The Ottawa Charge would not be denied. Not a second year in a row and certainly not a second year in a row by the same team. Needing a win of any kind to advance to the PWHL playoffs for the first time in two years, the Charge got a goal from Katerina Mrazova 2:08 into overtime to punch its ticket to the postseason with a 2-1 win over the Toronto Sceptres.
The game, in front of another sellout of 8,593 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, was defensive from the outset with neither team having much of an offensive push in the first period, Ottawa managing five shots to Toronto’s four. Things opened up a little in the second period with both teams finding the back of the net once. Sarah Nurse opened the scoring as she took a tidy feed from Renata Fast, backed her way into the slot, and then beat Gwyneth Philips for the game’s first goal.
Ottawa responded almost immediately when Charge captain Brianne Jenner found herself all alone on the far side of the net as the puck squirted through a number of bodies before finding its way onto her stick. Jenner did not miss, roofing one over Kristen Campbell for the game-tying goal.
The two teams will await Sunday’s decision by the first-place Montreal Victoire to determine their opponents for the upcoming semifinals, which begin Wednesday in Toronto at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Katerina Mrazova's overtime winner not only secured the victory but also marked the Charge's first postseason appearance in the PWHL. The Charge entered the game needing either a win or a Minnesota loss against Boston later that day to clinch their playoff berth. Last season, Ottawa suffered a heartbreaking 5-2 defeat to Toronto in the regular-season finale, a loss that denied them a chance at the playoffs.
On this occasion, Ottawa's resilience paid off. Mrazova's goal came just under three minutes into the overtime period, sending the Charge fans into a frenzy. The game had been tightly contested, with Ottawa outshooting Toronto 24-14 overall, including an 11-4 advantage in the second period. However, it was the urgency shown in overtime that ultimately made the difference.
"I just saw an opening and took a chance. It feels amazing to help the team reach the playoffs," Mrazova said after the game. Her performance was pivotal, showcasing the determination of the Charge to turn around their fortunes from the previous season.
Meanwhile, Toronto's Sarah Nurse, who scored the opening goal, expressed disappointment at not being able to secure the win. "We had our chances, but we couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most. It’s tough to lose in overtime, especially when we had a shot at first place," she lamented.
Kristen Campbell, the Sceptres' goaltender, made 22 saves during the match and reached a significant milestone by becoming the fourth PWHL goaltender to achieve 1,000 career regular-season saves. Despite the loss, Campbell's performance was commendable, as she kept her team in the game through several challenging moments.
The Sceptres came into the game with aspirations of clinching first place in the league. They needed a win and a favor from New York, who had to beat Montreal for Toronto to take the top spot. Unfortunately for them, the results did not go as planned, and they now face the prospect of battling through the playoffs without the advantage of a top seed.
As both teams look ahead to the playoffs, the Charge will be eager to build on their momentum. Their recent form has been impressive, with a record of 7-1-2-4 since the February international break, averaging three goals per game. This is a marked improvement from their pre-February average of just 1.80 goals per game.
"We’ve really turned a corner since the break. The team is playing with confidence, and we’re excited about what’s ahead," said Charge head coach. The Charge's offensive production has been critical in their late-season push, and they will look to carry this energy into their playoff matchups.
The playoffs promise to be an exciting affair, with both Ottawa and Toronto having secured their spots. The Charge will learn their opponent after the Montreal Victoire's game on Sunday, while the Sceptres will also prepare for their semifinal match, hoping to rebound from this loss.
As the teams enter the postseason, fans can expect intense matchups fueled by the rivalry and the stakes of playoff hockey. The Charge, having finally broken through to the playoffs, will aim to make a statement and prove they belong among the league's elite.
With the semifinals set to begin on May 7, 2025, all eyes will be on the Charge as they look to capitalize on their hard-earned playoff berth. The excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable postseason.
