Chance to clinch a PWHL playoff spot eludes Ottawa Charge in shutout loss to Minnesota Frost
The Ottawa Charge had a chance to clinch its first ever playoff spot Wednesday night at TD Place but instead will now have to do things the hard way.
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In the last game of the season.
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In Toronto, where Ottawa's playoff hopes crashed and burned in the regular-season finale last season.
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Potentially, mere hours before the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially play a Game 7 a few minutes down the road in their Stanley Cup playoff showdown.
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In front of 5,494 fans, the Charge had a three-game winning streak halted in a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Frost.
With the regulation time win, the Frost (9-5-4-11) has 41 points, one behind the Charge (12-1-4-12) in the race for the last playoff spot.
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The Charge plays its final game Saturday against the Scepters at noon, while Minnesota concludes its regular-season schedule that same afternoon with a 1 p.m. start in Boston.
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A win by Ottawa, whether in regulation time or OT, would lock up a post-season berth for the Charge, which owns the first tiebreaker (regulation wins) against the Frost.
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Ottawa has won two of five games against Toronto this season while the Frost is 4-1 against Boston.
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While Nicole Hensley posted the shutout for Minnesota on Wednesday, Gwyneth Philips was sharp in the Charge goal while stopping the first 23 shots she faced.
The Charge outshot the Frost 9-7 in a scoreless first period before Minnesota took over with the better chances in the second while outshooting the homeside 17-9.
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Kendall Coyne Schofield finally broke the ice at the 18:43 mark with a shot from the high slot past two Ottawa defenders and between Philips' pads.
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It was Schofield's 11th goal of the season and 17th of her career, but only her second against Ottawa.
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The Province
an hour ago
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'Tick Tock, Connor McOverrated': What Florida Panthers hockey world says about Edmonton series
Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers speaks during Media Day prior to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on June 03, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta. Photo by Steph Chambers / Getty Images There's some crazy nonsense coming out of Florida Panthers hockey fans and commentators heading into Game One of the Stanley Cup finals against the Edmonton Oilers, but also some sharp and wise comments about the relative strengths and weaknesses of both teams. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Here are some of the highlightts from social media, podcasts and mainstream sources on the Panthers heading into the series: Jacob Langsam, host of the Panther Pourri podcast @PTPJacob Draisaitl in 31 5v5 minutes across six regular season games over the last three years against Sam Bennett: 1 goal 1 assist 0.1 ixG 2 shot attempts 42.25 CF% 49.11 xGF% Once again, try clearing Bennett before you compare to Barkov. Cody Stevens of the Cats 'N' Rats podcast Edmonton's been probably the best team in these playoffs. I mean, they won in six and five and five. 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