Ottawa Charge Triumph Over New York Sirens with Stellar Goaltending

The Ottawa Charge snapped a five-game slump with a convincing 3-1 victory over the New York Sirens on Sunday, thanks to a standout performance by goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer, who stopped 34 of 35 shots. Playing their first game in 10 days, the Charge came out sharp, using a mix of disciplined defense and timely scoring to stifle a high-powered Sirens offense.

Ottawa wasted no time setting the tone. Emily Clark opened the scoring midway through the first period by redirecting a wrist shot from Brianne Jenner, giving the Charge a crucial 1-0 lead. They didn’t let up, as Shiann Darkangelo and Kateřina Mrázová added goals early in the second period to extend the lead to 3-0. Despite failing to capitalize on two power plays late in the frame, Ottawa’s three-goal cushion proved insurmountable.

New York attempted a rally in the third period, with Sarah Fillier finding the net just 23 seconds in to bring her season total to eight points in as many games. Fillier’s quick strike showcased why she’s one of the league’s rising stars, having been the Sirens’ No. 1 overall draft pick. However, Maschmeyer was unflappable, making key saves during a relentless Sirens attack, including a tense final stretch when New York pulled their goalie for an extra skater.

The Charge’s ability to neutralize New York’s speed and control the penalty kill was pivotal. Ottawa has now scored at least three goals in all five of their matchups against New York over the past two seasons, underscoring their offensive consistency against this particular foe. Alex Carpenter’s assist also extended her scoring streak to nine games, further solidifying her role as a cornerstone for Ottawa.

On the New York side, the return of Jill Saulnier from long-term injured reserve offered a glimmer of hope. Saulnier, sidelined since December 1 due to an upper body injury, brought much-needed depth to a Sirens lineup eager to find its rhythm.

With this win, the Charge demonstrated the resilience needed to climb back into contention, reminding the league of their potential as a balanced and formidable squad. As the season progresses, both Ottawa and New York will look to build on this hard-fought battle in pursuit of playoff positioning.