Alina Müller and Jamie Lee Rattray scored within a short span of time in the later part of the second period, leading the Boston Fleet to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Charge in the opening game of their best-of-five semifinal series. Müller received a pass from Jessie Eldridge, maneuvered past two defenders, and fired a shot past goalie Gwyneth Philips with just over two minutes remaining in the second period for her third career playoff goal. Eldridge, who ended the regular season with four goals and three assists in a four-game point streak, assisted Müller’s goal. Rattray then found the back of the net with a backhand shot only a minute and 31 seconds later.
Boston has a flawless record of winning Game 1 in every playoff series, including their journey to the Walter Cup finals in 2024.
The first goal of the PWHL playoffs was scored by Ottawa’s defender Jocelyne Larocque on a power play. Larocque deflected Rory Guilday’s shot into the net with 1:54 remaining in the first period, marking her second goal of the season.
This game marked the first in five encounters this season between Boston and Ottawa that was not decided in overtime or a shootout.
The next matchup will see Boston hosting Ottawa in Game 2 on Saturday.