Ottawa Charge's playoff hopes all come down to Wednesday's game vs. Minnesota Frost
OTTAWA - It all comes down to Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Frost for the Ottawa Charge.
Win and they're in.
Ottawa beat the Montreal Victoire 3-1 on Saturday afternoon for the Charge's third consecutive win, putting them four points ahead of Minnesota for the final playoff spot in the Professional Women's Hockey League. The two teams meet in Ottawa on Wednesday in their second last game of the season and no matter what happens in the Frost's game on Sunday, a win will give the Charge their first-ever playoff berth in the league's second season.
'You get to this point in the season and the games are going to be tight,' said Charge coach Carla MacLeod. 'Everyone's fighting for everything and for our group it's no different. We don't waver in moments anymore, we just keep working.
'It's just staying true to our process, and that's been the conversation we've had over the whole season. We're just trying to get better every game and that doesn't change for us.'
Ottawa has won three straight games and four of there past five. There was a three-week break in between wins two and three for the women's world championship, but the team seems to be playing their best hockey at the right time.
'There's a lot of excitement and energy to our group,' said Charge defender Jincy Roese, who sang the national anthem before Saturday's win. 'We're having a lot of fun right now.'
If Minnesota loses to New York in regulation time on Sunday, the Charge would clinch a playoff spot with a single point Wednesday. Each team would have a game remaining and could tied in points still, but the Charge hold the tiebreaker with most regulation wins.
A Minnesota win Sunday and the Charge will still get into the playoffs with a regulation win Wednesday.
'Every game these last few are very important now we're looking towards Minnesota Wednesday and another big three points to chase towards clinching a playoff spot,' Ottawa defender Ashton Bell said.
'I think our teams rise to these types of occasions and we're looking forward to Wednesday.'
The Charge are now tied for the league lead with 11 regulation wins, but they are also second to last in the league with 11 regulation losses. It's all those overtime games that are making the difference.
'It's not any easy game out there. Every team is so good, but so are we and that's what we're understanding. We know nothing will be given to us and we'll go out there and earn it,' MacLeod sad.
'There's been non-stop pressure on us all year. This is a league that's built on pressure, because the parity is so great and every game matters. For us it's just another opportunity to go out there and do what we do.'
The final regular season game next Saturday for the Charge, and they are hoping to be playing for playoff seeding, and not a playoff invitation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 26, 2025.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Top WNBA Team Suffers Major Blow on Tuesday
Top WNBA Team Suffers Major Blow on Tuesday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It was a busy night in the WNBA on Tuesday as 12 out of the 13 teams in the league were in action. One of the biggest games of the evening came in the form of the Minnesota Lynx hosting the Las Vegas Aces at Target Center in a pivotal Commissioner's Cup matchup. Advertisement In the end, it was the Lynx who secured a crucial win of 76-62 which saw them clinch the No. 1 spot in the West for the Commissioner's Cup. This means that Minnesota is now headed to the championship game on July 1. They will defend their title against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, who clinched their spot in the Final with an 88-71 win over the Connecticut Sun. The bad news for the Lynx is that they lost their best player in Tuesday's game. This is after Napheesa Collier was forced to exit the contest in the third quarter due to a back issue. Minnesota later announced that Collier would not be able to return to the game due to the injury. She finished with seven points on 3-of-9 shooting, six rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes of action. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24)© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The details of Collier's injury have not yet been revealed, and it remains to be seen if the four-time All-Star will be forced to miss time because of this problem. Advertisement The Lynx should provide an update on their star forward's injury soon, but until then, Collier's status for Minnesota's home game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday will be up in the air. Collier has been the backbone of the Lynx's success this season. The reigning Commissioner's Cup MVP entered Tuesday's win averaging 26.1 points on 53.3% shooting, 8.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.6 triples per game. Minnesota currently occupies the No. 1 spot in the WNBA with an 11-1 record, and they would not be where they are right now had it not been for Collier's dominant play. Related: Minnesota Lynx Make Important Napheesa Collier Announcement on Sunday Related: Former Chicago Sky Star Leaves No Doubt on Her Opinion of Caitlin Clark This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Vikings 53-man roster projection: What OTAs and minicamp told us about 2025 team
