In Ottawa, Ontario, the Ottawa Charge secured a notable 3-2 victory against the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday night, a triumph highlighted by Alex Vasko’s two-goal performance. However, the win was overshadowed by a significant setback as star goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer exited the game due to an apparent injury.
Maschmeyer’s evening was a milestone, having reached her 1,000th career regular-season save and earning a standing ovation for her accomplishment before suffering an injury. She successfully thwarted 19 attempts from Minnesota before succumbing to the 20th shot by Taylor Heise, which saw the puck navigate its way through traffic. The injury, suspected to affect her right leg, led to Maschmeyer requiring assistance to leave the rink.
Taking over with 8:55 remaining and Ottawa leading 2-1, reserve goalie Gwyneth Philips stepped in, making a crucial save to ensure the team’s victory. Vasko’s short-handed goal late in the third period — her second score of the match — proved decisive in maintaining Ottawa’s advantage.
Though Minnesota seemed to draw even at the 13:18 mark, their hopes were initially dashed when the on-ice official nullified the score. Nevertheless, a review upheld the challenge, crediting Claire Thompson with her fourth season goal, which leveled the game at 2-2 before Ottawa reclaimed the lead.
Key observations from the game included Ottawa addressing their customary second-period challenges by manufacturing numerous opportunities. In contrast, Minnesota initially lagged, being outshot 7-2 in the opening period, but ultimately outshot Ottawa 22-19 by the game’s end.
A notable milestone of the event was Maschmeyer’s achievement of becoming the first PWHL goalie to amass 1,000 regular-season saves, marked during her 18th save midway through the third period.
Among the statistical highlights, Kendall Coyne Schofield stands out, having netted 10 goals this season — the only PWHL player to do so without a power-play goal.
Looking ahead, the Minnesota Frost are scheduled to face the New York Sirens on Sunday, while Ottawa Charge prepares to host the Boston Fleet on Saturday.
