The Minnesota Frost and Ottawa Charge face off in the 2025 PWHL Finals, a best-of-five series beginning on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at TD Place in Ottawa, Ontario. Minnesota enters as the defending Walter Cup champions, while Ottawa looks to make history as the first Canadian team to win the PWHL title.
Game Details
- Matchup: Minnesota Frost vs. Ottawa Charge
- Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: TD Place, Ottawa, ON
- TV Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network, PWHL YouTube
Team Breakdown
Minnesota Frost
Minnesota is back in the PWHL Finals for the second straight year, aiming to defend their 2024 Walter Cup title. The Frost boast the most potent offense in the league, scoring 18 goals in their semifinal series against Toronto.
Leading the charge is Taylor Heise, who has seven points in the playoffs, along with Lee Stecklein and Sophie Jaques, who have each contributed six points. Minnesota’s depth and scoring ability make them a dangerous opponent.
In net, Minnesota has rotated between Nicole Hensley and Maddie Rooney, with Rooney allowing eight goals in two games and Hensley conceding six goals in the semifinals.
Ottawa Charge
Ottawa enters the PWHL Finals for the first time, having knocked off regular-season champion Montreal in the semifinals. The Charge rely on strong defensive structure and elite goaltending, allowing just six goals in four playoff games.
Rookie goaltender Gwyneth Philips has been outstanding, leading the league with a 1.14 goals-against average and a .956 save percentage. Ottawa’s defense has been dominant, limiting Montreal’s top scorers throughout the semifinals.
Offensively, Ottawa has struggled compared to Minnesota, scoring just nine goals in the playoffs. Brianne Jenner leads the team with two goals, but Ottawa will need more offensive production to compete with Minnesota’s firepower.
Key Matchups
Taylor Heise vs. Ottawa’s Defense
- Heise leads the playoffs in points and will test Ottawa’s defensive structure.
- Ottawa must limit her space and force Minnesota into low-percentage shots.
Gwyneth Philips vs. Minnesota’s Offense
- Philips has been the best goalie in the playoffs, but Minnesota’s attack is relentless.
- If Philips continues her stellar play, Ottawa has a chance to pull off an upset.
Minnesota’s Goaltending vs. Ottawa’s Counterattack
- Minnesota’s goalie rotation has been inconsistent, allowing multiple goals per game.
- Ottawa must capitalize on scoring chances and avoid a low-scoring battle.
Game Outlook
Minnesota enters as the favorites, given their championship experience and offensive firepower. However, Ottawa’s defensive discipline and elite goaltending could make this a tightly contested series.
If Minnesota controls possession and capitalizes on scoring chances, they should secure a victory. However, if Ottawa’s defense holds strong and Philips continues her dominance, the Charge could steal Game 1.
GAME ODDS
Minnesota Frost 4.5
Ottawa Charge – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 19, 2025
