Viewer’s guide – Boston Pride vs. Connecticut Whale in Premier Hockey Federation final

The Premier Hockey Federation hosts its Isobel Cup final on Monday (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2), pitting the reigning league champion Boston Pride against the Connecticut Whale in their first-ever final appearance.

The entire playoffs were held at the AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Each of the PHF’s six teams were part of the field, with the league’s top two seeds — No. 1 Connecticut and No. 2 Toronto Six — earning first-round byes.

In Friday’s preliminary-round action, the Pride eliminated the Buffalo Beauts in a dominating 6-0 shutout, and the Minnesota Whitecaps defeated the Metropolitan Riveters 4-1.

Forward McKenna Brand had a three-assist night for the Pride, supporting Katie Burt’s 32-save shutout in net. Minnesota had two forwards — Jonna Curtis and Audra Morrison — with three helpers each in their win, as netminder Amanda Leveille tossed out a 32-save performance.

Those outcomes set the table for Sunday’s semifinal action, with Minnesota pitted against Connecticut, and Toronto facing Boston.

The Whale were first to reach the final, downing the Whitecaps 4-2. Connecticut will play for its first title having already earned the franchise’s first regular-season championship (15-3-2 in the regular season).

In the second semifinal, Boston jumped all over Toronto early and would never relinquish its lead in a 5-1 victory. Defensemen Kali Flanagan and Kaleigh Fratkin lead the way with two points each. The Pride finished third in league standings this season, with a 10-5-5 record.

Boston is the only PHF team to win the Isobel Cup multiple times, hoisting the trophy in 2016 and 2021. To make it three titles, the Pride will have to knock off the Whale, who have put together the best season in franchise history.

Connecticut also won the regular-season series against Boston 3-1.

Ahead of Monday’s marquee matchup, here’s a primer on both clubs and an impact player to watch for each one.

Connecticut Whale

The Whale have come a long way in an impressively short…