The Ottawa Charge had a thrilling start to the PWHL Finals when local player Rebecca Leslie scored the first goal for the team in Game 1 against the Minnesota Frost. Despite only scoring one goal in the regular season, Leslie stepped up in the playoffs with back-to-back opening goals. The game ended with Emily Clark scoring the winning goal in overtime, securing a 2-1 victory for Ottawa.
The Scoreless Opener: The first period saw no goals as both teams struggled to find openings for offense. Minnesota made it challenging for Ottawa to break out of their zone, limiting their opportunities. However, Ottawa gained momentum towards the end of the period, finishing with nine shots, including a close chance by Gabbie Hughes. On the other hand, Minnesota failed to register a shot on goal after the halfway mark of the period.
Philips’ Mistake: Despite a strong playoff performance, Ottawa’s goalie Gwyneth Philips made a crucial mistake by playing the puck to Minnesota’s Katy Knoll, leading to a goal by Klára Hymlárová. This error ended Philips’ shutout bid but did not deter her performance for the rest of the game. Minnesota’s depth in scoring was evident as their fourth line contributed to the tying goal.
The Game-Winner: Emily Clark secured the victory for Ottawa with a tough angle shot in overtime, marking her second consecutive game-winning goal in the playoffs. Clark emerged as the top scorer for the Charge, leading the team with two goals and four points in five games. Ottawa’s home ice advantage proved crucial as they maintained a perfect record in home games during the playoffs, with a passionate crowd of over 6,000 fans at TD Place Arena.
Overall, the Ottawa Charge’s victory in Game 1 of the PWHL Finals showcased their resilience and determination, with key contributions from local talent like Rebecca Leslie and standout performances from players like Emily Clark. The support from the home crowd added to the electric atmosphere, fueling the team’s success on the ice. As the series progresses, both teams will look to make adjustments and capitalize on opportunities to secure the championship title.
