Ottawa Charge Face Elimination Pressure After Back-to-Back OT Losses
Ottawa's Charge were one of the most clutch overtime teams in the PWHL all season long — so what on earth has happened in the final?
The Charge have now dropped consecutive overtime games to the Montreal Victoire, and the losses couldn't come at a worse time. With the PWHL championship on the line, Ottawa finds itself with zero margin for error and a squad that looks nothing like the composed, battle-tested unit that thrived in extra time throughout the regular season.
A Season Built on Overtime Dominance
For much of the 2025–26 PWHL season, Ottawa's ability to lock down games past regulation was one of their defining traits. The Charge converted in overtime situations at a rate that had fans and analysts alike pointing to it as a key competitive edge heading into the playoffs.
That overtime poise was supposed to be an asset — a trump card. Right now, it feels like a distant memory.
What's Changed Against Montreal
The Victoire have clearly done their homework. Montreal has been relentless in applying pressure in the extra frame, forcing Ottawa into defensive situations rather than letting the Charge dictate tempo the way they prefer.
There's also a psychological element that can't be ignored. Losing one overtime game in a final is a gut punch. Losing two in a row? That can shake even the most battle-hardened roster. The Charge will need to reset mentally and quickly — because there's no cushion left.
The Road Ahead
Ottawa isn't out of this yet, but the math is unforgiving. Every remaining game is now a must-win, and the Charge will need to rediscover what made them so dangerous in overtime situations earlier this year.
For Ottawa fans who packed in to cheer on their team this season, this is a gut-wrenching stretch. The PWHL has been a genuine source of civic pride in the capital — the Charge have drawn passionate crowds and given Ottawa a women's hockey team worth rallying behind.
The hope now is that the adversity of these losses lights a fire. Ottawa has the talent. The question is whether they have the resilience to flip the script in what amounts to a best-of-series with no safety net.
What to Watch
Keep an eye on how the Charge respond in the offensive zone in overtime — whether they push the pace or continue to play cautiously. Adjustments on special teams and net-front presence could also be the difference-maker as the series continues.
Ottawa built its identity this season on not flinching under pressure. The moment to prove it is right now.
Source: Ottawa Citizen — ottawacitizen.com
