Lee Stecklein scored twice as the Minnesota Frost secured a crucial 3-0 win over the Ottawa Charge on Wednesday, keeping their playoff hopes alive and ending Ottawa’s chance at clinching a spot in the Professional Women’s Hockey League playoffs.
The Charge (12-1-4-12) needed just one point to secure their first playoff appearance, but the Frost’s victory puts the race for the final playoff spots down to the final regular season games on Saturday. Ottawa now requires a regulation or overtime win against the Toronto Sceptres, or a Minnesota loss to the Boston Fleet, to secure a playoff berth. The Charge holds the tiebreaker should both teams finish tied in points.
Leading 1-0, Stecklein extended the Frost’s lead early in the third period with a wrist shot from the point. She sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:26 for her second of the season. Goalkeepers Gwyneth Philips (31 saves) and Nicole Hensley (24 saves, shutout) were key to their teams’ performances, with both making critical saves throughout the game.
Ottawa had opportunities, including two power-play chances in the first period, but failed to convert. A late-period goal by Kendall Coyne-Schofield gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead.
The final day of the regular season will determine the playoff outcome, with Ottawa needing a win and Minnesota hoping for a loss to clinch their spot.
Source: Swifteradio.com
