ST. PAUL (Interstat) — Raygan Kirk stopped all 24 shots she faced, Savannah Harmon and Daryl Watts scored, and the Toronto Sceptres defeated the Minnesota Frost 2-0 in a Professional Women’s Hockey League game at Grand Casino Arena on April 19. Toronto improved to 11-17, while Minnesota fell to 16-12. Kirk earned the win in net, turning aside a Minnesota attack that included Grace Zumwinkle’s five shots on goal. The Sceptres scored once in the first period and added a late goal in the third to complete a road victory.

Harmon opened the scoring at 4:25 of the first period, converting with an assist from Emma Maltais. The goal came three seconds after Minnesota’s Katy Knoll was assessed a two-minute penalty for kneeing. Toronto protected the one-goal lead through a scoreless second period, with Kirk making saves as the Frost pushed for an equalizer. Blayre Turnbull helped drive Toronto’s offense and finished with five shots on goal, while Watts recorded a goal, two shots and a hit. Jesse Compher added an assist and two penalty minutes. Maltais also had an assist and one shot.

Watts gave Toronto breathing room at 18:02 of the third period, scoring with assists from Turnbull and Compher. The goal came after Minnesota’s Katy Knoll received a two-minute cross-checking penalty at 16:45. Minnesota could not solve Kirk despite pressure late. The Frost’s Britta Curl-Salemme and Taylor Fox each recorded two shots on goal, while Kelly Pannek had one. Toronto’s defense limited Minnesota’s chances and held on for the shutout.

The game included eight minor penalties. Minnesota’s Katy Knoll was called for kneeing at 4:22 of the first period. Toronto’s Clara Van Wieren received a hooking penalty at 9:28 of the first and a slashing penalty at 18:06 of the first. In the second period, Toronto’s Jesse Compher was whistled for interference at 6:35, and Emma Gentry was called for slashing at 18:40. In the third, Toronto’s Kiara Zanon was called for hooking at 2:08, Minnesota’s Jincy Roese received an interference penalty at 6:05, and Knoll was penalized for cross-checking at 16:45. Toronto killed off all five Minnesota power plays, while the Sceptres converted twice with the extra skater.

Kirk’s 24-save performance was the top star for Toronto. She was busy throughout, especially as Minnesota pressed in the third. The Frost finished with 24 shots on goal, led by Zumwinkle’s five. Kirk recorded the shutout. The Sceptres improved their record and snapped a recent skid. Toronto’s penalty kill stood tall, and the Sceptres received timely scoring from Harmon and Watts.

Turnbull finished with one assist and five shots on goal for Toronto. Watts had one goal, two shots and one hit. Harmon scored on her only shot. Maltais recorded one assist and one shot. Compher contributed one assist, one shot and two penalty minutes. For Minnesota, Zumwinkle recorded five shots, Curl-Salemme and Fox each had two, and Pannek had one.

Minnesota entered with a stronger record and had won two of the previous three meetings between the clubs. The Frost could not solve Kirk, however, and their best opportunities came from Zumwinkle, Curl-Salemme and Fox. Toronto’s win gave the Sceptres a split in the season series and a road victory. Minnesota was shut out at home.

Toronto had lost its previous two games, while Minnesota had lost its most recent game at Boston. The Sceptres found enough offense through Harmon and Watts and received strong special-teams play. Minnesota’s power play did not score on five chances. Toronto preserved the shutout.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected Minnesota with a 64.7 percent probability to win before the game. Toronto is set to host New York next, while Minnesota will visit Seattle.