PWHL Ottawa is on a four game losing streak, which they'll attempt to snap at home today against Minnesota.
PWHL Ottawa is on a four game losing streak, which they'll attempt to snap at home today against Minnesota.
After a loss against Minnesota Wednesday, PWHL Ottawa will return home to face them for the third time this season. Ottawa fell 2-1 despite finishing the first period with a 1-0 lead. But in another one goal game, Ottawa would allow goals from Abby Boreen and Maggie Flaherty and lose the game in regulation. With six losses on the season, each loss has been a one goal game. Currently on a four game losing streak, Ottawa will look to snap that skid against Minnesota at TD Place today.
The opponent: Minnesota (4-2-2-2)
Sitting atop of the league with 18 points in 10 games, Minnesota has been one of the PWHL’s more entertaining teams. Represented by players like Kendall Coyne Schofield and Grace Zumwinkle, there’s some top end talent on the team. Despite the team having high end offensive talent, their power play is second last at 8%. Their penalty kill is also second last with a 79.3% rate.
Player to watch: Kendall Coyne Schofield
After a bit of a slow start, Coyne Schofield has points in her last four games and has been a key player in Ottawa's lineup. Her speed and puck possession are driving play and creating chances for Minnesota, and in the absence of Taylor Heise and Susanna Tapani, her leadership will be even more paramount.
Ottawa (2-0-4-2)
There’s no denying it has been a tough stretch for Ottawa as of late. On a four game slide, it has been timely goals that have hurt them in the worst way. On their skid, they’ve had a couple of heartbreaking losses to Boston and New York. A late Boston goal to make it 3-2 robbed Ottawa of at least a point and a 3-0 lead on New York evaporated in the final half of the third period. Ottawa has performed well on home ice so far this season, just haven’t had the results they would have hoped for.
Player to watch: Aneta Tejralova
Not always the flashiest of players, Tejralova plays a simple game that gives Ottawa stability on the backend. She went pointless in her first five matches, but the Czechia native has put up points in back to back games and was recently named top defender at the Euro Hockey Tour. She picked up an assist in the lone goal from Amanda Boulier last game. She has been putting the puck on net a little more too, with five shots in her last three games.
This will Ottawa’s last home game before they head on the road for three games. They’ll look to send the crowd off on a high note for the first time since January 23rd against Toronto. At a 2pm Eastern start, the game will be broadcasted on Sportsnet and live streamed on Sportsnet+ and YouTube in Canada. In the United States, Sportsnet Pittsburgh and Bally Sports North will broadcast.