Thrilling Conclusion to Game 1 of the 2026 PWHL Finals
In a thrilling conclusion to Game 1 of the 2026 PWHL Finals, the Montreal Victoire triumphed over the Ottawa Charge in overtime, clinching a 3-2 victory that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Key Moments of the Game
As the clock wound down in the final moments of regulation, an injury to Montreal’s star player, Laura Stacey, cast a shadow over the rink. Stacey, who has become a standout since joining the Victoire in 2024, found herself in distress after colliding with Ottawa’s Gabbie Hughes and was assisted off the ice by her wife, team captain Marie-Philip Poulin.
Despite the setback, the Victoire rallied with only 2.1 seconds remaining when Poulin delivered a precise pass to rookie defender Nicole Gosling, who managed to score, sending the game into overtime. Fans erupted in chants for Stacey when she remarkably returned for the extra period, proving her resilience.
Overtime and Decisive Goals
The overtime period saw Abby Roque, a newcomer to the postseason, net the decisive goal just 2 minutes and 29 seconds in, demonstrating her potential as a standout player for the Victoire. This match marked the fifth consecutive playoff encounter between Ottawa and Montreal to be resolved in overtime, continuing the trend of closely contested games.
Game Highlights
Earlier in the game, the Charge had taken control, outshooting the Victoire 10-5 in the first period. However, they were unable to score, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of Montreal goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, who halted every shot that came her way, including a dangerous breakaway from Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner.
Rebecca Leslie, another key player for Ottawa, made her mark by scoring the opening goal of the Finals for the second year in a row. After significantly improving from her previous one-goal season, Leslie showcased her growth by connecting on a crucial shot during a fast break. Her performance is emblematic of her journey, transitioning from a depth player to a key scorer for the Charge.
Looking Ahead
As both teams gear up for Game 2 in the best-of-five series, scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Place Bell, fans will be eager to see if the Victoire can maintain their momentum or if Ottawa will exploit their early-game advantages to even the series.
