Gwyneth Philips Brilliant As Ottawa Evens The Series With Game Two Win Over Boston
Gwyneth Philips, who time and again proves to be the most valuable player on Ottawa's roster, backstopped the Charge to a 3-1 victory over Boston as the series shifts to the nation's capital, with the series tied 1-1.
The Ottawa Charge entered game two with work to do following an opening game loss to the Boston Fleet on Thursday. Heading into this one, the objectives remained easier said than done, but were critical to ensure the team could return home earning a split in Boston. First, find some way, any way, to contain Jessie Eldridge, and the second was to get traffic in front of Aerin Frankel.
On that first point, Ottawa was successful, holding Eldridge pointless in game two, a major accomplishment after she had two primary assists in Boston's opening game win. Eldridge has enjoyed feasting on the Charge this season, so while this was a major item checked off the team's to-do list, one would have to imagine she'll find another gear in Ottawa. She always does.
Credit: The PWHL In terms of Frankel, she's an elite goaltender, which is clearly not breaking news. To beat her, the Charge needed to consistently have traffic in front, also not breaking news. She's positionally sound, athletic, and can read plays seemingly even before they unfold.
Beating her one-on-one comes down to pure luck and isn't a reliable strategy, especially in the playoffs. In this game, they beat her once with a screen and a second time by having Kateřina Mrázová drive to the net. Also interesting was that they appeared to have adjusted their game plan, shooting up high on many occasions.