Jessie Eldridge scored twice and added an assist Tuesday night as Boston Fleet held off Minnesota Frost 3-2 at Tsongas Center in Lowell. The win moved Boston within a single point of first-place Montréal Victoire in a race that will go down to the final weekend.
Eldridge was the difference. Her two goals gave the Fleet the cushion they needed, and her third point of the night kept the puck moving when Boston needed possession most. Through 30 games, Eldridge leads the Fleet with 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists) and has been at her best when the stakes are highest.
Alina Müller, with 21 points and a league-quality vision from the wing, set up plays all night. Megan Keller contributed 19 points from the blue line, giving Boston a defensive corps that can drive offense when needed.
Minnesota came in third at 49 points and gave Boston a game. Kelly Pannek, the Frost's leading scorer with 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists), and Taylor Heise (28 points) kept Minnesota dangerous. But the Frost could not find the equalizer in the final minutes.
The result left Boston at 58 points, just one behind Montréal's 60. With two games remaining for each club, first place and home-ice advantage through the playoffs remain up for grabs. Minnesota stayed at 49 points in third, well clear of the playoff bubble but unable to close the gap on the top two.
Boston's pursuit of first continues April 22 when the Fleet host Ottawa Charge at Tsongas Center.