Game 3 of the PWHL Finals shifted from the nation’s capital to the State of Hockey, with Ottawa aiming to bounce back from a tough 2-1 overtime loss in Game 2. Heading into this game, the Charge had yet to lose back to back games in the playoffs, and led the league in road wins during the regular season.
The game began as an uncharacteristically off-night for Ottawa, but turned into a triple overtime thriller. In the end, the Minnesota Frost took a 2-1 series lead with. 2-1 win on Katy Knoll's triple overtime win.
Ottawa welcomed back Jincy Roese, making her PWHL playoff debut after missing the prior playoff games due to injury, but remained without forward Kateřina Mrázová, who continues to deal with an injury following Game 1.
Minnesota controlled the pace of play for much of the first period, leading 10-2 in shots on goal, as Ottawa struggled with turnovers, exiting the zone and matching the Frost’s physicality. Despite this, it was Emily Clark who opened the scoring in the first period, her third goal of the playoffs and Ottawa’s first shot of the game. This goal marked the first time in this series that a goal had been scored in the first frame, a category both teams led in during the regular season.
Lee Stecklein tied the game early in the second with a clean shot from the blueline, her fourth of the playoffs, to make it 1-1. This goal was a direct result of a no-look turnover pass from the usually reliable Alexa Vasko, who looked understandably frustrated following the goal. That turnover was just one example of a theme throughout the first forty minutes of play, as Ottawa took a “pass first” approach, even if their own players weren’t actually there to receive it.
Defence has been a remarkably positive aspect of Ottawa’s playoff run but also took a noticeable step back through much of regulation. The defenders looked nervous to make strong outlet passes and move the puck out of their zone, making an already aggressive Minnesota forecheck that much deadlier. And the power play continued to struggle, as they are yet to score in the Finals and had few good scoring chances in this game, as Minnesota often looked like the hungrier of the two teams despite being shorthanded and still generating more quality chances.
“We’ve been working hard all season trying to find the right sort of combination, design and variables,” said Carla MacLeod. “You get to this point in the season and you need to be able to score some power play goals. We know that, our group knows that. It’s not from a lack of trying or effort.”
Despite Ottawa’s struggles through regulation, this game needed extra time for the third consecutive outing and that was a direct result of another outstanding performance from Gwyneth Philips who made 24 saves in regulation and was the difference maker for this team.
And this game most certainly delivered on that extra time play, as three additional periods of hockey were needed to determine a winner for Game 3. Each overtime period featured end-to-end action, with scoring chances at both ends and great defensive plays by both teams, but once again, it was Philips who was locked in, making multiple game saving stops and giving her teammates tremendous confidence and every opportunity to win.
"How we are playing and the heart we are playing with is so impressive. The only kind of measure as a coach is the effort level,” said MacLeod. “I think our team is just giving everything they've got and it's making for a really fun series."
Philips finished this one with 45 saves, while Minnesota’s starter Maddie Rooney, who had another strong game, made 35 saves. When the buzzer finally sounded 4 hours and 26 minutes after puck drop, it was Minnesota forward Katy Knoll who scored in the third overtime, giving the Frost a 2-1 win and a 2-1 series lead.
"The vibes are high. I mean, it's fun. You just have to choose how you respond,” said Emily Clark. “The story's still unwritten, what's ahead of us, and hopefully we make a great story. We have an opportunity to do so."
Ottawa now enters must-win territory, with puck drop on Monday for Game 4. A win and they extend the series with a chance to clinch the title on home ice. A loss, and Minnesota repeats as Walter Cup champions. Fans couldn’t have asked for a closer series.