Vancouver Goldeneyes earned a 3-2 road victory over Toronto Sceptres at Coca-Cola Coliseum on Saturday, picking up three points in a game they could not afford to lose.
The win keeps Vancouver in the playoff conversation at 27 points, tied with New York for sixth. Toronto, sitting fifth with 31 points, has now dropped back-to-back games after a stretch that had them climbing the standings.
The Goldeneyes got production from a forward group that has carried them all season. Hannah Miller leads the club with 24 points in 29 games. Sarah Nurse has 23 points in 24 appearances. Tereza Vanisova paces the team with 15 goals through 30 games.
From the back end, Sophie Jaques continued her strong season with 22 points in 25 games, including 15 assists. Claire Thompson has added 18 points from the blue line.
Toronto got 27-point seasons from both Daryl Watts and Natalie Spooner, but it was not enough on this night. Spooner leads the team with 20 goals in 24 games. Renata Fast contributed from the defensive position with 22 points.
The Sceptres have leaned heavily on Raygan Kirk in goal this season. Kirk holds a .929 save percentage and a 2.05 goals-against average across 17 starts with two shutouts.
Vancouver needs to stack wins over the final stretch to have any chance of catching Toronto for the last playoff spot. With seven games left for both clubs, every matchup carries enormous weight.
Toronto hosts Ottawa in their next game. Vancouver returns to Pacific Coliseum to face Seattle.