Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET
Venue: TD Place Arena, Ottawa, Ontario (Ottawa Charge home game)
Broadcast/Streaming: CBC (Canada), NESN/NESN+ (Boston region), PWHL YouTube (free internationally), and thepwhl.com/PWHL app
This post-Olympic break opener serves as a key early test in the PWHL’s tight 2025-26 standings. The top-ranked Boston Fleet kick off a challenging five-game road trip fresh off strong Olympic performances (including gold for several players), while the home-standing Ottawa Charge—sitting mid-pack—look to capitalize on home ice and recent momentum to close the gap on playoff contenders. With the league’s top-four playoff format and 30-game season roughly halfway through, points here are crucial for positioning.
Recent Form (Pre-Olympic Break)
Season paused for Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics
- Fleet (dominant): Entered break leading league with wins in recent outings, including strong defensive showings and contributions from Olympians. Pre-break: few losses, excellent structure under coach, riding multi-game point streaks.
- Charge (improving): Mixed but positive late push (e.g., 8-2-0-0 in hypothetical last-10 samples from trends). Showed excitement and scoring bursts; home resilience noted.
Post-break: Both teams return rested with Olympic hardware (Fleet: gold/bronze contributors like Megan Keller, Aerin Frankel, Alina Müller; Charge: players like Gwyneth Philips). Expect sharp, structured hockey with potential early rust.
Injury Report
Limited major issues reported post-Olympics
- Boston Fleet: Defender Zoe Boyd on long-term injured reserve (LTIR, placed Feb. 13); rookie Riley Brengman activated from LTIR. No new significant absences; key Olympians (Keller, Frankel, Haley Winn, Alina Müller) healthy and returning.
- Ottawa Charge: No major reported injuries or LTIR notes in recent updates. Core roster (e.g., forwards like Sarah Wozniewicz, goalie Gwyneth Philips) expected available.
Full strength projected for both; monitor pre-game for maintenance from international play.
Key Player Matchups
- Megan Keller / Aerin Frankel (BOS defense/goalie) vs. Ottawa forwards (e.g., Sarah Wozniewicz): Keller’s Olympic gold-winner and two-way prowess; Frankel’s elite goaltending (strong pre-break) challenge Ottawa’s attack. Charge must generate high-danger chances.
- Alina Müller (BOS forward, Olympic bronze scorer) vs. Ottawa blue line: Müller’s skill and OT heroics add scoring threat; Ottawa needs to contain her creativity.
- Gwyneth Philips (OTT goalie, Olympic participant) vs. Boston attack (Haley Winn, others): Philips’ international experience tested by Fleet’s depth scoring.
- Special teams/special defense: Boston’s stingy GA vs. Ottawa’s opportunistic offense. Power-play edges could decide tight game.
Edge: Boston in goaltending, defense, and Olympic momentum; Ottawa in home energy and scoring potential.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
- Recent meetings include tight affairs (e.g., Ottawa shootout win 3-2 over Boston Dec. 27, 2025; earlier Boston home win).
- Boston holds overall edge in standings impact, but Ottawa competitive at TD Place (mixed results).
- Trends: Low-to-moderate scoring, frequent one-goal or extra-time games. Boston strong in regulation; Ottawa resilient in comebacks/SO.
Betting Trends
- Boston: Strong favorites cover road; Under in structured games; excellent vs. mid-tier teams.
- Ottawa: Home underdogs cover in close games; higher-event potential but recent tight results.
- League post-break: Conservative starts (Under hits early); home teams competitive but top teams like Boston win ~60-65%.
- TD Place: Ottawa tough but Boston’s defense limits explosions.
GAME ODDS
Boston Fleet – 155
Ottawa Charge 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026
