Gwyneth Philips did it again. The Ottawa Charge goaltender, widely regarded as the team's most valuable player, delivered a stellar performance to backstop her squad to a 3-1 victory over the Boston Fleet on Saturday. The win evens the series at 1-1 as the action shifts to Ottawa for Game Three.

After dropping the opener on Thursday, the Charge entered Game Two with a clear checklist: contain Boston's Jessie Eldridge and find a way to solve goaltender Aerin Frankel. Mission accomplished on both fronts. Eldridge, who had two primary assists in Boston's Game One win and has been a thorn in Ottawa's side all season, was held pointless. It was a significant achievement, though the Charge know she'll likely elevate her game when the series resumes on home ice.

As for Frankel, she remains one of the league's elite netminders. Positionally sound, athletic, and seemingly able to read plays before they develop, beating her cleanly is nearly impossible. Ottawa's strategy was simple: create traffic. They succeeded by screening Frankel on one goal and having Kateřina Mrázová drive hard to the net on another. An adjustment to shoot high also paid dividends, catching the Boston goalie off guard.

But the victory wasn't without its flaws. The Charge showed a troubling tendency to take their foot off the gas, a habit that has plagued them throughout the season. At times, they watched the game unfold rather than dictating the pace, allowing Boston too many shots on goal. Against a Fleet team capable of seizing control at any moment, that's a risky recipe.

Fortunately for Ottawa, they had Philips. Her brilliance between the pipes once again proved the difference, giving the Charge a chance to return home with momentum. The series is far from over, but if Philips continues to play at this level, Ottawa has a fighting chance.