Ottawa Charge Force Game 4 in 2026 PWHL Walter Cup Finals

The Montréal Victoire traveled to the Canadian Tire Centre on May 18, 2026 to face the Ottawa Charge in Game 3 of 2026 PWHL Walter Cup Finals series. Read about the electrifying Ottawa Charge win which extended the series to four games! 

Game 3 | Monday, May 18, 2026 | Ottawa Charge 2, Montréal Victoire 1

Both teams entered Game 3 fueled with determination as the Ottawa Charge’s playoff run was on the line and the Montréal Victoire were one-win away from securing the Walter Cup. Despite both teams coming in hot, the first period ended in a scoreless standstill due to the stellar goaltending of Montréal Victoire’s #35 Ann-Renée Desbiens and Ottawa Charge’s #33 Gwyneth Philips. When it came to special teams, all power play units struggled to generate any goals against each other’s undefeated penalty kill. 

After forty minutes of regulation, the score remained at a scoreless standstill, 0-0, despite the Ottawa Charge outshooting the Montréal Victoire (8 SOG vs. 6 SOG) and having two opportunities on the man-advantage. Both goaltenders were unfazed throughout the second period which greatly benefited the Ottawa Charge as #33 Gwyneth Philips continued to keep their playoff run alive.

It wasn’t until seven minutes and thirty-two seconds into the last period of regulation when the standstill was broken by #16 Hayley Scamurra who gave the Montréal Victoire the first lead of Game 3 (1-0). Down by one, the Ottawa Charge fought hard and were able to tie the game, 1-1, with a goal scored by #29 Peyton Hemp late in the third period. This game-tying goal jumpstarted the Ottawa Charge and led to #37 Rebecca Leslie scoring the go-ahead goal during the final minute of regulation (2-1). Although the Montréal Victoire made a commendable last push as time winded down, their efforts were not enough to force overtime which granted the Ottawa Charge’s first win in this 2026 PWHL Walter Cup Finals series. The Ottawa Charge’s 2-1 win would not have been possible without the impressive goaltending performance of #33 Gwyneth Philips who saved 27 out of 28 shots on goal. This loss for the Montréal Victoire does not take away from the admirable in net performance of #35 Ann-Renée Desbiens who saved 26 out of 28 shots on goal by the end of this game. After a gutsy performance, the Ottawa Charge have cut their deficits down to one-game (Series: 2-1 Montréal Victoire) and forced Game 4 in this series. 

Points Leaders and Goaltending Stats

Ottawa Charge

• Points leaders: #17 Gabbie Hughes (1A), #23 Sarah Wozniewicz (1A), #29 Peyton Hemp (1G), #37 Rebecca Leslie (1G), and #88 Ronja Savolainen (1A) all recorded 1 point

• Goals leader: #29 Peyton Hemp (1G) and #37 Rebecca Leslie (1G) scored the two Ottawa Charge goals of this game

• Assists leaders: #17 Gabbie Hughes (1A), #23 Sarah Wozniewicz (1A), and #88 Ronja Savolainen (1A) assisted a goal during this game

• Goaltending: #33 Gwyneth Philips saved 27 out of 28 shots on goal 

Montréal Victoire

• Points leaders: #16 Hayley Scamurra (1G) and #21 Maureen Murphy (1A) both recorded 1 point 

• Goals leader: #16 Hayley Scamurra scored the only Montréal Victoire goal of this game

• Assists leaders: #21 Maureen Murphy assisted the only Montréal Victoire goal of this game

• Goaltending: #35 Ann-Renée Desbiens saved 26 out of 28 shots on goal 

Overall Stats

• The Ottawa Charge outscored the Montréal Victoire (2G vs. 1G)

• Both teams ended with 28 shots on goal

• Both teams ended with a 0% power play success rate

• Both teams ended with a 100% penalty kill success rate

SUMMARY: The Ottawa Charge’s ability to capitalize on their scoring chances when it mattered the most gave them an edge to win this game and extend their playoff run. 

The battle is not over yet as the Montréal Victoire plan to end this series with a 3-1 win in Game 4. On the other hand, the Ottawa Charge are determined to extend the series further so they can win the Walter Cup in Game 5. Both teams have played tremendously in the finals and it will all come down to goaltending and whoever can capitalize on their scoring chances. Looking ahead, we can expect another thrilling duel between two extraordinary teams. 

Below are the next scheduled match-up(s) and where to watch them:

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 (Game 4)

• The Montréal Victoire will face the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 of this series on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT. This game will take place at the Canadian Tire Centre

  • Watch on ION, TSN, RDS, PWHL YouTube Channel

Saturday, May 23, 2026 (Game 5) If Necessary

• The Ottawa Charge will face the Montréal Victoire in Game 5 of this series on Saturday May 23, 2026 at 12:30 PM EDT. This game will take place at the Place Bell

  • Watch on ION, TSN, RDS, PWHL YouTube Channel

Stay tuned for the next recap of the 2026 PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs!