Toronto Six blank Connecticut Whale, punch ticket to 1st PHF final in franchise history

The Toronto Six, who were one overtime goal away on Saturday from elimination in the Premier Hockey Federation playoffs, are heading to Arizona this weekend to play for the Isobel Cup for the first time in franchise history.

The Six defeated the Connecticut Whale 3-0 on Monday night at Mattamy Athletic Centre to win the third and deciding game of their best-of-three semifinal series to advance to Sunday's winner-take-all final at Tempe's Mullett Arena against the surprising Minnesota Whitecaps.

Kati Tabin had a power-play goal and two assists for the Six on Monday, while Michela Cava had a goal and assist. Leah Lum added the other goal.

Elaine Chuli stopped 31 shots to post the shutout.

The Whale won Game 1 of the series 5-3 on Friday, and led Game 2 on Saturday 2-1 in the second period before the Six rallied with two goals, including an overtime marker by Emma Woods at 2:31 of the extra period.

The Toronto Six finished second in the seven-team women's professional hockey loop this season, eight points ahead of the third-place Whale.

Defenceman Shannon Turner, the captain of the Whale, was in tears following the game, saying she was proud of her team and its growth, but admitted: "It really sucks we're not going to Arizona. We were so close."

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Whale coach Colton Orr said Chuli's goaltending proved to be the determining factor for his crew in the do-or-die game.

"Chuli is just one of those elite goalies who if you don't score on early, it gets tougher as the game goes on. She was excellent tonight and we just couldn't score despite having our chances and applying pressure."

For her part, Chuli was praising teammates post-game for blocking shots and