Ottawa Charge’s Ronja Savolainen (88) falls as she battles for the puck along the boards with Montreal Victoire’s Kristin O’Neill (43) during first period PWHL playoff hockey action in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Ottawa Charge’s Shiann Darkangelo (27) tries to deflect a shot on Montreal Victoire goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens (35) as Cayla Barnes (3) defends, during first period PWHL playoff hockey action in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Ottawa Charge goaltender Gwyneth Philips (33) watches the puck as Aneta Tejralova (2) prepares to knock the puck away from Montreal Victoire’s Maureen Murphy (21) during second period PWHL playoff hockey action in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
McMahon, Philips lift Charge to 1-0 win over Victoire, lead semifinal series 2-1
OTTAWA - Mannon McMahon broke a scoreless tie at 8:42 of the third period to lift the Ottawa Charge to a 1-0 playoff victory over the Montreal Victoire Tuesday night.
Ottawa Charge’s Ronja Savolainen (88) falls as she battles for the puck along the boards with Montreal Victoire’s Kristin O’Neill (43) during first period PWHL playoff hockey action in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
OTTAWA - Mannon McMahon broke a scoreless tie at 8:42 of the third period to lift the Ottawa Charge to a 1-0 playoff victory over the Montreal Victoire Tuesday night.
McMahon won a battle along the boards to free the puck and skated to the front of the net where she put home a Gabbie Hughes rebound to give the Charge the win and 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Professional Women’s Hockey League semifinal series.
Rookie Gwyneth Philips picked up her first playoff career shutout stopping 26 shots.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Ottawa can punch its ticket to the PWHL championship final with a win Friday night on home ice.
Both goaltenders picked up where they left off following Sunday’s quadruple overtime game.
A minute after McMahon scored for the Charge, an open ice hit by Laura Stacey on Ottawa’s Ashton Bell was initially ruled a major but following review was reduced to a minor for illegal body checking. Hughes took a roughing penalty coming to her teammate’s defence negating the potential power play.
A Brianne Jenner hooking penalty sent the Victoire to the power play and Philips stood tall making a couple big saves to preserve the lead.
Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner had a great chance in the second period but was stopped, while Jennifer Gardiner challenged Philips from in close but was also stopped.
The physicality between the two teams continued to escalate as the game progressed with both teams battling for the crucial first goal.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Ottawa had its second power play chance after Kati Tabin cross-checked Tereza Vanisova from behind late in the second but the Charge failed to generate a shot on goal.
Montreal’s Ann-Renee Desbiens, who stopped 24 shots, was the difference maker for the Victoire in the opening period. Ottawa came out firing and had five shots on goal but were unable to get anything past Desbiens.
Montreal generated a couple chances after some sloppy play by the Charge but failed to beat Philips. The Charge had a late power play but were unable to capitalize with the game remaining scoreless after the first.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2025.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøStar Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation