In a tightly contested match on Saturday afternoon in Ottawa, Hannah Brandt scored the decisive shootout goal, leading the Boston Fleet to a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Charge. This win propelled the Fleet into sole possession of first place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), highlighting their strong form this season.
Game Highlights: Fleet’s Balanced Attack and Goalkeeping Stand Out
Boston’s Abby Newhook and Alina Muller contributed crucial goals during regulation time, helping secure the lead before the shootout. Aerin Frankel was instrumental in net, turning away 23 shots to keep her team in contention. On the other side, Rebecca Leslie scored both goals for Ottawa and maintained her spot among the league’s top scorers, while goalie Gwyneth Phillips made 21 saves to keep her team competitive.
Shifts in Momentum Mark the Third Period
The Ottawa Charge held a 2-1 lead midway into the third period. Leslie struck twice early in the final period: first tying the game with a goal off a pass from Emily Clark during a power play, then quickly reclaiming the lead with a wrist shot past Frankel. Both goals underlined Leslie’s impact this season, pushing her into a tie for the league’s scoring lead with 16 points.
The Fleet responded to the challenge, tying the game at 13:26 of the third period when Muller’s power play shot deflected off Ottawa’s Kathryn Reilly’s skate, a fortunate turn that allowed Boston to stay alive in regulation.
Game Flow and Key Moments
The first period saw Ottawa start strong, but Boston created the critical scoring opportunities. Muller set up Newhook for a key goal with just over five minutes remaining in the opening period, giving the Fleet an early advantage. The second period featured limited offensive output from both teams, with Ottawa only recording two shots on goal.
Ottawa’s effective power play early in the third—scoring eight seconds into the period—showed their ability to capitalize on chances, but Boston’s resilience and Frankel’s goaltending were pivotal in allowing the Fleet to remain in the game and eventually prevail.
Notable Facts and Player Achievements
Rebecca Leslie’s tenth goal of the season pushed her into a five-way tie for the PWHL scoring lead alongside notable players like Brianne Jenner, who matched Leslie’s point total with an assist earlier in the game. The matchup featured 15 Olympians from the recent Milan-Cortina Winter Games, highlighting the league’s high level of talent and competition.
“Less than two minutes later Leslie took control again, cutting across in front and firing a wrist shot a shot past Frankel to give the Charge a 2-1 lead.” ?Rebecca Leslie, PWHL player
“With her 10th of the season Leslie moved into a five-way tie for the scoring lead with 16 points (10 goals, six assists).” ?Rebecca Leslie, PWHL player
Upcoming Matches for Both Teams
The Ottawa Charge will host the Seattle Torrent on Wednesday, March 4, aiming to rebound after the narrow loss. Meanwhile, the Boston Fleet will travel to face the New York Sirens on Thursday, March 5, continuing their pursuit to maintain the top spot in the league standings.
Implications for PWHL Standings and Future Outlook
The Fleet’s shootout victory not only secures their position at the top of the PWHL table but also reflects their ability to perform under pressure against strong opponents like the Charge. As the league progresses, the performances of key players such as Brandt, Leslie, and Frankel will be crucial in shaping postseason prospects. Both teams will look to build from this game’s intensity as they prepare for their upcoming clashes in a competitive league environment.
