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Daryl Watts’ Hat Trick Propels PWHL Ottawa to Victory
Daryl Watts took to the ice on Saturday with a clear objective: to put an end to Toronto’s winning streak. By the end of the game, she had scored a hat trick, leading PWHL Ottawa to a decisive 5-3 win.
Reflecting on the victory, Watts expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the significance of defeating Toronto, who had not tasted defeat since late January, ending their impressive 11-game run. She described the exhilaration of playing in front of a large crowd and the positive momentum the win brought to the team.
The Timing of Ottawa’s Victory
The win came at a critical juncture for Ottawa, a team that had been gaining momentum at a crucial point in the season. Following the victory, the team secured fourth place in the standings, securing a playoff position with a five-point lead over fifth-place Boston. With five games remaining in the PWHL schedule after the mid-April break for the women’s world championship, Ottawa finds itself in a promising position.
Watts highlighted the importance of the win against New York in the previous week, which, coupled with Toronto’s victory over Boston on the same night, propelled Ottawa into playoff contention for the first time in the season.
Critical Moments in the Game
Despite Toronto taking an early 2-0 lead, Watts brought Ottawa back into the game with a late first-period goal. She credited her teammates Hughes and Harmon for setting up the play, allowing her to score just before the intermission, setting the stage for a thrilling comeback.
At a pivotal moment in the third period, Harmon delivered a precise pass to Watts, leading to her second goal of the game, ultimately serving as the game-winner. Watts expressed her gratitude towards Harmon for her role in the critical play.
Chemistry and Success
Watts praised her captain, Jenner, and linemate, Mrázová, for their teamwork and chemistry on the ice. The trio’s coordination and understanding of each other’s play styles have contributed to Watts’ recent goal-scoring success, propelling her to the top ranks of the league’s goal scorers.
Despite a challenging start to the season, Watts has found her stride in recent games, attributing her improved performance to regained confidence and the support of her teammates. She expressed surprise at her newfound success and optimism for the team’s prospects moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Watts and her teammates are gearing up for the final stretch before the playoffs. Following a brief break for players not participating in the women’s world championship, the team is focused on maintaining their momentum and securing a strong finish to the season.
Reflecting on the team’s turnaround from a slow start to playoff contention, Watts acknowledged the team’s resilience and determination to compete with the league’s top contenders. With a newfound sense of confidence and optimism, Ottawa is poised to make a push for the top spots in the standings and make a statement in the playoffs.
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