Back on the Road
After a lengthy five-day break, PWHL New York continues their venture on the road, stopping at TD Place to take on PWHL Ottawa on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
This will be New York's second consecutive road game. They aren't a stranger to being the visiting team, as they have been at home for only four of their first 12 games in the inaugural PWHL season. Following this match, New York will be at home for two straight games, one at UBS Arena and another at Total Mortgage Arena.
The First Matchup
Wednesday night is just the second time the two teams have faced off this season. During their first meeting on February 4th, which was also at TD Place, New York pulled off an incredible 4-3 comeback win in overtime. After being down by three goals with just 10 minutes left in regulation, New York rallied, scoring three goals in a span of just two minutes.
Alex Carpenter was the first star of the night, and rightfully so, as she scored both the game-tying and game-winning goal. After seeing her three-game goal streak snapped against Toronto, the league leader in points is looking to get back on track Wednesday night. New York needs to begin another win streak, which will help them gradually climb up the standings.
Why is this Game Important?
Prevailing over Ottawa would put New York on a high they could carry into the small, upcoming homestand. Especially after the 2-1 shootout loss to Toronto suffered on Friday, coming out on top would lift the spirits of the team and fans. Performing well at home is vital to a team's success regardless of the sport or league. The crowd is on your side, and that support is enough to give any team the enough amount of energy needed to win.
Even though Ottawa is at the bottom of the standings, sitting right behind New York, they are not to be taken lightly. With New York remaining just two points behind Boston, the small margin means every single game matters and can shift the formation of the standings. However, that compact space is also behind New York, as they are only three points ahead of Ottawa. With the 3-2-1-0 system established by the PWHL, losing in regulation on Wednesday night would tie New York with Ottawa at the bottom of the league.
Hoping to Rebound
Before Friday, PWHL New York was on a three-game win streak, their longest of the season. Losses are going to happen, but it's important to be able to bounce right back into the win column. New York cannot let one shootout loss turn into form a pattern that sends the team in the wrong direction.
New York and Ottawa do not face each other for a while after Wednesday, as their final two games of the season come against each other on March 20th and April 30th.
- PWHL New York Stunned by Sarah Nurse's hat trick in 6-2 loss - April 30, 2024
- PWHL NY Winless Streak Extends to 7 in Loss to Ottawa - March 22, 2024
- PWHL NY dominated by PWHL Minnesota for 6th straight loss - March 17, 2024
