In a crucial matchup in Ottawa, Ontario, the Ottawa Charge faced a significant setback in their playoff aspirations with a 6-3 defeat against the New York Sirens on Tuesday night. Holding a promising 3-0 lead going into the third period, the Charge were unable to maintain their advantage as the Sirens mounted an impressive comeback, scoring six unanswered goals.
The Charge, currently positioned fifth and not within the playoff bracket, seemed to dominate the game for the first two periods. However, the tide began to turn for New York when Jessie Eldridge scored early in the third, revitalizing the Sirens’ efforts.
Consecutive penalties proved costly for Ottawa as they allowed New York to draw level. Sarah Fillier narrowed the gap to one with her goal, and, shortly after, Jade Downie-Landry equalized when her shot deflected off Ottawa’s Zoe Boyd, slipping past Gwyneth Philips, who managed 28 saves throughout the night.
A crucial turnover provided New York with the opportunity to seize the lead, courtesy of Downie-Landry’s second goal of the evening. Just minutes later, another turnover facilitated Fillier’s second goal, putting the Sirens firmly ahead with under eight minutes left in the game. To cap the scoring, Alex Carpenter netted an empty-netter.
This final period proved devastating after what seemed a strong start for the Charge. Rebecca Leslie scored her first of the season, capitalizing on a breakaway in the first period. Emily Clark extended the lead with her ninth of the season, and captain Brianne Jenner solidified the advantage to 3-0 late in the second, overcoming Kayle Osborne who recorded 15 saves.
Important Takeaways:
For the Charge, a lack of discipline in the third period proved costly, conceding two decisive power-play goals. Contrarily, although behind 3-0, the Sirens showcased resilience and persistence.
Pivotal Moment:
Ottawa’s consecutive penalties in the third period were pivotal, as New York capitalized on both opportunities to shift the game’s momentum.
Notable Statistic:
In her previous encounter against New York, Ottawa’s Tereza Vanisova netted her second hat trick of the season, becoming the first player in Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) history to achieve multiple hat tricks in a single season.
Upcoming Matches:
Next, the Sirens are set to face off against Montreal on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Charge will challenge the Boston Fleet in St. Louis on Saturday, marking the final venue in the PWHL Takeover Tour.