
Mrázová nets OT winner to lift Charge past Sceptres 2-1, clinch PWHL playoff berth
TORONTO - Kateřina Mrázová scored 2:52 into overtime to lift the Ottawa Charge to a 2-1 regular-season finale win over the Toronto Sceptres and a playoff berth Saturday in the Professional Women's Hockey League.
Brianne Jenner also scored for Ottawa (12-2-4-12). Gwyneth Philips stopped 13 shots.
The Charge came in needing a win of any kind, or a Minnesota loss against Boston later Saturday, to secure their first post-season appearance in the PWHL. Ottawa lost 5-2 to Toronto in the regular-season finale last season needing a regulation win to secure a playoff spot.
Ottawa lost 3-0 to Minnesota on Wednesday with a chance to move six or seven points ahead of the Frost — with either an overtime/shootout win or a regulation win — and clinch a playoff spot.
Sarah Nurse scored for Toronto (12-3-6-9). Kristen Campbell made 22 saves, while becoming the fourth PWHL goaltender to reach 1,000 career regular-season saves.
The Sceptres entered the day with a chance to steal first place from Montreal with a win and a New York regulation win over Montreal later Saturday. The top-seeded team entering the post-season gets its choice of opponent for the best-of-five semifinal series.
Both teams already secured playoff spots, with Toronto opening the post-season Wednesday and Montreal on Thursday. Their opponents will be determined Sunday.
Takeaways
Sceptres: Toronto struggled to get shots on net against the Charge, sometimes settling for shots from the point instead of inching closer into the offensive zone to potentially get a better opportunity. It's the seventh in nine games since the start of March that Toronto has been unable to score more than two goals in a game.
Charge: Ottawa had more offensive volume with shots on net, but didn't have many threatening chances either in regulation. The Charge outshot Toronto 24-14, with the second period count being 11-4 in favour of Ottawa. The Charge showed more urgency in overtime, however.
Key moment
Mrázová cut across in front in the slot and whipped it past Campbell to the delight of the Charge fans at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Key stat
Since the February international break, the Charge are 7-1-2-4, the league's second-best record behind the Sceptres (7-3-1-3) entering Saturday. The Ottawa offence has been leading the way in that span averaging 3.00 goals per game. Ottawa averaged 1.80 goals per game before Feb. 11, fewest in the PWHL.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2025.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
Maple Leafs trade targets: 9 potential centre upgrades, from big swings to small
'Centre, it's a priority,' Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said late last month. 'It's a priority. Having said that, there (are) probably 26 other teams that are saying it's a priority.' A priority that could be addressed in a trade. We scoured rosters across the league and came up with nine candidates (listed in alphabetical order) who fit the team's needs in one way or another and could conceivably be available for trade. Short of trading Easton Cowan, the Leafs might lack the assets for the biggest swings here. Advertisement Not included in this bunch: Minnesota Wild trade candidate Marco Rossi, who at 5 feet 9 does not fit the style of Treliving or coach Craig Berube. Danault is still a good player on a good contract. In short, the Kings probably have no desire to move him. Yet they do have a new GM in Ken Holland who is 1. unafraid to shake things up and 2. almost certainly looking to do so for a team that hasn't won a single playoff round since they won it all in 2014. The primary selling point for Danault: elite defensive ability. He is usually on the fringes of Selke Trophy voting and one of the players the Kings will use against top lines. Add Danault, and the Leafs can hand him, and not Auston Matthews, the nightly top-line assignment. Other than a brief window with Ryan O'Reilly, the Leafs have lacked a guy like that. The 32-year-old would also be a helpful addition to a penalty kill that was just OK in the regular season and better in the playoffs. That said, the fit isn't perfect. Danault is best suited to be a defense-minded No. 3, and what the Leafs need most is a No. 2 to line up directly behind Matthews. Unusually shoddy shooting (6.6 percent) explains his eight goals last season. In the previous three seasons, he was good for about 21 goals and 51 points on average, the bulk of it coming at five-on-five. Danault's 101 five-on-five points in that period weren't far off from John Tavares' 111. A $5.5 million cap hit for the coming season and the one after that is mighty agreeable in this climate where even so-so centres are making $5 million per. Do the Leafs have enough (anything?) to entice the Kings and their new GM to even consider it? A couple of potentially significant complications here. 1. Kadri will be 35 in October and still has four years left on his contract, with a cap hit of $7 million. 