The Ottawa Charge secured their first-ever berth in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Montreal Victoire in a closely contested playoff matchup. The game, played on May 11, 2025, marked a significant milestone for Ottawa, who previously had not advanced past the semifinals in the league’s history.
Key Moments of the Game
Ottawa opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a match that featured intense back-and-forth action. The Victoire captain showcased her leadership once again, continuing a remarkable streak of performance throughout the playoffs. Despite their efforts, Montreal struggled to find their rhythm, with their offensive maneuvers thwarted by Ottawa's strong defense.
Jennifer Gardiner of the Victoire made headlines by recording her third assist of the postseason, which positioned her among the top rookies in playoff scoring. However, it was not enough to shift the momentum in favor of Montreal, who had previously relied on their power play success.
The game culminated in a tense atmosphere as the clock wound down, with the Victoire pushing hard for an equalizer. Their attempts were thwarted by Ottawa’s solid defensive plays, leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion for Montreal fans.
Montreal's Historic Playoff Journey
The Victoire's playoff journey has been marked by thrilling performances, including a memorable quadruple-overtime victory against the Ottawa Charge just days earlier. Catherine Dubois emerged as the hero of that match, scoring the game-winning goal after a grueling 135 minutes of play, making it the longest game in PWHL history. The team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure have made them a formidable opponent throughout the postseason.
Despite the loss, the Victoire remains a key player in the league, with a strong roster and fan base. The team will look to regroup and build on their playoff experience as they prepare for the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of consistency and team chemistry.
Looking Ahead
As the PWHL finals approach, the Charge will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent, while the Victoire will look to refine their strategy and enhance their performance for next season. With an exciting playoff run and a dedicated fan base, Montreal is poised to remain a competitive force in the league.
The PWHL continues to grow in popularity, and the recent playoff matches have showcased the thrilling potential of women's hockey on a national stage.
TL;DR
- Ottawa Charge clinched their first PWHL finals berth with a 2-1 win over the Montreal Victoire.
- The Victoire captain maintained her impressive playoff performance with key assists throughout the series.
- Catherine Dubois scored a historic game-winning goal in a quadruple-overtime match earlier in the playoffs.
- Montreal will look to build on their playoff experience as they prepare for the upcoming season.