In the final moments of the game, the Montreal Victoire found themselves trailing 2-1 with only 18 seconds left on the clock. Forward Laura Stacey, a key player, had to exit the game due to a leg injury, leaving her team in a challenging situation.
However, the game took a dramatic turn as Abby Roque scored her second goal of the night just 167 seconds later, securing a 3-2 victory for the Victoire against the Ottawa Charge in Game 1 of the Walter Cup final in the PWHL. The winning goal, coming 2:29 into overtime, was a result of Maggie Flaherty’s shot deflecting off Stacey, then hitting Roque’s stick and going into the net.
Roque expressed her surprise at the goal, stating, “Maggie made a great play to me to try and tip it back door and somehow, face and in. I’ll take it.” Remarkably, it was Roque’s first career PWHL playoff goals, and she joked about scoring with her face, a first for her.
Following Stacey’s injury scare and return for overtime, Nicole Gosling also became a hero by scoring the tying goal with just 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation. Marie-Philip Poulin’s shot led to a scramble in the crease, where Gosling managed to find the back of the net.
The resilience and determination of the Montreal team were evident as they rallied together after Stacey’s injury. Goalkeeper Ann-Renee Desbiens praised Stacey’s fighting spirit, highlighting her commitment to the team’s success.
Despite the Charge coming close to securing the win, the Victoire’s perseverance paid off in the end. The game was a display of resiliency, character, and heart, with Montreal goaltender Desbiens making 23 saves to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, the schedule for the PWHL Walter Cup final includes Game 2 on Saturday, May 16, with Ottawa visiting Montreal, followed by Game 3 in Ottawa on Monday, May 18. If necessary, Game 4 will take place in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 20.
The Charge will aim to bounce back in Game 2 after losing a hard-fought battle in Game 1. Head coach Carla MacLeod emphasized the need to focus on the next game and move forward positively despite the setback.
The thrilling victory for the Montreal Victoire in Game 1 overshadowed Rebecca Leslie’s impressive two-goal performance for the Ottawa Charge. Leslie’s goals gave the Charge leads of 1-0 and 2-1, but the Victoire staged a comeback to clinch the win.
The game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead in the PWHL Walter Cup final.