Game Details
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.
Venue: The Arena at TD Place, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This multi-purpose arena, located in the Lansdowne Park complex, has a seating capacity of approximately 9,500 for hockey games and serves as the home rink for the Ottawa Charge. It’s known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate fan base, which could provide a significant home-ice advantage for Ottawa in this matchup.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter this game with mixed momentum, but Ottawa appears to be heating up while Vancouver is searching for stability. Here’s a breakdown of their last five games (most recent first):
Vancouver Goldeneyes (1-2-1-1 in last 5; streak: 0-2-1-0):
Loss 0-2 at New York Sirens (regulation loss; shutout highlights defensive issues).
OT Loss 2-3 vs. Boston Fleet (showed resilience but couldn’t close).
Win 4-3 vs. Seattle Torrent (OT win; offensive breakout).
Loss 1-4 at Toronto Sceptres (regulation loss; poor start).
Win 2-1 vs. Ottawa Charge (regulation win; their previous meeting). Vancouver’s form has been erratic, with low-scoring affairs dominating. They’ve averaged 1.9 goals per game overall this season but just 1.6 in their last five, while allowing 2.7 goals against. The team is still adjusting as an expansion franchise, with growing pains evident in road games (1-0-1-3 away record).
Ottawa Charge (3-1-0-1 in last 5; streak: 3-0-0-0):
Win 3-2 vs. Minnesota Frost (regulation win; strong third period).
Win 4-1 at Montreal Victoire (regulation win; dominant performance).
Win 5-4 vs. New York Sirens (OT win; high-scoring thriller).
Loss 1-2 at Vancouver Goldeneyes (regulation loss; previous meeting).
Win 3-0 vs. Toronto Sceptres (regulation win; shutout).
Ottawa has turned a corner, winning three straight with an average of 2.4 goals per game this season and 4.0 in their recent streak. Their defense has tightened, allowing 2.8 goals against overall but just 2.3 in the last five. Home form is solid (2-1-0-2 at TD Place), fueled by veteran leadership.
Series History
This will be the second meeting of the 2025-26 season between these cross-country rivals, with Vancouver holding a 1-0-0-0 edge in the all-time series (limited to this year as Vancouver is an expansion team).
Previous Meeting: December 16, 2025 – Vancouver 2, Ottawa 1 (at Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver). Katie Chan scored her first PWHL goal for the game-winner, while Vancouver’s goaltending stole the show with key saves. Ottawa outshot Vancouver 32-25 but couldn’t capitalize on power plays (0-for-3). The game was low-scoring and physical, setting the tone for a defensive battle in the rematch.
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Historically, these matchups emphasize defense and goaltending, with the lone game decided by one goal. Ottawa will look for revenge at home, while Vancouver aims to build on their expansion success against Eastern Conference teams.
Injury Report
Injuries could play a pivotal role, especially with key players sidelined for both squads. Updates as of January 7, 2026:
Vancouver Goldeneyes:
F Sarah Nurse: Out (undisclosed injury). Suffered in the season opener; re-evaluated in mid-December but remains sidelined. Her absence hurts Vancouver’s scoring depth (she was a top-line forward last season with Toronto).
No other major injuries reported, but the team is monitoring minor ailments from their recent road trip.
Ottawa Charge:
G Sanni Ahola: Out (illness, long-term injured reserve, retroactive to December 18). The Charge signed Sarah Coe as a replacement, who could see backup duties. Emerance Maschmeyer is expected to start, bringing stability after her recovery from a previous season-ending injury.
No additional injuries listed, but captain Brianne Jenner has been playing through minor bumps and remains a game-time decision if needed.
Key Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles between offensive stars and defensive stalwarts, with goaltending likely deciding the outcome in a projected low-scoring affair.
Brianne Jenner (OTT, F) vs. Claire Thompson (VAN, D): Jenner leads Ottawa with 5 goals this season and thrives in the slot. Thompson, Vancouver’s top defender with 3 goals (unusual for a blueliner), will be tasked with shadowing her. Jenner’s physicality could test Thompson’s mobility.
Katie Chan (VAN, F) vs. Emerance Maschmeyer (OTT, G): Chan, fresh off her game-winner in the teams’ first meeting, brings speed and finishing. Maschmeyer, Ottawa’s veteran netminder, has a .920 save percentage this season and excels in close games. If Chan generates odd-man rushes, this could be the difference.
Tereza Vanišová (VAN, F) vs. Ottawa’s Penalty Kill Unit: Vanišová, recently named to Czechia’s Olympic team, leads Vancouver in assists and power-play points. Ottawa’s PK ranks middle-of-the-pack (82% efficiency), so discipline will be key to avoiding her setup plays.
Overall, expect Ottawa’s veteran core (Jenner, Maschmeyer) to challenge Vancouver’s younger, expansion-built roster.
Betting Trends
Vancouver Goldeneyes: 4-6 against the spread (ATS) this season; 2-4 ATS on the road. They’ve gone under the total in 7 of 10 games, aligning with their 1.9 GPG offense. As underdogs, they’re 2-1-1-2, often keeping games close.
Ottawa Charge: 5-5 ATS; 3-2 ATS at home. Over has hit in 4 of their last 6, thanks to recent offensive surges (4.0 GPG in streak). In home favorites roles, they’re 2-1, but 1-2 ATS against Western teams.
Head-to-Head Trends: The lone matchup went under (total 3 goals) and was decided by one goal. PWHL games involving these teams have seen the losing side score 1 or fewer in 70% of contests this season, pointing to unders and tight margins.
League-Wide: PWHL unders are cashing at a 62% clip this season, with averages of 4.8 total goals per game. Expansion teams like Vancouver are 3-4 ATS in inter-conference play.
GAME ODDS
Vancouver Goldeneyes 4.5
Ottawa Charge – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 8, 2026
