Phillips records 1st playoff shutout as Charge beat Victoire, taking control of semifinal series

The Ottawa Charge secured a crucial 1-0 victory over the Montreal Victoire in a tense playoff matchup on Tuesday night, thanks to Mannon McMahon’s late goal in the third period. McMahon’s goal, which came at 8:42 of the final frame, broke the scoreless tie and propelled the Charge to a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Professional Women’s Hockey League semifinal series.

The game-winning play saw McMahon battle along the boards to free the puck before driving to the front of the net to bury a rebound from Gabbie Hughes. The goal was a testament to McMahon’s determination and skill in clutch moments, ultimately giving Ottawa the edge they needed to take the series lead.

Rookie goaltender Gwyneth Philips was a standout performer for the Charge, earning her first career playoff shutout by turning aside all 26 shots she faced. Philips’ composure between the pipes was instrumental in preserving Ottawa’s slim lead and setting the stage for a potential series-clinching victory.

With the win, Ottawa now has the opportunity to secure a spot in the PWHL championship final with a victory on home ice in the upcoming game on Friday night. The team will look to build on their momentum from this hard-fought win and continue their quest for postseason success.

The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams showcasing strong defensive play and goaltending. Montreal’s Ann-Renee Desbiens put on a stellar performance in net, stopping 24 shots to keep her team in the game despite the loss. The physicality and intensity of the matchup only escalated as the stakes grew higher, with players from both sides leaving it all on the ice in pursuit of victory.

Throughout the game, key moments and opportunities arose for both teams, but it was ultimately Ottawa’s resilience and execution that made the difference. From crucial penalty kills to timely scoring chances, the Charge demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

As the series continues to unfold, both teams will undoubtedly be looking to make adjustments and capitalize on their strengths in order to secure a place in the championship final. With each game becoming increasingly crucial, the intensity and drama of the playoffs will only continue to rise as the battle for supremacy in the PWHL heats up.