The opening game of the Professional Women's Hockey League Finals delivered a roller‑coaster finish, as the Montreal Victoire edged the Ottawa Charge 2‑1 in overtime at Place Bell. The arena was packed with fans eager to see whether the league’s rising stars could match the intensity of the regular season.
Overtime Drama
Laura Stacey, a fan favorite for Montreal, left the ice with an injury early in the first period but returned to contribute to the overtime push. Her wife, captain Marie‑Philip Poulin, helped her off the rink before the decisive sequence unfolded.
Nicole Gosling forced overtime with just 2.1 seconds left in regulation, sending the crowd into a frenzy. In the extra period, Abby Roque struck the game‑winning goal, sealing the victory for Montreal and igniting celebrations among the Victoire bench.
Goaltending Masterclass
Ann‑Renée Desbiens was a wall between the posts, stopping all 10 shots she faced in the first period and making several key saves during overtime. Her performance kept Ottawa in the game despite a strong offensive onslaught from Montreal.
Rebecca Leslie, Ottawa’s top goal scorer, found the net twice, including what initially appeared to be the game‑winner. Her two goals highlighted Ottawa’s offensive firepower, even as the team fell short in the extra frame.
Looking Ahead
The series now shifts to Game 2, scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Place Bell. With the best‑of‑five format still alive, both teams will look to adjust their strategies after a night of high‑stakes drama. Fans can expect another tightly contested battle as the PWHL Finals continue to raise the profile of women’s professional hockey.