The Ottawa Charge are authoring a remarkable chapter in their franchise history, having secured six consecutive victories to surge up the Professional Women's Hockey League standings. This unprecedented run, which includes four wins decided in extra time, marks the longest win streak the team has ever achieved.
Thriving Under Pressure: The Comeback Kings
What makes this streak particularly impressive is the Charge's newfound ability to win when not at their best. Head coach Carla MacLeod acknowledged after a recent shootout win against Boston that "it wasn't our best game," but highlighted her team's capacity to "find ways to win." This resilience has been the hallmark of the streak, with the team often battling from behind.
A signature moment came on December 23, when Ottawa engineered a stunning comeback from a three-goal deficit against the Toronto Sceptres, ultimately winning in overtime. This never-say-die attitude has been consistent, with three of the six wins requiring late, tying goals just to force the game into extra time. This represents a significant shift, as the team had only managed three extra-time wins in its first two regular seasons combined.
Goaltending Depth Fuels the Surge
A critical component of the Charge's success has been exceptional play between the pipes. Gwyneth Philips has been a cornerstone, earning five straight wins during the streak. Her ability to make crucial saves at key moments has repeatedly bailed out the team and shifted momentum. Through this six-game stretch, Philips has turned away 156 of 167 shots faced, not including shootout attempts.
The team's goaltending depth was also on full display recently when Finnish rookie Sanni Ahola stepped up. In just her second career PWHL start, Ahola secured her first league win, making 31 saves on 32 shots and then stopping three of five shooters in a shootout. This depth will be vital as the team navigates a compressed schedule, especially heading into the upcoming month-long Olympic break.
Building Momentum for the Future
While celebrating the streak, the Charge are aware that aspects of their game, such as breakouts and limiting turnovers, need refinement. However, their proven ability to thrive in high-pressure situations and secure victories through grit, timely scoring, and stellar goaltending has transformed them from basement dwellers into a formidable force in the PWHL. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and carry the lessons from these clutch wins through the Olympic hiatus and into the remainder of the season.
