Flaherty scores overtime winner to give Victoire a 2-1 win over Charge – CBC

The Montreal Victoire took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five PWHL Walter Cup final series after defeating the Ottawa Charge 2-1 in overtime on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Maggie Flaherty secured the victory for Montreal, scoring 14:12 into the overtime period at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec.

Flaherty’s winning goal came via a one-timed shot from the slot following a pass from Marie-Philip Poulin. The puck passed goaltender Gwyneth Philips to mark Flaherty’s second goal of the playoffs.

Game Progression and Scoring

Montreal established early dominance in the contest, holding the Ottawa Charge without a shot on goal for the first eight minutes of the game.

Despite this early pressure, Ottawa managed to open the scoring on its first opportunity. Sarah Wozniewicz scored for the Charge after a shot hit the post behind Montreal goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens, allowing Wozniewicz to find the puck in the crease and tuck it into the net.

Montreal continued to pressure the Ottawa defense throughout the first frame, outshooting the Charge 11-5. This included a period where Montreal killed the only penalty of the frame while both teams maintained scoring chances.

Kati Tabin scored the other goal for the Montreal Victoire to bring the game to a tie before the eventual overtime winner.

Series Implications and Schedule

With the victory on May 16, 2026, the Montreal Victoire are now one win away from claiming the PWHL Walter Cup title.

The Ottawa Charge now face elimination for the first time during this post-season. The series moves to Ottawa for Game 3, which is scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2026, at the Canadian Tire Centre.