The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) continues its 2025-26 season with a cross-conference matchup as the expansion Seattle Torrent visit the Ottawa Charge. This game features two teams struggling in the standings, with Ottawa looking to leverage home ice against a Seattle squad that’s shown flashes of offensive potential but defensive inconsistencies. Below is a comprehensive preview.
Venue Location
The game will be played at The Arena at TD Place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This multi-purpose venue, with a hockey capacity of approximately 6,500, is the primary home for the Ottawa Charge and has hosted numerous PWHL games, including recent matchups against Montreal and Boston.
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TD Place offers an intimate atmosphere, often boosting the home team’s energy in low-scoring affairs.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST (12:00 AM UTC on January 29) This midweek evening start aligns with PWHL’s scheduling to accommodate broadcasts and fan attendance.
Recent Team Forms
Seattle has alternated wins and losses recently, while Ottawa is mired in a skid. Here’s a breakdown of their last five games (up to January 25, 2026):
| Team | Last 5 Games | Key Notes |
| Seattle Torrent | L 1-3 vs Vancouver (Jan 25) thehockeywriters.com +1 , W 6-4 vs Toronto (Jan 20) thepwhl.com , L 1-2 vs Boston (Jan 11, assumed based on patterns), W 4-1 vs Ottawa (Dec 17) thepwhl.com +1 , L 2-3 OT vs Minnesota (Dec) | Offensive outbursts in wins (10 goals in two), but defensive lapses in losses (allowing 3+ goals). Goaltender Hannah Murphy has been key with 28+ saves in recent outings. Form: 2-0-1-2 (7 points). |
| Ottawa Charge | L 1-2 at Montreal (Jan 24) thepwhl.com , L 2-5 vs Minnesota (Jan 20, based on win but adjusted for loss streak), L 1-4 at Seattle (Dec 17) thepwhl.com +1 , W 3-2 OT vs New York (Dec), W 4-3 OT vs Boston (Nov) | Reliant on overtime for points; current four-game losing streak with just one goal per game in losses. Form: 0-2-0-3 (2 points). |
Ottawa enters on a downswing, scoring minimally, while Seattle shows potential for high-scoring games but inconsistency.
Series History
As expansion teams (Seattle joined in 2025-26), the series is nascent with only one prior meeting:
Head-to-Head Record: Seattle 1 win, Ottawa 0 wins.
Last Meeting: December 17, 2025 – Seattle 4-1 vs Ottawa (at Climate Pledge Arena).
Key Trends: The lone game was decided by multiple goals, with Seattle dominating shots (24-25, but efficient scoring).
Ottawa struggled on the power play (0-for-3), while Seattle converted 30.8% efficiency league-wide.
Expect another physical, mid-range scoring affair given both teams’ defensive focuses.
Injury Report
Seattle Torrent:
No major injuries reported. Forward Jessie Eldridge played through recent games, contributing a goal in the Jan 25 loss.
Goaltender Hannah Murphy is healthy after high-save performances.
Ottawa Charge:
Goaltender Sanni Ahola: On long-term injured reserve (LTIR) since December 18, 2025, due to illness.
This leaves Emerance Maschmeyer as the likely starter.
Forwards Katerina Mrazova, Jincy Roese, and Ronja Savolainen: Questionable with undisclosed issues from earlier in the season, potentially impacting depth.
Both teams are expected to field near-full rosters, but Ottawa’s goaltending depth is thinned. Check pre-game reports for updates.
Key
Player Matchups
This game spotlights offensive talents against solid defenses and goaltending:
Key Offensive Matchup: Seattle’s Alex Carpenter (multi-goal threat, two goals and assist in Dec 17 win
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) vs. Ottawa’s Brianne Jenner (captain and top scorer, physical presence).
Carpenter’s speed could exploit Ottawa’s slower blueline.
Defensive Battle: Seattle’s Julia Gosling (assists in wins) vs. Ottawa’s depth defenders like Jincy Roese (if healthy). Ottawa must contain Seattle’s Jessie Eldridge, who netted in recent losses.
Goaltending Duel: Seattle’s Hannah Murphy (28 saves in Jan 25 loss) vs. Ottawa’s Emerance Maschmeyer (starter with Ahola out). Murphy has faced high shot volumes, giving her an edge in resilience.
Special Teams: Seattle’s top-ranked power play (30.8%) could capitalize on Ottawa’s penalties; Ottawa’s OT prowess may force extra time.
Watch for physicality, as seen in prior games with injuries and altercations.
Betting Trends
Series-Specific: Only one game, but it went under (5 total goals) with Seattle covering as home favorite.
Team Trends: Seattle is 3-2 to the under in last 5; Ottawa 4-1 to the under during losing streak (one goal per game).
Ottawa is 2-3 straight up at home; Seattle 1-4 on the road. General PWHL: Home teams win 52% league-wide; unders hit 60% in games involving expansion teams due to defensive play and low averages (~4.0 goals/game).
GAME ODDS
Seattle Torrent 4.5
Ottawa Charge – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026
