Charge's MacLeod praises Game 1 hero Clark: 'Plays her heart out'

Ottawa Charge head coach Carla MacLeod applauded Emily Clark after she scored the overtime winner in Game 1 of the Walter Cup Final versus the Minnesota Frost.

"(Clark) just plays her heart out every single game, every single shift," MacLeod said postgame Tuesday. "She absolutely loves playing here in Ottawa. I think if you back it up to her final two shifts there in the third period, you could just see she found another gear."

MacLeod added, "You see her smile in those warmups. She captures the hearts of her teammates and the fans here in Ottawa, and it was nice to see her be rewarded."

Clark's overtime tally is her second straight game-winner after she scored the series-clincher in Game 4 of the semifinals against the Montreal Victoire.

"I just wanted to get it on net," Clark admitted. "I had an opportunity the shift before with some speed, and the puck kinda rolled off my stick. I was just trying to shake that off, and I just had in my mind that if I have another opportunity, I was just going to try to use my speed and get it to the net."

Netting an overtime winner is an unfamiliar feeling for the 29-year-old forward.

"I don't know the last time (I scored an overtime goal)," Clark laughed. "Definitely (ranks) high up there. Obviously, just happy we got the win. Tonight, it was a hard-fought game, and to be able to start the series off with a win, especially at home in front of our fans, is really special."

The Charge are now 3-0 on home ice in the playoffs and are two wins away from capturing the Walter Cup. Clark gave the Ottawa crowd love for its loud support, including chants of her name, which she says was a first for her.

"That's incredibly special," Clark said. "We can't say enough good things about being able to play in front of this community, and any time we have the chance to play at home, it's just such a boost."

Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Thursday in Ottawa.