MacLeod Returns To Ottawa's Bench As Charge And Fleet Prepare For Walter Cup Playoff Clash

Now that the dust has settled on the regular season and the four teams have clinched their spots in the postseason, the Montreal Victoire were on the clock to name their semifinal opponent. After the 24-hour time had elapsed, they selected the Minnesota Frost, meaning that Ottawa will head to Boston for their semifinal matchup. Before discussing how these two teams stack up, the Charge shared that head coach Carla MacLeod will return to the bench after stepping away to continue her cancer treatment.

In her absence, assistant coach Haley Irwin did a more-than-admirable job, helping guide the team to a 4-1 record, including a four-game winning streak, while outscoring their opponents 15-7. In terms of this matchup, it’s intriguing to say the least, as these two line up very well and have already produced many anxious moments for fans in their four matchups. All four of their games have required extra time: three via shootout and one in overtime, with Ottawa holding the regular season series 3-1.

With the records now aside, let's take a deeper look at each area of these two teams and, by the end, see who may have the edge when the final horn sounds in the semifinal round. Scoring It should come as no surprise, given how these games have been decided this season, to find that scoring is also very close between these two. Over those four games, the Charge also hold a slight edge in goals, 9-7, with captain Brianne Jenner leading the way with two goals, along with two assists.

Unsurprisingly, linemate Rebecca Leslie is right behind with three goals, tied with Boston’s Susanna Tapani and Megan Keller. Credit: The PWHL Now, one would think that the Fleet might have the edge here since 23 of their 30 games saw them score the opening goal, resulting in a . 870 winning percentage.