The Ottawa Charge secured a spot in the Professional Women's Hockey League playoffs with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Toronto Sceptres on Saturday, April 25, in their final regular-season game. Goaltender Gwyneth Philips was the star, recording her third shutout of the season with 41 saves, ensuring the Charge advanced to the postseason for the second consecutive year.
Must-Win Scenario
Both teams entered the game knowing the stakes: the last playoff spot was on the line. Toronto needed a regulation win to claim the final berth, while Ottawa only required any victory to punch their ticket. The Charge rose to the occasion, extending their winning streak to four games, while the Sceptres missed the playoffs for the first time in league history.
Key Moments
Fanuza Kadirova opened the scoring four minutes into the second period, burying a rebound from Michela Cava's shot. Kadirova became the third Ottawa player this season to reach 10 goals, joining Brianne Jenner and Rebecca Leslie. Sarah Wozniewicz doubled the lead early in the third period with a backhand goal over Sceptres goaltender Raygan Kirk's shoulder, assisted by Jenner.
With five minutes remaining and needing a regulation win, Toronto pulled Kirk for an extra attacker. However, Ottawa capitalized on the empty net, with Alexa Vasko scoring to seal the 3-0 victory as chants of 'we want playoffs' echoed through TD Place Arena.
Playoff Picture
Ottawa joins Boston, Montreal, and Minnesota in the PWHL playoffs, which begin Thursday night in Boston. Matchups will be determined Sunday, with the first-place team having 24 hours to choose between Minnesota and Ottawa as their semifinal opponent.
This game marked the third consecutive season that Ottawa and Toronto faced off in a winner-take-all regular-season finale. In 2024, Ottawa lost 5-2 in Toronto, but last season they clinched their first playoff spot with a 2-1 overtime win on the road.
