The Ottawa Charge resume their semifinal series against the Boston Fleet on Friday, May 8. With the series tied 1-1, this is a pivotal third game to determine the tide of the series. The Fleet won the first game, with the Charge winning the second. A lengthy break between games gives both teams time to refocus.
The games have been close so far, as expected. Defense is tight and goaltending is even tighter. Quality offensive chances are limited. Still, there have been some highlights for the Ottawa Charge so far & some players who have stood out early on.
Jocelyne Larocque
Larocque has stepped up well for the Ottawa Charge so far in the postseason – as you’d expect from a veteran leader. She had the opening goal in the game one loss (and the team’s lone goal). She also skated a team-high 24:47 – over four minutes more than any other Charge player.
In game two, Larocque registered two assists, including the primary assist on the game-winning goal. She once again led the Ottawa Charge in ice time, skating 23:13.
Rory Guilday
Guilday is leading the way for PWHL rookies in the postseason so far. The Ottawa Charge defender is averaging a point-per-game in the playoffs. She registered the primary assist on Larocque’s goal in game one and skated 17:48 with one shot on goal.
In game two, Guilday recorded another primary assist and skated 20:09, third-most among Charge defenders. She also registered two shots on goal and two hits.
Gwyneth Philips
The sky is blue, water is wet, and Gwyneth Philips is clutch for the Ottawa Charge. We all knew this and expected it. Philips has played both games for the Charge so far. In game one, she made 26 saves on 28 shots faced in 58:58. She followed it up with a 30-save performance in game two, playing 59:36.
With a 1.52 GAA in the postseason this year and .949 save percentage, Philips is (expectedly) the top goalies in the league. Her counterpart in Boston, Aerin Frankel, matches her GAA, with a slightly lesser save percentage.
It’s no big surprise that these players have stepped up, as they did during the regular season. They were key components of the Ottawa Charge’s success all year-long, and they’re continuing that into the playoffs.
The Charge return to action on Fri., May 8 at 7 PM ET as they host the Boston Fleet at Canadian Tire Centre.