PWHL Playoff Game 4 Preview: Montreal Victoire (1-2) vs. Ottawa Charge (2-1)

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The Montreal Victoire and Ottawa Charge are set to face off in Game 4 of their PWHL semifinal series, with Ottawa holding a 2-1 series lead after a dramatic quadruple overtime victory in Game 2 and a strong performance in Game 3. Montreal, the top seed in the PWHL, is looking to bounce back and force a decisive Game 5, while Ottawa aims to close out the series on home ice.

Series Recap & Key Storylines

  • Ottawa won Game 1 (3-2) and Game 3 (3-2 in quadruple OT), while Montreal responded with a Game 2 victory.
  • Gwyneth Philips has been outstanding in net for Ottawa, stepping up after an injury to Emerance Maschmeyer.
  • Marie-Philip Poulin leads Montreal’s offense, but Ottawa has contained her at even strength.
  • Ottawa’s power play has struggled, going 1-for-5 in the series, while Montreal has converted 2-of-6 chances.
  • Montreal dominated the regular-season series (4-2), but Ottawa won the last two matchups before the playoffs.

Key Players to Watch

Montreal Victoire

  • Marie-Philip Poulin (C) – The league’s leading scorer with 19 goals this season, Poulin is Montreal’s offensive catalyst.
  • Ann-Renée Desbiens (G) – The PWHL’s top goaltender, leading the league in wins, GAA (1.86), and save percentage (.932).
  • Laura Stacey (RW) – A key playmaker with 22 points this season, looking to spark Montreal’s attack.

Ottawa Charge

  • Gwyneth Philips (G) – Has stepped up in Maschmeyer’s absence, posting a .912 save percentage in her rookie season.
  • Tereza Vanišová (LW) – Ottawa’s leading scorer with 15 goals and 7 assists, providing offensive firepower.
  • Brianne Jenner (C) – A veteran leader with two goals in the series, including a clutch power-play tally.

Game 4 Predictions & Strategy

  • Montreal’s Game Plan:
    • Increase offensive pressure to break through Ottawa’s defensive structure.
    • Capitalize on power-play opportunities, as special teams have been a difference-maker.
    • Limit turnovers, which Ottawa has exploited in transition.
  • Ottawa’s Game Plan:
  • Continue defensive dominance, especially against Poulin and Montreal’s top line.
  • Push the pace early to take advantage of home-ice momentum.
  • Maintain disciplined play, avoiding unnecessary penalties.

GAME ODDS

Montreal Victoire            – 120

Ottawa Charge                  4.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 15, 2025