2. Flames ownership might still have beef with Treliving from his exit in 2023. (His contract was up. The beef is hard to fathom.) Advertisement However, a reunion certainly has merit for the Leafs. For one thing, Kadri is still an effective player — he scored 35 goals and 67 points last season, playing over 19 minutes a night. But why trade for Kadri, on that contract, when the Leafs could simply re-sign a roughly equivalent/superior player in Tavares (also turning 35 in the fall) to a similar or cheaper deal? The argument would be in part about personality. For better and worse, Kadri is Tavares' opposite — feistier in a way that would move the 'DNA' of the team in a different direction. He's also been a much stronger playoff performer than Tavares, albeit with some … hiccups. In his last three postseasons, Kadri has 16 goals and 34 points in 33 games — the last one as a crucial cog in the Colorado Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup. In comparison, Tavares has 17 goals and 31 points in 51 playoff games as a Leaf. But of course, Kadri hasn't played in the playoffs since 2022, and his last playoff moment for the Leafs — last moment, period — was cross-checking Jake DeBrusk, which led to a trade to Colorado that summer. The Leafs aren't run by the same people (Brendan Shanahan, Kyle Dubas) as back then. However, the organization still would have to be comfortable bringing Kadri back with all that baggage in the rearview mirror, never mind his ability to remain effective on a deal that will last until he's 38. The GM who signed him to that deal? That would be Treliving, when he was still the Flames GM. Karlsson might be one of the better fits here for the Leafs. For one thing, the commitment isn't egregious: Karlsson is under contract for two more seasons, with a reasonable cap hit of $5.9 million. Add Karlsson and the Leafs would still be set up well to make a bigger splash next summer. Vegas is all about the big splash. If they seek one this summer (Mitch Marner?) maybe it's Karlsson, 32, and coming off an injury-plagued down year, whom they decide to move in the name of cap space. He's the kind of strong all-around centre the Leafs could use behind Matthews and might fit nicely with fellow Swede William Nylander. In fact, the two were linemates at the World Championship last month. Karlsson's playoff points per game (0.67) exceed his regular-season performance (0.60). Though not a huge scorer, he's had seasons of 43, 30 and 24 goals, including as recently as 2023-24. He's a definite fit — if the Golden Knights are willing to move him. Advertisement This might remain a nonstarter since all indications were that O'Reilly had no interest in a reunion at the trade deadline this season and the Predators were unwilling to deal him anywhere against his wishes. At the very least, the Leafs should inquire again to see whether the offseason brings any new feelings for O'Reilly and his family. Even at age 34, O'Reilly would be good value in the middle at $4.5 million for the next two seasons, especially in contrast to the prices guys such as Sam Bennett and Matt Duchene might draw this summer. O'Reilly performed well in his first go-around with the Leafs, has a rich history (Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe) with Berube and is aging nicely. He would be a more than adequate counterpoint to Matthews as the Leafs' No. 2. He's no 2C. Given his offensive limitations — he has never topped 43 points in a season — and defensive acumen, Pageau screams third-line centre. And what the Leafs need most is a second-line centre. But maybe they can split the difference with Pageau. Bring the 32-year-old in for the last remaining year on his contract ($5 million cap hit) and give him all the thorniest assignments, particularly in the playoffs. That would free units led by Matthews and Tavares — if he returns and returns as a centre — for more offensive opportunities, which could help them produce more when it matters. Pageau would be the right-handed centre the Leafs have lacked for a long time, and he happens to be excellent at winning draws (nearly 60 percent last season). He's also more physical than you might think for someone his size (5 feet 11, 195 pounds), with more hits last season (140) than Bobby McMann (136). If the Leafs can get him for a mild price from an Islanders front office no longer led by Lou Lamoriello, Pageau makes some sense as a stopgap solution in the middle. Advertisement Sign Bennett to a monster long-term contract (assuming he wants to play in Toronto) or spend assets to acquire Schenn for the next three seasons at $6.5 million? Like O'Reilly, Schenn has a built-in history with Berube and is well suited to his preferred style of play. But Schenn hasn't been nearly the same playoff performer as Bennett, he's a lot older (turning 34 in August) and would cost the Leafs some notable assets to bring in. A 20-goal, 50-point player at this stage in his career, Schenn is probably ideally playing in the three hole. He doesn't feel like the most natural fit to play with Nylander (though he has played a bunch with the skillful Jordan Kyrou), and as with Kadri, it's worth wondering whether it makes sense to trade away good stuff for Schenn over simply re-signing Tavares. (Could the Leafs do both?) If the Leafs can somehow bring down the ask and get the Blues to eat some money — two tall tasks to be sure — trading for Schenn feels preferable to paying through the nose for Bennett. (If it's a choice between four seasons of Kadri at $7 million or three seasons of Schenn at $6.5 million, I'd lean Kadri.) Let's make note of Wennberg only because he shouldn't cost much if the Sharks