Ottawa Cost
The Ottawa Cost’s energy play discovered life, however an absence of defensive cohesion and power left them on the incorrect finish of a 4-2 consequence towards the Sceptres.
Jesse Compher driving in direction of the web towards the Ottawa Cost. (Photograph Credit score: PWHL)
The Ottawa Cost squared off towards the Toronto Sceptres within the newest chapter of the Battle of Ontario, however the Sceptres got here out on prime with a 4-2 victory. This was the Sceptre’s first win towards the Cost this season and the final time the groups face off at TD Place. The sport showcased the strengths and weaknesses of each groups, leaving Ottawa with lots to mirror on as they put together for his or her roadtrip to Québec.
What Ottawa Received Proper
1. Particular Groups Spark
Ottawa’s energy play, which had been a supply of frustration in current video games, lastly discovered its groove. Rookie Mannon McMahon opened the scoring with a power-play aim early within the first interval, snapping a 0-for-13 drought relationship again to early December.
“It’s going to all come together,” mentioned McMahon, whose aim was her second of the season and first on the facility play. “There were bits and pieces of individual efforts tonight, but we just need to come together as a group.”
This breakthrough gives hope for a particular groups unit that has the potential to be a game-changer if it could actually preserve this momentum.
Ottawa Cost celebrating a aim towards the Toronto Sceptres. (Photograph Credit score: PWHL)2. Victoria Bach’s Offensive Increase
Victoria Bach has rapidly grow to be one among Ottawa’s most dependable offensive weapons. Since being traded from Toronto on December thirtieth, Bach has recorded 4 factors in 4 video games, together with a aim and an help towards her former workforce.
Her second-period aim tied the sport at 2-2, showcasing her knack for being in the suitable place on the proper time. Bach’s multi-point effort additionally prolonged her level streak to a few video games, reinforcing her worth as a key piece of the Cost’s ahead group.
🚨 Mannon McMahon (2)
🍎🍏 Victoria Bach pic.twitter.com/FZX9ltqgGN
— Ottawa Cost (@PWHL_Ottawa) January 15, 2025
3. Maschmeyer’s Regular Presence in Web
Emerance Maschmeyer delivered one other sturdy efficiency between the pipes, turning away 35 of 39 pictures. Whereas the Sceptres finally discovered methods to attain, Maschmeyer saved the sport inside attain for Ottawa, making a number of vital saves to thwart high-danger alternatives.
“If we didn’t have (Emerance) Maschmeyer in net, we’re in trouble. It’s that simple,” head coach Carla MacLeod mentioned post-game.
Maschmeyer’s constant play has been a cornerstone of Ottawa’s season up to now, and her capability to deal with heavy workloads stays a key issue for the workforce.
Emerance “Brick Wall” Maschmeyer at it once more 😩
Ottawa Cost x @CanadianTire pic.twitter.com/savVcHWFmb
— Ottawa Cost (@PWHL_Ottawa) January 15, 2025
The place Ottawa Fell Quick
1. Defensive Gaps
Toronto exploited Ottawa’s defensive weaknesses, producing 39 pictures on aim and controlling the tempo for a lot of the sport. Captain Blayre Turnbull’s third-period aim, which finally turned the game-winner, got here after the Sceptres created sustained stress in Ottawa’s zone.
The Cost have struggled with defensive consistency all through the season, permitting probably the most pictures on aim per recreation within the league. Tightening up in their very own finish shall be essential as they goal to compete towards top-tier groups.
2. Lack of Power and Cohesion
Probably the most noticeable points for Ottawa was their lack of ability to take care of power and cohesion all through the sport. Regardless of sturdy particular person efforts, the Cost struggled to ship a unified efficiency, notably within the third interval, when the Sceptres pulled away.
“There’s a lack of energy in our feet and then there’s a lack of execution,” mentioned MacLeod. “These teams are so even, but we weren’t even tonight with Toronto.”
3. Transition and Puck Administration
Ottawa’s transition recreation was disrupted by Toronto’s aggressive forecheck, resulting in turnovers and restricted offensive zone time. The Cost managed simply 24 pictures on aim, in comparison with Toronto’s 39, and had issue producing sustained stress.
This imbalance underscored the necessity for cleaner breakouts and higher puck administration, each of that are important for establishing management and creating offensive alternatives.
Wanting Forward
With a report of 4-0-2-4, Ottawa stays tied for third place within the league standings. The workforce now shifts its focus to a vital matchup towards the Montréal Victoire on January nineteenth as a part of the PWHL Takeover Tour in Québec Metropolis. The Cost have but to beat the Victoire this season.
Puck drop in Québec Metropolis is at 1pm EST on the Videotron Centre.
