Rebecca Leslie scores winner as Charge edge Victoire 2-1 to trim deficit in Walter Cup Final
The Ottawa Charge pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Montreal Victoire on Monday night, thanks to Rebecca Leslie’s game-winning goal with just 56 seconds remaining in the game. This crucial win forces a Game 4 in the best-of-five Walter Cup Final series.
Despite the Victoire holding a 2-1 lead in the series with two overtime wins on home ice, the Charge managed to secure a much-needed win to stay alive in the competition. The upcoming Game 4 will take place in Ottawa on Wednesday.
Leslie’s winning goal came off a rebound from Sarah Wozniewicz, as she fired the puck through traffic to beat Montreal’s goaltender, Ann-Renee Desbiens, who made an impressive 26 saves throughout the game. Although Montreal challenged the goal for a missed stoppage in play, a lengthy review confirmed the validity of Leslie’s goal, igniting the 16,894 fans in attendance.
Trailing 1-0 in the third period, Ottawa managed to tie the game when Peyton Hemp capitalized on a loose puck opportunity and scored her first postseason goal with 5:30 left in regulation. Montreal had initially opened the scoring in the third period when Maureen Murphy’s shot ricocheted off the backboards, allowing Hayley Scamurra to pick up the rebound and beat Ottawa’s goaltender, Gwyneth Philips, who made 27 saves in the game.
The game remained scoreless after the first two periods, with both teams exchanging chances in the final frame. Ottawa started the third on the power play but failed to generate many scoring opportunities. Both teams had their fair share of chances, with Hemp and Montreal’s Kaitlin Willoughby coming close to scoring.
With the series now tied at 2-2, the tension is high as both teams prepare for a decisive Game 4 in Ottawa. Fans can expect an intense battle as the Charge look to keep their championship hopes alive, while the Victoire aim to secure the Walter Cup title on enemy territory.
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