PWHL Players of the Week: Osborne steals the show; Fast, Watts step up for Toronto

In the final week before the international break, a few players made key impacts on their teams in their quest for playoff positioning.

From excellent performances between the pipes to big-time goals in crucial moments, these three players really ramped up their play heading into the league-wide pause.

Daryl Watts (F, Toronto Sceptres)

It goes without saying expectations were sky-high for Daryl Watts heading into the league’s second season. The 2018 Patty Kazmaier Award winner was the most sought-after free agent this past summer. While she isn’t tearing the league apart, Watts has been one of the more consistent producers in the league.

That has been noticeable over the past week. Along with picking up assists against the New York Sirens and Minnesota Frost, Watts potted a goal and an assist against the Montreal Victoire, helping Toronto at least pick up a point.

The Toronto native finished the week off by picking up an assist on the game-winning goal against the Ottawa Charge on Saturday. With the impressive run, Watts has a four-game point heading into the break, registering six points over the past six contests.

As a result, Watts is currently tied for 10th in the league in scoring with 11 points, with her eight assists placing her tied for fifth among skaters.

Renata Fast (D, Toronto Sceptres)

Renata Fast is queuing up quite the campaign for Defender of the Year.

The veteran blueliner might have some tough defensive metrics due to her matchups against the opposition’s top players, but Fast has been the most productive offensive weapon for the Sceptres. Though she went four games without etching her name on the scoresheet, the Canadian National Team star bounced back in a big way this past week.

Fast was one of the key reasons Toronto salvaged a point against the Frost last Tuesday. Along with scoring her first goal of the season, she ended up with a season-high three points.

Fast also scored the game-winning goal in the Sceptres’ 4-2 win over the Charge, giving her five points over the past three games. She and Watts were both key players in the Sceptres picking up points in each of the past four games, placing the team in a playoff spot heading into the final day of action before the break.

Fast is second among PWHL blueliners in scoring with 13 points in 15 games. Along with being fifth in league scoring, the 30-year-old leads all skaters with 11 assists.

Kayle Osborne (G, New York Sirens)

If you haven’t realized by now – I’m a sucker for underdogs. I’m even more of a sucker for underdog goaltenders.

Kayle Osborne entered the PWHL after a successful collegiate career at Colgate under her current head coach, Greg Fargo. However, even though she signed a three-year contract, it was going to be tough for the rookie netminder to eclipse Goaltender of the Year finalist Corinne Schroeder.

Even though Schroeder has been carrying the load once again for the Sirens, Osborne has stepped up whenever she’s been called upon. After a solid first start earlier in January, the 22-year-old was sensational against Ottawa last Monday. She turned away all 31 shots she faced, outdueling Emerance Maschmeyer for her first PWHL win and shutout.

While Osborne is still considerably the No. 2 behind Schroeder, the fact that Osborne has proven she can steal a game for the Sirens gives the team confidence in both of their netminders…something they didn’t have in year one.

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