PWHL Playoff Game 2 Preview: Ottawa Charge (0-1) vs. Montreal Victoire (1-0)

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The Ottawa Charge and Montreal Victoire continue their PWHL semifinal series with a pivotal Game 2 on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. Montreal took Game 1 with a dominant performance, but Ottawa will look to bounce back and even the series before heading home.

Game Details

  • Matchup: Ottawa Charge vs. Montreal Victoire
  • Date: Sunday, May 11, 2025
  • Time: 2:00 PM ET
  • Location: Place Bell, Laval, QC
  • Broadcast: TSN (English), RDS (French), YouTube (International)

Series Recap & Key Storylines

Montreal entered the playoffs as the top seed, finishing first in the PWHL standings with 53 points (12-7-3-8). Ottawa, meanwhile, secured their playoff berth on the final day of the regular season, finishing third with 44 points (12-2-4-12).

Montreal dominated the regular-season series, winning four of six matchups, but Ottawa won the last two meetings, proving they can compete with the league’s best.

Players to Watch

  • Montreal – Marie-Philip Poulin: The league’s leading scorer with 19 goals, Poulin thrives in high-pressure moments and will be key in Montreal’s offensive attack.
  • Ottawa – Gwyneth Philips: Ottawa’s rookie goaltender has been a revelation, stepping up after an injury to Emerance Maschmeyer and delivering strong performances.
  • Ottawa – Tereza Vanišová: Leading Ottawa in scoring with 22 points, Vanišová has been a key offensive force and will need to step up in Game 2.

Goaltending Battle

Montreal’s Ann-Renée Desbiens led the PWHL in wins (15-2-1-1), goals against average (1.86), and save percentage (.932), making her a formidable presence in net. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s Gwyneth Philips has been solid, posting a 2.11 GAA and .912 save percentage in her rookie season. Expect a tight defensive battle between these two standout goaltenders.

X-Factor

Ottawa’s Shiann Darkangelo has been a clutch performer, scoring the game-winning goal in Game 1 of the semifinal series, proving her ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. If she continues her strong play, Ottawa could pose a serious challenge to Montreal.

GAME ODDS

Ottawa Charge                 4.5

Montreal Victorie           – 225

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 10, 2025

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PWHL Editor
PWHL Editor
https://sportsgamingjournal.com/category/pwhl/
Profile: A dedicated analyst of the Professional Women’s Hockey League with a strong command of the sport’s tactical structure, player development pathways, and evolving competitive landscape. This columnist delivers comprehensive weekly coverage that blends statistical insight, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping the modern PWHL. Background: With extensive experience following elite women’s hockey, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and the league’s rapid growth. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking organizational strategy across all PWHL markets. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Player performance evaluation and advanced metrics Draft coverage, free‑agency movement, and team‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, tactical systems, and special‑teams trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex systems and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time hockey fans and new followers of the PWHL. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful analysis, and a deep appreciation for the league’s growth, competitiveness, and cultural impact.