4-1 win over Ottawa: Is the Seattle Torrent finally finding their groove?

From the momentum found late in the first period to timely power-play goals, Wednesday night at Climate Pledge Arena, you could find a bit of everything as the Seattle Torrent picked up the 4-1 win over the Ottawa Charge. 

Ottawa came out flying and controlled much of the first period, putting heavy pressure on the Torrent and testing goaltender Hannah Murphy right away. Murphy was able to stay calm, despite the endless shots on goal, keeping the game scoreless for longer than it should have been. Just when it looked like the teams would head to the locker room tied, Julia Gosling of the Seattle Torrent stepped in and scored on the power-play with three seconds left, giving Seattle the early edge. 

The second period belonged to Alex Carpenter. The veteran forward found the back of the net twice, first on the power play, then again even at strength, giving Seattle the breathing room they needed. Carpenter finished the game with two goals and one assist, earning herself First Star honors, reminding everyone what a powerhouse she is. 

Ottawa never backed off. The Charge kept pushing, finishing the night with 25 shots and long stretches of controlled play. Murphy, however, stayed locked in, stopping 24 of 25 shots, earning Second Star recognition. 

Seattle put things out of reach late in the game with an empty-net goal from Hannah Bilka, who picked up two assists and was named Third Star of the game. Ottawa got one back shortly after a goal from Rebecca Leslie, but the late push wasn’t enough to change the outcome. 

Special teams were a huge part of the night. Seattle went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Ottawa went 0-for-4 on chances of their own. Adding in a couple of birthday celebrations for Jessie Eldridge and Snodgrass, it was a solid all-around night at home for the Seattle Torrent.

Edited by Reese Dlabach