Now that the Boston Fleet are the only playoff team in town, could games move to TD Garden? – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
Boston – The sudden availability of TD Garden has ignited speculation among fans and the team itself. With the Bruins and Celtics eliminated early from their playoffs, the arena sits largely empty during what would normally be a frenzy of postseason action.[1][2] The Boston Fleet, the city’s lone remaining playoff squad in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, now stands as the focus of attention. Coach Kris Sparre voiced strong enthusiasm for bringing games there, highlighting the venue’s potential to elevate the postseason experience.
A Memorable Debut Still Fresh in Memory
The Fleet’s single appearance at TD Garden earlier this season left an indelible mark. On April 11, they hosted the Montréal Victoire in the league’s first game at the arena, drawing a sellout crowd of 17,850 fans.[1] Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat, the atmosphere electrified participants and spectators alike.
Sparre recalled that night vividly during a recent interview. “We would welcome that. I mean, the last time we played there, it was electric. One of the best atmospheres I’ve ever been in front of, if not the best,” he stated.[1] The coach expressed a desire for a rematch opportunity, noting the team’s frustration over failing to score and the crowd’s palpable energy. That event marked a historic milestone, underscoring growing interest in women’s professional hockey.
Attendance dwarfed the Fleet’s typical home crowds at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, which holds about 6,000. The disparity highlights what a larger venue could mean for visibility and momentum.
Playoff Series Hangs in the Balance
The Fleet entered the PWHL playoffs as the No. 2 seed, facing the Ottawa Charge in a best-of-five first-round matchup.[1] They secured a 2-1 victory in Game 1 on April 30 at Tsongas Center before roughly 4,500 supporters. However, Ottawa responded with a 3-1 win in Game 2 on May 2, played to a sellout of 6,017.
Games 3 and 4 shift to Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre this week, mirroring a regular-season move by the Charge that attracted over 17,000 fans.[1] A potential Game 5 looms on May 12 back at Tsongas. Meanwhile, the Walter Cup Finals schedule remains unset, leaving room for venue discussions.
- Game 1: Fleet win, Tsongas Center (4,500 fans)
- Game 2: Charge win, Tsongas Center (6,017 fans)
- Games 3-4: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa
- Game 5 (if necessary): May 12, Tsongas Center
Practical Path Forward Amid Open Slots
TD Garden’s calendar offers ample opportunity. Beyond immediate weekends, only two concerts appear listed for late May: Bruce Springsteen on the 24th and Don Toliver on the 30th.[1] This gap stems directly from the Bruins’ first-round NHL exit and the Celtics’ collapse after leading a series 3-1.[2]
The team emphasized gratitude for Lowell’s support in a statement. “The support we’ve felt from Lowell and the surrounding communities during the first two playoff games has been incredible,” officials noted. “Our fans have brought a level of energy that’s helped drive our group. Right now, we’re focused on carrying that momentum into Ottawa.”[1] TD Garden representatives declined comment on hosting possibilities.
Sparre’s additional remarks underscored the appeal. “We would love another kick at the can because we didn’t score in that game,” he added Sunday. “I know everybody was a little bit ticked off, so it’d be nice to see us score.”[1] In the broader bracket, Minnesota leads Montréal 1-0, with Game 2 set for Tuesday.
As the series heads to Ottawa, the question lingers for Fleet faithful: could a return to TD Garden transform their playoff run? The electric promise of that April night, combined with an open arena, positions Boston hockey fans for a unique May storyline – one where women’s pro hockey fills the void left by traditional powerhouses.
