Maggie Flaherty scored a crucial overtime goal to lead the Montréal Victoire to a 2-1 victory against the Ottawa Charge, securing a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five PWHL Walter Cup Finals.
The game took place on May 16, 2026, at Place Bell in Laval, QC, before an audience of 9,232 fans. The win marks a significant milestone for Montréal as they aim for their first Walter Cup championship.
Overtime Victory Highlights Skill and Strategy
Flaherty’s game-winning goal came at 3:23 into overtime after a skilled play by captain Marie-Philip Poulin. Poulin maneuvered the puck into the corner and drew three Ottawa defenders before passing it to Flaherty, who was positioned alone in the slot. Flaherty then executed a one-timer that found the top shelf, igniting the home crowd.
Ottawa initially took the lead in the game when rookie Sarah Wozniewicz scored at 8:38 of the first period. Wozniewicz capitalized on a loose puck, marking her second goal of the postseason. Ottawa has now scored the first goal in all six playoff games this year.
Game Dynamics and Key Performances
Throughout the first period, Montréal struggled to convert their opportunities, with Ottawa outshooting them 10-5. Goalie Gwyneth Philips of Ottawa showcased her skills by stopping a short-handed breakaway from Laura Stacey, keeping the Charge in the lead.
The second period saw a turnaround as Kati Tabin tied the game just 32 seconds in. After winning a faceoff in the offensive zone, Tabin skillfully maneuvered into a scoring position and executed a backhand shot that eluded Philips.
Looking Ahead: Game 3 and Series Implications
The match marked the second consecutive overtime game of the series, emphasizing the competitive nature of the finals. With the series now shifting to Ottawa for Game 3, Montréal aims to secure their first Walter Cup. The game is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre.
Montréal’s goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens made 20 saves during the game, including a critical stop on Alexa Vasko in the final moments before Flaherty’s goal. Philips, despite the loss, recorded 27 saves, including six during overtime, showcasing her resilience under pressure.
