PDub ReDub: Olympic break observations around the PWHL

PDRD returns as a team-by-team recap of the past week of PWHL action, now moved over from its former home on Rinksiders. This year, it will be formatted as a PWHL power ranking and will include an outside-the-box stat for each team! Here’s how things look going into the Olympic break.

8. Toronto Sceptres (Previous Ranking: 4)

The Sceptres’ descent would have been a lot more gradual had there been less time between ReDubs. Shut out of their last two games, the least goals scored and most goals allowed in the league, and changes only made the game before they can’t be used again for a month? It’s gonna take a lot for Toronto to climb out of 8th, and they’re running out of time to do it.

Nat’s Stat: The Toronto Sceptres’ power play is operating at 11.1% this season after scoring 25.8% of the time last year, a drop-off of 14.7%. This would be the largest season to season decline in PWHL history by a wide margin, with the current greatest difference belonging to 2024 and 2024–25 Ottawa (25.0% -> 14.9%, 10.1% less).

7. Seattle Torrent (Previous Ranking: 5)

The Torrent are in last place by point total, but not by points percentage, as they’ve played two fewer games than Toronto. Rookie Hannah Murphy is beginning to taper off after her hot start, but she’s also facing the most shots per 60 of any PWHL goaltender. Seattle’s got to play better in front of her and Corinne Schroeder if they’re to dig themselves out of their first-half hole.

Nat’s Stat: The Seattle Torrent’s highest point total outside of their top five scorers is four, a tie between forwards Danielle Serdachny and Mikyla Grant-Mentis, and defenders Megan Carter and Anna Wilgren. Boston and Toronto’s sixth-place scorers have five points, making Seattle’s the lowest in the PWHL.

6. Vancouver Goldeneyes (Previous Ranking: 7)

The momentum Vancouver built following the big trade was swiftly halted by Minnesota, but at least there was momentum. They’re now less than two regulation wins’ worth of points outside of a playoff spot. On top of that, a healthy Sarah Nurse firing on all cylinders upon her return makes for some excitement headed into the second half.

Nat’s Stat: Vancouver Goldeneyes forward Anna Meixner recorded an assist in her debut with the team on January 22nd. In doing so, she matched her regular season assist total with the Ottawa Charge in 40 fewer games.

5. Ottawa Charge (Previous Ranking: 8)

While their win streak’s been snapped, the Charge have started to end their games earlier than overtime more often afterwards, which bodes well for their playoff hopes. They’re being led by the unexpected combination of Brianne Jenner, Rebecca Leslie, and Sarah Wozniewicz, who have been just as unexpectedly outstanding, especially Leslie. She’s got more points (14) this season than her career regular season total coming in (12).

Nat’s Stat: Ottawa Charge goaltender Sanni Ahola’s 31 saves in her victory against the Boston Fleet tie Kayle Osborne for the most shots stopped by a rookie goalie in their first career win. Ahola, who is off to the Olympics with Team Finland, also added three saves in the shootout.

4. Montréal Victoire (Previous Ranking: 3)

Ann-Renée Desbiens is ridiculous. She’s allowed just 15 goals in 13 games and holds a .954 SV% at the season’s halfway point. Her performance has allowed Montréal to coast to six wins in their last seven despite not scoring more than three goals in a game since mid-December. I’d say I’m not sure this is sustainable, but you never know with Desbiens.

Nat’s Stat: Montréal Victoire forward Maureen Murphy scored three goals in a two-game span to snap a season-opening 12-game goal drought. Her 36 shots in that time were the most among players yet to find the back of the net this season.

3. New York Sirens (Previous Ranking: 6)

Maybe I’m still giving the Sirens a little too much leeway, but when they look good, they look good. Kristýna Kaltounková is on an absolute tear, going goal-per-game over her last eight to take the PWHL lead in that category. Her all-rookie line with Casey O’Brien and Maddi Wheeler is working incredibly well. It’s only a matter of time before Sarah Fillier stops shooting under 2%.