Ottawa Charge Fall Behind in PWHL Semifinal Series
The Ottawa Charge's 2025–26 PWHL playoff run started on the wrong foot Thursday night, as the Boston Fleet beat them 2-1 to take an early lead in their best-of-five semifinal series.
The game turned on a two-minute stretch late in the second period that shifted all the momentum to Boston's side.
Two Quick Goals Sink Ottawa
Alina Müller opened the scoring, and before the Ottawa Charge could catch their breath, Jamie Lee Rattray added a second goal less than two minutes later. The back-to-back strikes, both landing late in the middle frame, gave the Fleet the breathing room they needed to protect a one-goal lead the rest of the way.
Ottawa managed to get one back, keeping themselves in the game until the final buzzer, but couldn't find the equalizer. The 2-1 final sends Boston home with a Game 1 win and puts the Charge in must-respond territory heading into Game 2.
What's at Stake for the Charge
The Ottawa Charge are one of six PWHL franchises competing in the league's second full season of professional women's hockey in North America. The PWHL has quickly become one of the most-watched women's sports leagues on the continent, drawing record crowds and growing its fanbase from coast to coast in Canada — and beyond.
For Ottawa fans, the Charge represent the city's first top-tier professional women's hockey team, and playoff hockey brings an electric energy that the club's faithful have embraced enthusiastically.
Falling behind 0-1 in a best-of-five is a tough spot — teams that drop Game 1 in short series face an immediate do-or-die atmosphere going into the next matchup. The Charge will need to respond with urgency to avoid slipping into a 0-2 hole.
Fleet Show Why They're Dangerous
The Boston Fleet proved efficient and clinical, making the most of their opportunities and getting contributions from experienced players like Müller and Rattray when it counted most. Two goals within a two-minute window is the kind of run that can deflate even the best-prepared opponent, and Ottawa now has to recalibrate.
The series continues with Game 2, where the Charge will be looking to even things up and take the momentum back before the series potentially shifts locations.
Charge Nation: Keep the Faith
One game doesn't decide a series, and Ottawa has the talent and compete level to bounce back. Playoff hockey is unpredictable — a strong start in Game 2 can flip everything. Charge fans who've followed the team all season know this group won't go quietly.
Game 2 is the Charge's first opportunity to answer, and all of Ottawa will be watching closely.
Source: CBC Sports
