Ottawa’s season ends with a crushing 5-2 loss to Toronto.
Professional hockey teams in Ontario often perform their best when there’s nothing at stake. PWHL Ottawa needed a regulation win to make the playoffs after squandering multiple opportunities earlier in the season. Toronto had nothing to play for except a bit of practice before the playoffs. Toronto seemed to be in full hater mode, not wanting Ottawa to make the playoffs. Spooker got Toronto on the board early, and they looked like the better team for most of the first period. However, Gabbie Hughes, the most clutch player in the world, soon tied the game, demonstrating that Ottawa’s best hockey comes when there’s nothing at stake.
Toronto responded with Nurse taking the lead. Jesse Compher hit Mrazova, who appeared injured but returned. Ottawa managed a 5-minute powerplay, but missed their league-best powerplay. Spooner scored the best scoring chance. Ottawa started the second period on a better note, with Daryl Watts scoring her best goal of the season to tie the game. Watts is considered an exciting player on the team and her goal was praised as a “special player.” The game ended with Ottawa 2-1.
Ottawa struggled to score after a few shots, with some low-quality shots and some good ones that couldn’t get past Campbell. Toronto played their starting goaltender, and a goal was technically scored in the second period but was called back. Toronto took a delay of game penalty early in the final frame, giving Ottawa another chance to get ahead. Ottawa had some good scoring chances but not enough to get in the goalie’s face and follow up on their chances. The game remained tied for a long time, and it was unclear when Ottawa would pull the goalie. Natalie Snodgrass took a dumb penalty, and Natalie Spooner scored on the powerplay with just over 5 minutes to go.
Toronto played a tough game against Ottawa, with the team attempting to score two empty netters. One player blocked a shot with her face, which was considered top-tier hating. Savannah Harmon’s game was not her best. The defense looked bad, struggling to hold down the blueline and controlling Toronto’s aggressive forecheck. Hayley Scamurra was one of the few forwards consistently crashing the net and looking for garbage goals. Daryl Watts, who has been mentioned in every recap, could have easily had one or two goals. The team should sign Watts to the maximum contract.
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