the Beauts. The Canadian forward averaged a point per game this season with Merrimack and averaged over 50 percent at the face-off circle. She also led her team in assists her junior year.
Players To Watch
Ashley Johnston: If we’ve learned anything over the years about the Riveters, it’s they’re a completely different team with Stretch on the ice. She is a dominant force for a squad trying to pick up a few last points this weekend. And knowing she will be in the lineup to hold it down is always something fun to watch.
Haley Frade: While these games do not matter in the standings, it’s time to give the new signings ample ice time to see what they can do. Frade is getting that honor centering the top line with the team’s leading scorers Leary and Packer. She was a bit quiet last week with less ice time, but I’d expect her to turn it up this weekend.
Sam Walther: In her first game back from injury, Walther should be a force to be reckoned with. She will look to prove that she’s 100 percent and wants momentum headed into a game with the Whitecaps. She’s shown before she can handle a ton of shots and hold her composure. So with the Beauts new kids, she will aim for perfection.
Predictions
I do not think the Riveters will pull out a sweep. The power that the Beauts are bringing to the table in hope of gaining momentum going into the playoffs, as well as bragging rights over their league rivals, will be enough to earn them at least one game.
The Riveters will likely not start Kate Leary or Sam Walther — each of which were recently injured — just in preservation for the playoffs. This should give the Beauts an advantage. I predict a split-series with the Riveters taking Saturday night 3-1 and the Beauts winning Sunday 4-3.
The Riveters take on the Beauts Saturday at 6:30 PM and Sunday at 4:30 PM for the final stretch of the season. They can not move anywhere in the standings but can end with an 11-10-3 record if they can sweep the series. Saturday will also be the Riveters ‘You Can Play’ night, honoring Hockey Is For Everyone. They are also partnering with Sky Blue FC for the evening as Sky Blue midfielder, Madison Tiernan will be a special guest.
Both games can be streamed on the NWHL Twitch channel.