Ottawa Charge Confronts Familiar Playoff Scenario After Olympic Hiatus
As the Professional Women's Hockey League season resumes this week following the Olympic break, the Ottawa Charge finds itself in a familiar position. Once again, the team must deliver a powerful finish after a schedule pause to secure a coveted playoff berth. This recurring challenge highlights the competitive nature of the league and the Charge's resilience in high-pressure situations.
Historical Context and Last Season's Dramatic Finish
Fans may recall the thrilling conclusion to last season, where the Charge clinched a playoff spot in dramatic fashion. After the Women's World Championship in Czechia, Ottawa won two of its final three regular-season games, including an overtime victory in the season finale. This late surge allowed them to sneak into the postseason tournament, where they demonstrated remarkable tenacity.
In the playoffs, the Charge eliminated the Montreal Victoire and pushed the Minnesota Frost to Game 4 in the best-of-five Walter Cup final. Notably, all eight of their playoff games were decided by a single goal, showcasing their ability to compete in tight, high-stakes matchups. This history provides both inspiration and a blueprint for the current squad as they navigate the remaining schedule.
Current Standings and the Daunting Task Ahead
Entering the Olympic break, the Charge had built momentum by winning eight of their last ten games. However, they shared points in five of those victories due to overtime or shootout results, reflecting the league's competitive balance. With 14 games left in the season, Ottawa holds a record of 4-5-0-7, accumulating 22 points. They currently trail the New York Sirens by two points for the final playoff spot, with the Sirens at 7-0-3-6.
The playoff race remains intensely crowded. The Vancouver Goldeneyes have 19 points, the Toronto Sceptres have 17 points, and the Seattle Torrent have 16 points with 16 games remaining. Even teams with higher point totals, such as the Montreal Victoire (27 points), Minnesota Frost (28 points), and Boston Fleet (30 points), are within striking distance, though they have 15 or 16 games left. This volatility underscores the importance of every point in the coming weeks.
Coach MacLeod's Perspective on the Playoff Push
Charge coach Carla MacLeod emphasized a focused approach after Monday's practice at TD Place. "At this point, it's truly not about standings, it's just about point collecting, and that's what it's been from the start of the season," MacLeod stated. She highlighted the league's inherent unpredictability, noting, "We know that the volatility of the standings is a real thing in our league. So it's less about where we sit and more about how we're playing, and how do we make sure that we keep getting points into the bank for ourselves."
MacLeod added, "For us, there's lots that goes into that, but that's certainly what we're evaluating, not where we're sitting. We're sitting fine, it's not that we aren't, but we know so much is going to change between now and the end of the regular season in this league." This mindset prioritizes consistent performance over standings-watching, a strategy that could prove crucial in the tight playoff race.
Upcoming Challenges and Historical Success Against Boston
The Charge's first game back will be a significant test, as they host the league-leading Boston Fleet on Saturday afternoon. Boston boasts an impressive record of 8-2-2-2, making this matchup a critical opportunity for Ottawa to gain ground. Historically, the Charge have fared remarkably well against the Fleet this season, winning both previous meetings in shootouts.
The first victory was a 3-2 win on home ice on December 27, with captain Brianne Jenner scoring the deciding goal. The second came during a Takeover Tour game in Halifax on January 11, resulting in a 2-1 final. These successes provide a confidence boost as Ottawa prepares to face one of the league's top teams, reinforcing their capability to compete against elite opposition.
Conclusion: A Season-Defining Stretch Ahead
As the Ottawa Charge embarks on the final stretch of the PWHL season, the team is poised for a challenging yet opportunistic period. With the playoff landscape tightly contested and historical precedents of late-season surges, the Charge's ability to collect points consistently will be paramount. Coach MacLeod's emphasis on performance over standings, combined with past successes against top teams like Boston, sets the stage for an exciting and potentially rewarding conclusion to the regular season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Charge aims to secure its place in the postseason once again.
