New York Sirens scored twice in the third period Tuesday night to come from behind and beat Toronto Sceptres 3-2 at Prudential Center in Newark. The comeback win kept the Sirens' slim playoff hopes breathing while leaving Toronto frustrated and searching for answers.
The Sceptres carried a lead into the final frame but could not close it out. New York's third-period surge flipped the game, and Toronto had no response. It was a familiar theme for a Sceptres group that has struggled to protect leads down the stretch.
Sarah Fillier paced the Sirens with another productive night. The 30-game veteran leads New York with 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) this season and has been the engine of everything the Sirens do offensively. Casey O'Brien, with 21 points through 26 games, has given Fillier a reliable running mate.
Toronto's Natalie Spooner and Daryl Watts each have 27 points on the season, but the Sceptres could not generate enough when it mattered most. Spooner has 20 goals in just 24 games, a pace that leads the team, while Watts has been the more consistent presence with 30 games played.
The loss dropped Toronto to 37 points in fifth place. New York improved to 34 points in sixth but remains three points back of the Sceptres with time running out for both clubs. Ottawa sits above them at 39 points in fourth.
Toronto had no time to dwell on the result, facing a quick turnaround with games remaining in the final week. The Sceptres responded with a 2-0 shutout win over Minnesota on April 19.