Boston Fleet takes 1-0 lead in PWHL playoff series against Ottawa Charge

In this Feb. 28, 2026 image, Ottawa Charge's Ronja Savolainen (88) reaches out to maintain possession of the puck with Boston Fleet's Jamie Lee Rattray (47). (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)

Alina Müller and Jamie Lee Rattray scored less than two minutes apart late in the second period, and the Boston Fleet beat the Ottawa Charge 2-1 on Thursday night to begin a best-of-five semifinal.

Müller took a pass from Jessie Eldridge, split two defenders and sent a shot over the glove of goaltender Gwyneth Philips with 2:03 left in the second for her third career playoff goal. Eldridge entered on a four-game point streak, with four goals and three assists to conclude the regular season.

Then Rattray scored one minute, 31 seconds later on a backhand shot through the pads of Philips.

Boston has never lost a Game 1 in any playoff series, including its trip to the Walter Cup finals in 2024.

Ottawa defender Jocelyne Larocque scored the first goal of the PWHL playoffs on a power play. She tipped in Rory Guilday’s shot with 1:54 left in the first for her second goal of the season.

It was the first time in five meetings this season that a Boston-Ottawa game wasn’t decided in overtime or a shootout.

Up next

Boston hosts Ottawa in Game 2 on Saturday.

The Associated Press