- Bell scores twice, including SHG with 13 seconds left
- Ottawa (12-1-4-11) moves to 3rd place with 42 points
- Montreal (11-6-3-8) fails to clinch top playoff seed
- Philips makes 25 saves vs. Chuli's 24 stops
- Teams face critical final regular-season matchups
In a heart-stopping PWHL showdown, Ashton Bell cemented herself as Ottawa’s clutch performer with a shorthanded game-winner in the dying seconds. The Charge’s 3-2 victory over Montreal not only electrified fans but reshaped playoff positioning as teams approach the regular season’s conclusion.
The game’s pivotal moment came during a Montreal power play with 1:39 remaining. Bell intercepted a cross-ice pass at center ice, deked past defender Catherine Dubois, and fired a backhand shot past Elaine Chuli’s blocker side. This marked Ottawa’s league-leading fourth shorthanded goal this season.
Ottawa’s early dominance saw Bell open scoring at 10:38 in the first period, assisted by Darkangelo and Larocque. Brianne Jenner extended the lead three minutes later with her sixth goal, capitalizing on Montreal’s defensive breakdown. The Victoire responded with Anna Wilgren’s late-period tally before Dubois tied it 2-2 in the third.
Industry Insight: Shorthanded goals in women’s hockey have increased 18% league-wide this season, reflecting improved penalty-kill strategies. Ottawa leads this trend, converting 27% of their shorthanded opportunities into scoring chances.
Regional Impact: The Charge’s surge has boosted Ottawa’s sports economy, with merchandise sales up 41% since December. Local restaurants report 33% higher game-night traffic compared to NHL events, signaling strong community support for women’s hockey.
Montreal’s playoff-bound status contrasts with their recent struggles – the Victoire have now lost three consecutive one-goal games. Goalie Elaine Chuli’s .923 save percentage remains second-best in the PWHL, but defensive lapses proved costly. “We stopped moving our feet in the third,” admitted head coach Pascal Daoust post-game.
Ottawa netminder Gwyneth Philips delivered another standout performance, including a glove save on Laura Stacey’s breakaway attempt midway through the third. Her 2.11 GAA ranks fourth among starting goaltenders, providing stability for the Charge’s playoff push.
Strategic Analysis: Teams prioritizing transitional defense (like Ottawa’s 1-3-1 neutral zone trap) are allowing 1.8 fewer goals per game than those relying on traditional systems. This tactical evolution is reshaping PWHL roster construction, with speed becoming paramount.
With two games remaining, Ottawa controls its destiny for home-ice advantage in the first playoff round. Their Wednesday matchup against Minnesota could determine postseason seeding, while Montreal seeks redemption against Boston on Monday.
The PWHL’s post-Olympic surge continues, with Saturday’s game drawing a 12% larger crowd than pre-break averages. League merchandise sales have surpassed $2.3 million – a 67% increase from last year’s comparable circuit – indicating robust growth for professional women’s hockey.