Fleet’s Hilary Knight Helping Boston Control Destiny In Playoff Push

Boston Fleet captain Hilary Knight is an absolute icon in women’s hockey.

And for those who are new to following the sport — they certainly have been treated to seeing the pioneer find her offensive touch to help propel Boston in its sophomore season in the PWHL.

In the Fleet’s inaugural season, Knight uncharacteristically scored just six goals and five assists for 11 points in 24 games. However, the 35-year-old forward has tallied 24 points (12 goals and 12 assists) in 23 games this season — leading all skaters in the league.

“Last year there was a lot of things on Knight’s plate,” Fleet head coach Courtney Kessel told reporters Saturday in Ottawa after Boston’s 5-2 win over the Charge, per team-provided video. “She was starting this league, trying to build a culture within a new program that’s 26 women from across the world, and you put a lot on your shoulders to try and build this thing the right way.

“I think it was heavy for her, and I think it would have been heavy for anyone. This year, she’s settling in, she’s enjoying the game again. We have so much fun in the locker room and she’s just shining.”

Knight tallied a goal and two assists against Ottawa, helping the Fleet extend their point streak to eight games. It was her fifth multi-point performance of the season and leads all Boston skaters in goals, assists and points.

With seven games remaining in the regular season, the Fleet, with an overall record of 8-5-4-6 and 38 points, currently sit in second place in league standings in the final push before the playoffs. The Fleet will look to close the gap between themselves and the league-leading Victoire when Boston hosts Montreal Tuesday at Tsongas Center. With 44 points, Montreal has a six-point cushion on Boston.

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