It May Be Time For A Coaching Change In Ottawa
Carla MacLeod, head coach of the Ottawa Charge - Photo @ Ellen BondThe Ottawa Charge have not had luck on their side. They've had errors in officiating cost them games and valuable points. They've watched their top players drop with injuries at crucial moments.
They've also, however, failed to create their own "luck." In their most recent game, with a playoff spot on the line, Ottawa squandered a 3-0 leading in the third period. It was a complete collapse that saw the Charge outshot by last place New York 18-0 in the third, ultimately losing 6-3 after leading 3-0.
As Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner said, there is "no excuse" for a loss like that, but there is also no escaping accountability in pro hockey for continued futility and blown opportunities.
Last season, the Ottawa Charge sat well within the playoff picture, until they lost their final three games of the season in regulation, watching Boston come from 12 points out of the playoffs, to stealing Ottawa's spot in the final five games.
Arguably, Ottawa has gone through their highs and lows with a sufficiently stocked roster of talent.
At this point, it's becoming more clear that there's only one way forward for the Ottawa Charge. To change course, all signs point to the idea that the Ottawa Charge need a coaching change.
Why is a coaching change needed in Ottawa?
Ottawa lacks structure. Ottawa's special teams, penalty kill and power play, are both last in the league. As well, Ottawa struggles to make in game adjustments and changes. Those items rest with coaching, and as much as the women's hockey world loves Carla MacLeod, the Ottawa Charge need change.
The Ottawa Charge are at or near the bottom of the league in goals and shots for, as well as goals and shots against.
There just aren't metrics that prove Ottawa is getting the most out of their roster. Their biggest offseason addition, second overall pick Danielle Serdachny, hasn't been a factor. It's not because she lacks the ability or drive, but Ottawa hasn't been able to help her find her stride, and have most nights resigned one of their most skilled players to a bottom six checking role.
From a player standpoint, Ottawa is the only team in the PWHL without a player in the top 10 in league scoring. Their leading scorer, Tereza Vanisova, sits tied for 11th with 18 points in 25 games.
What's more alarming, is it looks, and sounds like, Ottawa Charge players no longer believe in their system.
Another aspect of Ottawa's game that continues to be an issue, is discipline. The Charge have allowed more shorthanded opportunities against than any other team this season. While the onus to not take untimely penalties certainly belongs to the players, team discipline, and creating on ice structures that support strong positioning, also belong to the coach.
What's next in Ottawa?
If Ottawa misses the playoffs, there's no other option, a coaching change must be made. Carla MacLeod is an internationally respected coach, who could be a top candidate to take a new job with a PWHL expansion team.
It's not a situation where anyone would want to run MacLeod out of the league, but it is a moment where it's becoming clear her style does not work in Ottawa. MacLeod remains one of the most well respected people, and coaches in women's hockey, including as head coach of Czechia's women's national team, but sometimes change is necessary. With media, MacLeod exudes positivity and a growth mindset even in the face of abject on-ice failure. When results don't follow however, and on-ice adjustments aren't made tactically, the positivity begins to ring with less meaning.
Even if Ottawa makes the playoffs, a coaching change is a necessary consideration for the Ottawa Charge. Charge fans have been faithful, but they are calling for a coaching change in online forums, and those calls will soon make their way to the box office without change.
Four or five months ago, during a press conference after a loss, MacLeod stated that the team is still "looking for an identity". A coaches' website (thecoachessite.com) describes a team "Identity" this way:
"A well-defined identity provides players with a shared understanding of their roles and responsibilities. It fosters a cohesive environment where everyone works towards a common goal. Early establishment of your team identity can lead to improved chemistry, as players learn to trust each other and understand how they fit into the overall game plan."
"When a team has a clear identity, it can reduce uncertainty and anxiety among players. They can approach practices and games with confidence, knowing what is expected of them. This clarity allows for better communication both on and off the ice, enabling players to support each other more effectively during challenging moments. In contrast, teams without a defined identity may struggle with consistency and direction, leading to confusion and, ultimately, poor performance."
And therein lies the problem. The Charge still don't have an identity.
Have never seen a collapse as epic as that....outshot 18-0 in the period...on home ice! Having said that, it makes no sense to fire the coach and install her with one of the expansion teams, whose talent level would be less.