Toronto struggled to generate offense again in their second home game of the season, falling 5-1 to PWHL Ottawa. Here's a look from Curtis Martin at what went wrong for Toronto.
Toronto struggled to generate offense again in their second home game of the season, falling 5-1 to PWHL Ottawa. Here's a look from Curtis Martin at what went wrong for Toronto.
A slow start and a lack of finishing led to PWHL Toronto losing 5-1 to Ottawa at home on Saturday.
Two goals from Gabbie Hughes, and an assist plus 23 saves from Emerance Maschmeyer helped Ottawa trump Toronto in the first matchup of the battle of Ontario.
Here's a look at how it unfolded for Toronto:
Toronto’s struggle to start on time continues
It’s no secret that Toronto has not gotten out of the blocks fast in their first four games this season as they have yet to score a goal in the first period.
Their loss to PWHL Ottawa was no exception. Eight minutes into the first period Toronto’s Jesse Compher and captain Blayre Turnbull were assessed minor penalties roughly 20 seconds apart giving Ottawa a five-on-three opportunity.
Ottawa would make the most of this as they were able to capitalize on both power plays scoring back-to-back goals from Katerina Mrazova and Gabbie Hughes to give them the lead.
The slow start would only get worse as on their first power play of the game Toronto did not register a shot on net, and only registered five shots on net in the first.
The team’s issues were only exasperated in the last minute of the period as a shot from Daryl Watts rang off the far post and in to give Ottawa a commanding 3-0 lead.
This third goal sealed the fate of starter Kristen Campbell who was pulled during the intermission for backup Erica Howe. Campbell allowed three goals on only 11 shots in the first.
“It was a decision that had to be made,” said coach Troy Ryan. “We made a change on all of our lines. Sometimes you just do that to see if you can a little bit of life out of them.”
Toronto’s Second line continues to be their best
Ever since Troy Ryan put together the second line against New York connecting Emma Maltias and Natalie Spooner, they have been the best line for Toronto, and it’s not even close.
Since being put together the duo has scored three of the team's five goals. One of those goals was the lone goal of the game against Ottawa as Natalie Spooner capitalized on a rebound opportunity in the second period.
Spooner has scored both of her goals in the crease so far this season providing the gritty play in front of the net that coach Ryan has been asking of his team.
“I think that has grown into a big part of my game over the last five years,” said Natalie Spooner. “I’m trying to own the paint whether that is on the power play or at five on five. Not every goal is going to be a highlight reel goal so we must make sure we get those dirty goals and the momentum.”
Spooner and Maltais provided a strong 200-foot game for Toronto creating scoring chances regularly with seven total shots on the net while also providing a little bit of edge with checks along the boards throughout the game.
Ryan shuffled the third member of this line, taking Maggie Connors off the unit during the third period. Today it was Samantha Cogan who was added, but it may change again before Wednesday's game.
Could not capitalize on opportunities
This team has not been able to score through their first four games this season and tonight was no different.
But despite the lack of results, Toronto did generate quality scoring chances in the final 40 minutes after a nightmare first period.
“We had plenty of chances tonight but we didn’t find ways to get pucks past (Emerance) Macshmeyer,” said Ryan. “We didn’t have as much extended offensive zone time as I’d like. We need more of that time so we can get net front and take away the goalie's eyes.”
Toronto threw a total of 36 shots on net and had multiple odd-player rush opportunities but Maschmeyer was there to answer the bell to help give Ottawa their first win of the season.