3 Takeaways From Victoire’s 2-1 OT Win Over Charge in Game 2 of Walter Cup Final

On Saturday, May 16, the Montreal Victoire hosted the Ottawa Charge for Game 2 of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Walter Cup Final. The Victoire won Game 1 two days prior, on May 14. 

The Charge struck first with a goal eight minutes into the first period. Just seconds into the second period, the Victoire tied the game with a 4-on-4 goal. There was no change in score after this in regulation, and just like in Game 1, this game went into overtime to decide the winner. It was the Victoire who called the game 14 minutes into overtime with a 2-1 final score. Montreal now leads the series 2-0. 

Victoire Trailed Again 

For the second time in this series, the Charge were on the board before the Victoire. A goal from rookie Sarah Wozniewicz put the visitors on the board early in the first period. Early in the second period, the Victoire evened the score. 

Twenty-seven seconds into the second, both the Charge and the Victoire received a penalty. Emily Clark took a seat for cross-checking, while Laura Stacey took a seat for unsportsmanlike conduct. Off the faceoff, it was a mad scramble for the puck. It was loose near the front of the net, and Kati Tabin spotted it first. She skated up to it and sent it home just five seconds into the 4-on-4. 

Tabin was the reason that Montreal managed to tie the game. This was her first goal in the 2026 Playoffs and her first point since Game 1 of the semifinals against the Minnesota Frost. Even though the Victoire have trailed in both games of the final thus far, they have managed to position themselves to win in the end. 

Flaherty Called Game 

Just like in Game 1, this game went into overtime to decide the winner. There were six minutes left in overtime, and the Victoire dumped the puck into their offensive zone. Kaitlin Willoughby raced to catch up to the puck and sent it around the boards. Abby Roque picked up the loose puck and passed it to Marie-Philip Poulin. She spotted Maggie Flaherty all alone on the right side and dropped the puck down to her. She took a shot from her open lane to call the game. 

This was a great moment for Flaherty, as she scored her second goal of the playoffs. She also recorded an assist in Game 1. She has been a strong teammate throughout the postseason, consistently seeking scoring opportunities not only for herself but also for her teammates. 

While Flaherty called a game for the Victoire, there is room to question whether or not her goal should have stood. As Willoughby skated over to her teammates after sending the puck around the boards, her stick got caught on the skate of the Charge’s Emma Greco, sending her tumbling to the ice.

Whether this was intentional or not, Greco was still tripped up by Willoughby. However, the officials never blew the whistle, and play continued. Everyone was bunched up on one side of the ice, leaving Flaherty all alone to receive the puck and take the wide-open shot. 

Even though her shot might not have been legal, the officials never waved off the goal or blew the whistle to signal Willoughby’s trip. It raises the question of whether this game would have had a different outcome if this were the case. Congratulations are still in order for Flaherty’s game-winning goal, as this is still an impressive feat.  

Victoire Can End It on the Road 

Just like the semifinal series, the Walter Cup Final ends once a team gets three wins in this best-of-five series. Montreal had home-ice advantage in the last two games, but now they have a chance to end it on the road in Ottawa in Game 3.

The Charge’s crowd will be loud and ready to cheer on their home team, so the Victoire need to get ready to laser in on the prize: the Walter Cup. Montreal needs to make sure they don’t let any outside influence affect their playing style, as they could be the new PWHL champions in the third season. 

Game 3 Heads to Ottawa

The Victoire will travel to Canadian Tire Centre, where they will take on the Charge for Game 3 on Monday, May 18. The Victoire have the chance to become the new Walter Cup Champions with a win in this game.