Alexa Vasko stars in important but potentially costly win for Ottawa Charge

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The Ottawa Charge pulled off a much needed victory on Tuesday, but in the process also suffered what could be a significant loss.

The team’s most consistent player, goalie Emerance Maschmeyer, had to be helped off the ice after going down with an apparent leg injury on the goal that broke her shutout bid 9:46 from the third period buzzer of what turned into a gutsy 3-2 triumph over the Minnesota Frost at TD Place.

Coach Carla MacLeod could provide no update following the game.

Winning in regulation time was huge for the Charge, as the three points moved Ottawa to within five of the Frost for the last playoff spot.

With eight games left on its schedule, the Charge also has two in hand on Minnesota.

Maschmeyer’s replacement, rookie Gwyneth Philips, faced just two Frost shots, including a controversial goal by Claire Thompson with 6:42 left to play.

Initially, the goal was waved off because of what appeared to be goalie interference, but the Frost challenged the call and after a lengthy video review it was reversed.

Shortly thereafter, the situation took another negative turn for the Charge when Shiann Darkangelo was sent off the ice with a tripping penalty.

But Ottawa responded by not just killing the penalty, but jumping back in front while shorthanded on Alexa Vasko’s second goal of both the night and the season with 4:02 left.

The Charge held Minnesota to two shots on goal in a physical, playoff-style first period that saw Ottawa score the lone goal.

Breaking the ice just over four minutes from the intermission was captain Brianna Jenner, who whacked home a rebound from close range 13 seconds into the only power play of the frame.

The goal, Jenner’s third of the season, was assisted by Gabbie Hughes and Jincy Roese.

The Frost tested Maschmeyer 12 times in the second but again the Charge managed the only goal of the period.

Capitalizing on a defensive zone turnover by Thompson, Natalie Snodgrass displayed a keen sense of vision when she found Vasko trailing on the play.

Vasko took the pass back through the high slot and whipped a shot past Maddie Rooney for her first goal of the season.

The third provided a special moment for Maschmeyer, who became the first PWHL goalie to record her 1,000th career save.

When the historic moment was announced at the next stop in play, the crowd gave Maschmeyer a standing ovation that she acknowledged from her crease.

Less than a minute later, Taylor Heise scored with what appeared to be a screened wrist shot from just inside the blue line.

The Charge are in action again on Saturday in a 2 p.m. start against the Boston Fleet at TD Place.

dbrennan@postmedia.com

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