are open to moving him and he has only a year left at $5 million (which would ideally be partly retained by San Jose). Is he exciting? No. Have the Leafs pounced on opportunities to acquire him in the past? No. Could he give the Leafs more reliable no-nonsense two-way minutes than Max Domi and Pontus Holmberg as a third-line centre? Yes. The Leafs just sent quality futures (a first-round pick, Fraser Minten) to the Bruins for Brandon Carlo. Do they have anything left (not including Cowan) that would entice Boston to give up Zacha? Like Carlo's, Zacha's contract — with two years remaining at $4.75 million — would be appealing to the Leafs given rising costs at the position. Though he's spent some time at left wing in Boston, Zacha would be a decent fit as the No. 2 (or 3) in Toronto. He kills penalties, has the chops to play against tough competition, wins a good chunk of his draws and could give the Leafs 20 goals and close to 60 points. Zacha turned 28 in April, so the Leafs wouldn't be buying an older player. Advertisement His most frequent linemate with the Bruins last season: David Pastrnak. In short, he might work with Nylander. (He has only one goal in 25 career playoff games, for what that's worth.) The Bruins are kinda sorta rebuilding, but they still need players and might not be inclined to move a useful top-six forward. With J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck down the middle, would the Rangers have any interest in moving Zibanejad's contract, which has another five years remaining and a cap hit of $8.5 million? More importantly, would Zibanejad be interested in waiving his no-move clause? If so, the Leafs need to have a meeting or two about it because Zibanejad is probably the best player in this entire bunch. Like just about everyone in New York, he's coming off a rough year by his standards (62 points). Yet he brings the kind of two-way ability the Leafs would love on the second line. It was only three seasons ago that Zibanejad ripped off 39 goals and 91 points and finished 16th in Selke Trophy voting. He could handle difficult competition, maybe find a fit with Nylander and help the Leafs fill in some of the PK minutes left by Marner's likely exit. Oh, and he's performed in the playoffs, with 44 points in his last 43 games. He wouldn't bring the same fire as Kadri or jam as Schenn, but the upside is so much higher. He also happens to be 6 feet 2 and over 200 pounds (bigger than Kadri and Schenn) and younger than both (32). If he bounces back to what he produced even two seasons ago — 72 points — the price point on the contract will feel right. The five years remaining on that deal might make the Leafs squeamish, yet would still be a lesser commitment (and cap hit) than a free agent such as Bennett will likely require. (Top photo of Mika Zibanejad: Claus Andersen / Getty Images)


New York Times
4 hours ago
- New York Times
Blue Jays are the hottest they've been since 2022. Here are 6 reasons why
The Toronto Blue Jays have rattled off their hottest streak of the season and the team's best 13-game stretch since September 2022. Even after dropping the series finale Sunday in Minnesota 6-3, the Jays have won 10 of their last 13 games and four straight series. Toronto (35-30) is still navigating questions at the back of the rotation and injuries to top hitters, but plenty is going right these days. Here are the six numbers that encapsulate the Blue Jays' success in this two-week hot streak. Advertisement I could've chosen basically any offensive category to kick this off. The Blue Jays entered Sunday leading baseball in average, on-base percentage, OPS, runs scored and wRC+ over the last two weeks. The Jays have seven players hitting over .300 since May 26. To put this team mark in context, the Jays hit .239 from May 26 to June 8 last year. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the only Toronto hitter batting over .300 in that stretch — Isiah Kiner-Falefa was second at .283. The 2024 Jays didn't have a single month with a team average over .255. They hit .268 this May and, before Sunday's loss, sat at .262 in June. The Jays rattled off this 10-3 run despite one homer and six RBIs from Guerrero, the lineup's expected engine. Eight Toronto bats have a homer in the last two weeks, but Addison Barger and George Springer lead the way. The pair embodies what's gone right for Toronto's lineup lately. Springer and Barger both posted an OPS under .700 last season — well-below-average hitters — before finding new power in 2025 with the help of Toronto's hitting coaches. Springer's tweaks have come more in approach, ambushing fastballs and sacrificing swing-and-miss for rekindled power. Barger unlocked his upside with a move back to his old swing, bringing back the wide stance and serious pop. The result has been the kind of secondary power Toronto lacked in the last two seasons. With Barger and Springer blasting, the Jays can not only survive relatively quiet stretches from Guerrero but thrive through them. Another Springer extra-base hit. The power of the Hartford Whaler batting gloves 👀 — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 8, 2025 Eric Lauer has been an unexpected stabilizer for a Blue Jays rotation in desperate need of depth. He owns a 2.08 ERA on the season and hasn't allowed a run in three relief appearances during Toronto's streak. Toronto is 5-2 in games in which Lauer has thrown multiple innings. 