Toronto's Unsung Heroes

Have the Sceptres had a great start to the season? No.

But have their top players been performing? Also no.

The loss of Natalie Spooner to injury has proven to be more detrimental than any of us thought, and the team is feeling it.

Thankfully, they have had a couple of key unsung heroes who have stepped up to keep their playoff dreams somewhat within reach.

Jesse Compher

Last season, we saw many rookies struggle to catch up to the pace of the PWHL, and Jesse Compher fits into that category. After a strong NCAA career where she won a National Championship with Wisconsin, Compher struggled out of the gate last season, only putting up one goal and four assists over 24 games.

However, in just 15 games this season, Compher already has five goals and five assists, which has her tied for second in goals and puts her top five in assists and points among Sceptres players.

She's had a consistent spot on the second line this season, usually centered by Turnbull, with either Maltais or Scamurra on the other wing. She's been outperforming her linemates, even taking and winning faceoffs when necessary.

This season's performance has also earned her a spot back on the national team roster for the rivalry series after being left off of it in November. Her play has clearly impressed the Team USA staff and could earn her an opportunity to take home a fourth world championship medal should she impress at the rivalry series.

Daryl Watts

After a whirlwind last couple of years, where Watts was awarded the highest-ever professional women's hockey salary in history and then promptly had it snatched away when the PHF folded, led the Ottawa Charge in scoring, and then became the most sought-after free agent, it seems like Watts has finally found her stride in the PWHL.

After signing a two-year deal with the Sceptres in the off-season, Watts has slotted in well with the team, finding her place on the top line.

With 11 points through 15 games, Watts is projected to break her points total from last season. These numbers put her in the top five among Sceptres players for assists and points.

For me, it's the energy and hard work that she brings each game that is her biggest impact on the Sceptres. With 46 shots on goal and 19 hits, she's making an impact each shift.

According to Kay from Shrinking the Game, Watts' average game score is the highest among Toronto players with a score of 2.916.

Like Compher, her effort has paid off, earning her a spot on the senior National team for the rivalry series.

Kali Flanagan

A stalwart of the second defensive pair, Flanagan holds down the backend, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. Her 313 minutes of ice time so far this season puts her second in total ice time among Sceptres players. Only defender Renata Fast has logged more over the season.

Flanagan's 5 points this season also rank her second among Sceptres defenders. She's projected to beat her points total from last season as well.

With a team-wide drought on scoring (not you, Hannah Miller, you go, Hannah Miller), all points are good points.

But to make a run for the playoffs, Toronto's going to need more than their underrated players to step up.