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

Emily Clark (26) of the Ottawa Charge defends against the Montreal Victoire's Maggie Flaherty (91) during first period PWHL playoff action in Laval, Que., on May 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

LAVAL — Maggie Flaherty scored 14:12 into overtime to give the Montreal Victoire a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Charge in Game 2 of the PWHL’s Walter Cup final on Saturday at Place Bell.

Flaherty one-timed a Marie-Philip Poulin pass in the slot and fired the puck past goaltender Gwyneth Philips for her second goal of the playoffs.

The win gave Montreal a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Ottawa will host Game 3 on Monday as the Charge face elimination for the first time in this post-season.

Kati Tabin had the other Montreal goal. Sarah Wozniewicz scored for the Charge.

Ottawa was held without a shot for the first eight minutes of the game but opened the scoring on its first opportunity.

After a shot hit the post behind Montreal goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens, Wozniewicz found the puck in the crease and tucked it in the net.

Montreal outshot the Charge 11-5 in the opening frame, despite killing the period’s only penalty. During the kill, both teams had scoring chances.

Montreal’s Laura Stacey had a breakaway but was unable to get a shot off, while Ottawa’s Rebecca Leslie fired a one-timer off the post. Philips made big saves on Catherine Dubois and Hayley Scamurra at even strength.

The Victoire tied the game 32 seconds into the second period.

Off the faceoff, Tabin picked up a loose puck and roofed a backhand on Philips. It was the defender’s first goal of the playoffs.

It was the only goal of a physical middle period, with Ottawa outshooting Montreal 6-4. The best chance was a Stacey breakaway attempt when her wrist shot hit the crossbar.

Both teams had unsuccessful power plays in the first half of the third period.

Montreal outshot Ottawa 29-21.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2026.

Jared Book, The Canadian Press