'He's done a great job of being flexible,' manager John Schneider said. 'I think there are certain guys that are kind of built for that.' Advertisement Schneider compared the lefty to former Blue Jay Ryan Yarbrough, with the ability to throw single innings, join a rotation or take on a role in between. It would be 'ideal' to slide Lauer into a stable starting spot, Schneider said, but pushing Lauer deeper is a risk. The southpaw has allowed a batting average against under .160 in his first 50 pitches this season, jumping to .235 from pitch 51 to 75. His career splits are equally stark. Lauer may be best suited for this constantly available bulk role, able to pitch two to four innings multiple times a week. But questions at the back of Toronto's rotation may push Lauer into full and longer starts. He's made two so far. Last year, Toronto's catchers ranked 21st in wRC+ and 15th in OBP. This year, they're in the top eight in both metrics. Amid Toronto's 10-3 run, Alejandro Kirk, Ali Sánchez and Tyler Heineman got on base in nearly 40 percent of plate appearances. 'We've got the best two-catcher duo in the big leagues,' Kevin Gausman said of Kirk and Heineman. 'I think a lot of guys would say that was probably something we didn't know was going to happen. It's been incredible for us.' Kirk is having his best offensive season since an All-Star and Silver Slugger campaign in 2022, but it's Heineman's sporadic dominance that has truly surprised. Heineman won't hit .429 with a 1.066 OPS all year, but there are indicators the 33-year-old journeyman has found something new. He's hitting pitches harder on average and has the two hardest-hit balls of his career this season. Heineman came into 2025 with one career barrelled ball in 1,071 pitches. He's got three barrels already this season. The Blue Jays' best bullpen month last year was a 3.40 ERA in August. Over the last two weeks, Toronto's relievers have posted the second-best bullpen ERA in the American League. Advertisement The Jays don't have a single reliever who's allowed more than three earned runs over the last 13 games. Four active Toronto arms haven't let up a score in this stretch as a reliever. Yariel Rodríguez has been the best of the bunch, throwing 5 2/3 shutout innings in the last two weeks. He hasn't allowed a run since May 4. The Blue Jays have beaten up on struggling teams such as the Athletics and Rangers during this multi-week stretch, but it wasn't all bottom feeders. Overall, the four teams Toronto toppled in this run had a combined win rate of .515 before their series against the Jays. Toronto took two of three games against both the Phillies and Twins, a pair of teams that sat in postseason position before facing the Blue Jays. On the season, the Jays have a 15-21 record against winning teams, but they'll have more opportunities to improve it this week. Toronto's next two opponents, the Phillies and Cardinals, are on pace to win more than 90 games. (Photo of Addison Barger, left, and Myles Straw: Cole Burston / Getty Images)


Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Associated Press
Cardinals host the Blue Jays to open 3-game series
Toronto Blue Jays (35-30, third in the AL East) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (36-29, second in the NL Central) St. Louis; Monday, 7:45 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Blue Jays: Jose Berrios (2-2, 3.67 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 70 strikeouts); Cardinals: Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.91 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 44 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Blue Jays -114, Cardinals -105; over/under is 8 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Cardinals host the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday to start a three-game series. St. Louis has a 36-29 record overall and a 22-11 record at home. The Cardinals are 27-15 in games when they record eight or more hits. Toronto has a 13-17 record in road games and a 35-30 record overall. The Blue Jays have gone 15-7 in games when they did not allow a home run. Monday's game is the first time these teams match up this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Nolan Arenado has 10 doubles, a triple and seven home runs for the Cardinals. Pedro Pages is 6 for 25 with two home runs over the last 10 games. George Springer has 14 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs and 28 RBIs for the Blue Jays. Addison Barger is 10 for 34 with a double and five home runs over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Cardinals: 5-5, .241 batting average, 4.75 ERA, outscored by 15 runs Blue Jays: 8-2, .294 batting average, 4.15 ERA, outscored opponents by 25 runs INJURIES: Cardinals: Matthew Liberatore: day-to-day (fatigue), Jordan Walker: 10-Day IL (wrist), Zack Thompson: 60-Day IL (lat) Blue Jays: Daulton Varsho: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Anthony Santander: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Yimi Garcia: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Scherzer: 60-Day IL (thumb), Ryan Burr: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nick Sandlin: 15-Day IL (back), Alek Manoah: 60-Day IL (elbow), Angel Bastardo: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.