PWHL season update — MVP predictions

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Emerance Maschmeyer

The Ottawa Charge currently sit in a playoff spot as I write this and the biggest reason for that is because of the stellar play of Emerance Maschmeyer. The Charge goaltender has appeared in nine of the team’s twelve games this season, recording a 4-4-0-1 record, a 2.12 GAA and an impressive .934 SV%. Although her record might look mediocre, her performance on the ice and the importance she brings to her team has been at an MVP caliber.

Following her performance against Montreal in Quebec City, Maschmeyer has now faced 290 shots so far this season which leads the league across all goaltenders. She also has made 271 saves, which is also good enough for first in the league. The Ottawa Charge are a team that struggles to score and luckily they have one of the best goaltenders in the world back stopping them which has kept them in a playoff spot most of the season after they fell short of the playoffs last season. 

Emerance Maschmeyer is in my opinion the frontrunner for league MVP as we just passed the first third of the season. 

Claire Thompson

Oh Claire Thompson, where do I even begin?

The Minnesota blueliner took over a year off from hockey to attend medical school and, if you have had the pleasure of watching her this season with the Frost, you would have never guessed it. The Canadian defensive standout has been a key piece to why the defending Walter Cup Champions remain at the top of the PWHL standings. 

From the start of the season to now, Thompson has remained in the top three on the PWHL point leaders list. With 11 points in 13 games, she has been exactly what the Frost have needed on the blue line.

Her 11 points currently leads the PWHL in scoring by defenders with Megan Keller behind her with 9 points. Not only is she creating offense for the Frost, she’s also provided a calm and steady presence on a blueline that needed a bit of a jolt offensively. 

Sarah Fillier

Not only have the overall vibes in New York taken a 180 compared to last season, but so has the team’s on-ice play. A massive reason for that has been the impact that Sarah Fillier has brought to the Sirens lineup.

Everyone knew Fillier would be a superstar in the PWHL. She’s one of the best players in the world and her play both internationally and in college was a clear demonstration of how great of a pro player she would be. Not only has Fillier been everything and more for the Sirens, but she has heavily exceeded the expectations that people had of her. 

When you watch Fillier play you most of the time wouldn’t guess she’s a rookie. She’s creating chance after chance in the offensive zone and her two-way game has also been phenomenal. Her and Alex Carpenter have taken the league by storm early on this season as they both sit atop the PWHL point leaders. In just 10 games played Fillier has five goals and six assists. 

Without Sarah Fillier I personally don’t think New York is the team they currently are.