Welcome to the quietest time on the NFL calendar. Spring practice is complete, and many of the players have retreated to exotic locations before the ultimate ramp-up of training camp. Because we've hit another checkpoint, we thought it'd be worthwhile to take another look at the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster. What stood out from organized team activities and minicamp? How do the observations shape what the team will look like come Week 1 in Chicago? Included in this projection are a couple of predicted free-agent signees. Here's the position-by-position breakdown: We've got big plans for the break 😎 — Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 16, 2025 In: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell Others: Brett Rypien, Max Brosmer The backup quarterback situation is worth monitoring. Minnesota traded for Howell during the draft, and he has important attributes. He applies different trajectories to passes at all three levels. He is mobile. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards in 2023 with a mediocre surrounding cast. Advertisement Could head coach Kevin O'Connell squeeze a Sam Darnold-lite season out of him if required? It's not outside the realm of possibility. Darnold was a first-round pick for a reason, though. The overall quality of the 2025 roster and McCarthy's recent injury history put greater emphasis on this spot than usual. How Howell looks in training camp will be key. In: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Gus Edwards, C.J. Ham Others: Ty Chandler, Tre Stewart, Zavier Scott Do the Vikings need another running back? No. Minnesota paid Jones and Mason with the expectation that they'll platoon effectively. Behind those two, they still have Chandler in the final season of his rookie contract. Chandler showed flashes in 2023, but the Vikings have not felt comfortable giving him a bigger role. Considering the injury histories of Jones and Mason, as well as the expected reliance on the run game this season, why not add an experienced free agent as insurance? Edwards isn't dynamic, but he is a hammer. Most of his advanced metrics (rushing yards over expected, average yards after contact per carry, etc.) could make him an interesting addition. In: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, Tim Jones, Silas Bolden Others: Rondale Moore, Lucky Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming, Robert Lewis, Myles Price Will Addison miss time due to a suspension? It'll be a critical factor in the early portion of Minnesota's schedule. The Vikings would then rely heavily on Nailor, who added strength this offseason and will be motivated as he enters a contract year. Felton's development warrants further attention during training camp, too. But after those conversations are settled, the intrigue lies at the back of the room. Tim Jones, Bolden and Moore will be the primary competitors for roster spots. Jones impressed this spring, and Bolden's shiftiness is undeniable. Moore didn't partake fully in workouts as he's still recovering from the season-ending knee injury he suffered last August. His experience as a returner, juxtaposed with Bolden's potential, will be a topic of internal conversation. Advertisement In: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek Others: Gavin Bartholomew, Bryson Nesbit, Giovanni Ricci Three men enter: Yurosek, Bartholomew and Nesbit. One will emerge with the No. 3 tight end role. The Vikings lost O'Connell's favorite Johnny Mundt to the Jacksonville Jaguars. They drafted Bartholomew as a potential replacement and targeted Yurosek and Nesbit as undrafted free agents. Bartholomew missed some spring practice with an injury, allowing Yurosek and Nesbit to make solid impressions. This is a sneakily important position given the absences of Hockenson and Oliver in recent years, as well as the fact that young quarterbacks like McCarthy tend to value tight ends given their large catch radii. In: Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Brian O'Neill, Justin Skule, Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, Walter Rouse Others: Logan Brown, Marcellus Johnson, Leroy Watson, Joe Huber, Henry Byrd, Zeke Correll, Vershon Lee Any evaluation of the trenches at this point is incomplete. Few spring reps involved full-speed pass rushes. So there's a lot to consider in training camp: How will Fries look health-wise? How quickly can Darrisaw return? And what will the competition for backup roles look like? Jurgens and Rouse will have the leg up as draft picks, while Brown and Huber show potential. Once the players put on the pads in July, these will be the most interesting reps to follow. In: Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Harrison Phillips, Jalen Redmond, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez Others: Taki Taimani, Travis Bell, Jonathan Harris, Alexander Williams, Elijah Williams This is one of the most interesting positions on the roster. Why? Because most of these players have wildly different body types, experience levels and skill sets. Allen and Hargrave are more traditional interior defenders for four-man fronts. Phillips is primarily a run-stopper. Redmond, Ingram-Dawkins and Rodriguez have varying degrees of versatility and impact potential. Advertisement Do the Vikings plan to keep all of these players? What does that mean for Taimani, who had participated before an ankle injury ended his season last fall? Like the offensive line, this group will be worth keeping an eye on. In: Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Bo Richter, Tyler Batty Others: Gabriel Murphy, Chaz Chambliss What is defensive coordinator Brian Flores' plan for Turner? He may not unveil his true vision until the games begin, and understandably so. Still, identifying where Turner is lining up — and how much he's contributing from an off-the-ball