In an exhilarating PWHL Finals match on Saturday, the Ottawa Charge and Minnesota Frost are vying for a pivotal win that would bring them closer to securing the coveted Walter Cup.
In a repeat of the thrilling battle seen in Game 1, Saturday’s showdown also extended into overtime, with the Minnesota Frost edging out the Ottawa Charge 2-1, leveling the series at one game each. The standout performance came from Britta Curl-Salemme, who not only tied the game but also netted the decisive goal in overtime.
The matchup followed a similar narrative to the previous game, with Ottawa initially gaining an advantage. However, Minnesota capitalized on a critical moment when Charge forward Tereza Vanisova was penalized for tripping late in the third period. Curl-Salemme took full advantage, scoring the equalizer just 15.4 seconds before regulation ended.
Overtime showcased nail-biting intensity, with both teams generating significant scoring chances. Although the Charge maintained an edge in play during the extra session, it was Curl-Salemme again who proved to be the hero, scoring off a rebound from a rush initiated by Frost defender Mellissa-Channell Watkins.
The Charge seemed to control much of the game, outshooting the Frost significantly with a final tally of 38 shots compared to Minnesota’s 24. Their second-period dominance featured an impressive 16-6 edge in shots. However, the loss highlighted a crucial missed opportunity for Ottawa, having previously tasted victory in Game 1.
The next game in this tightly contested series is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at 5 p.m. ET at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fans can catch all the action through various streaming options, including FuboTV and DirecTV Stream, as the teams continue their pursuit of the PWHL championship.
This series promises to be an electrifying showdown, showcasing the talent and determination of both teams as they battle for hockey’s ultimate prize.