The Seattle Torrent fell to the Ottawa Charge on Wednesday night by a score of 4-2, in a game that saw a late surge from Ottawa before the Olympic break. Here are three takeaways from the game:

1. Rebecca Leslie's Heroics Secure the Win: Ottawa's Rebecca Leslie played the pivotal role in the Charge's victory, scoring both the game-tying and game-winning goals in the final minutes. With just over five minutes remaining, Leslie tied the game, capitalizing on a pass from Brianne Jenner. She then followed up with a power-play goal with only 30 seconds left on the clock, putting the Charge ahead. Leslie's performance not only secured the win for Ottawa but also showcased her clutch ability in high-pressure situations.

2. Late-Game Collapse Proves Costly for Seattle: Despite a strong showing for much of the game, the Seattle Torrent were unable to hold onto their lead in the closing stages. Hilary Knight opened the scoring for Seattle in the second period, and Jesse Eldridge scored in the third to give the Torrent a 2-1 lead. However, the Charge mounted a late comeback, scoring three unanswered goals in the third period. This collapse underscores the importance of maintaining focus and composure throughout the entire 60 minutes, especially against a resilient team like Ottawa.

3. Olympic Break Impact: This game marked the final contest for both teams before the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) pauses for the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Eight players from the Charge and six from the Torrent are heading to Italy to participate in the Games. Ottawa's head coach, Carla MacLeod, will also be present, coaching the Czechia national team. The PWHL will resume play on February 26. The Olympic break will give players a chance to represent their countries on the international stage, while also allowing the league to build anticipation for the remainder of the season.