starting point — is a major question worth examining in the coming months. In addition, the competition between Richter, Batty, Murphy and Chambliss should be exceptional. First-year outside linebackers coach Thad Bogardus will have his hands full deciding whom to keep in a talented and competitive group. In: Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Eric Wilson, Kobe King, Brian Asamoah II Others: Austin Keys, Max Tooley, Dorian Mausi Keeping five off-ball linebackers feels like a lot, but the decisions here are difficult. Cashman, Pace and Wilson are locks. King was a sixth-round pick, and the Vikings gave him plenty of opportunity this spring. Asamoah has carved out a role on special teams and is familiar with Flores' system, but if there's a roster crunch elsewhere, it would be interesting to see how the Vikings handled these five. Special teams may factor prominently in the eventual decision. In: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Blackmon, Jack Jones Others: Dwight McGlothern, Zemaiah Vaughn, Ambry Thomas, Reddy Steward, Kahlef Hailassie, Keenan Garber Besides quarterback, this is probably the most uncertain position on the roster. Murphy is proven, and the Vikings feel strongly about what Rodgers and Okudah are capable of. Advertisement But the rest of the depth remains a question mark. Blackmon is returning from a torn ACL, but there are reasons to believe he could hold his own if he's asked to play regular snaps. McGlothern and Vaughn are undrafted players who have shown potential, but both need big training camps. Minnesota could still add a cornerback to this group — especially in the event of an injury — and there are plenty of options. Jalen Ramsey and Jaire Alexander are available. Asante Samuel Jr. is another savvy corner who would fit Flores' zone-centric scheme. Another interesting name is Jones, who isn't perfect but could come at a more palatable cost. In: Harrison Smith, Theo Jackson, Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Tavierre Thomas Others: Bubba Bolden, Mishael Powell The lack of conversation around Jackson's increased role speaks to what he's shown in past years. He has wowed the Vikings in spring and fall practices. He performed in in-game opportunities as well, specifically last season in Seattle. Still, safety is the hub of communication in Flores' check system, so the transition may take some time. Metellus' importance is inarguable, which is why his contract status is relevant. He wants to remain in Minnesota, and the Vikings want to keep him. Whether or not the two sides will agree on terms before training camp remains a question mark. In: Will Reichard, K; Ryan Wright, P; Andrew DePaola, LS Others: Oscar Chapman Wright has the most to prove. Thirty-one NFL punters have booted the ball 100 or more times since the beginning of 2022. None has a lower percentage of punts where the returning team takes over inside the 10-yard line. His accuracy and touch have been issues. This phase may be more significant than in years past, too, because of the adjusted kickoff rules. Maximizing field position may not be a sexy subject, but it's why some teams win on the margins and others don't. (Photo of, left to right, J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer: Matt Krohn / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Twins aim to stop road slide, face the Reds
Minnesota Twins (36-36, third in the AL Central) vs. Cincinnati Reds (38-35, third in the NL Central) Cincinnati; Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Twins: Bailey Ober (4-3, 4.40 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 57 strikeouts); Reds: Nick Lodolo (4-5, 3.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 70 strikeouts) Advertisement BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Reds -115, Twins -105; over/under is 9 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Minnesota Twins will aim to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati has gone 19-16 at home and 38-35 overall. Reds hitters have a collective .322 on-base percentage, the seventh-ranked percentage in the NL. Minnesota is 16-24 in road games and 36-36 overall. Twins hitters have a collective .312 on-base percentage, the ninth-ranked percentage in the AL. The teams meet Wednesday for the second time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Gavin Lux has 14 doubles, a triple, two home runs and 29 RBIs for the Reds. Elly De La Cruz is 13 for 37 with three doubles and four home runs over the past 10 games. Advertisement Byron Buxton leads the Twins with 12 home runs while slugging .512. Willi Castro is 14 for 38 with two doubles, a triple, a home run and four RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Reds: 8-2, .270 batting average, 3.84 ERA, outscored opponents by 19 runs Twins: 2-8, .246 batting average, 6.38 ERA, outscored by 31 runs INJURIES: Reds: Graham Ashcraft: 15-Day IL (groin), Rhett Lowder: 60-Day IL (forearm), Hunter Greene: 15-Day IL (groin), Austin Hays: 10-Day IL (foot), Carson Spiers: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Tyler Callihan: 60-Day IL (forearm), Noelvi Marte: 10-Day IL (side), Jeimer Candelario: 10-Day IL (back), Brandon Williamson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Julian Aguiar: 60-Day IL (elbow) Advertisement Twins: Ryan Jeffers: day-to-day (arm), Royce Lewis: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Pablo Lopez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Zebby Matthews: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Luke Keaschall: 60-Day IL (forearm) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
