The Ottawa Charge defeated the Montreal Victoire 2-1 on May 18, 2026, in game three of the Walter Cup playoffs, preserving their chance to advance. The win, highlighted by Rebecca Leslie’s decisive goal, came after a tightly contested match in Ottawa’s home arena.

May 18, 2026: Ottawa Charge Stave Off Elimination with 2-1 Win

According to the PWHL report, the Charge’s 2-1 triumph halted a potential series sweep by Montreal, forcing a decisive game four . goalkeeper Gwyneth Philips (33) made several key saves, including a stop on a shot from Montreal forward Marie-Philip Poulin (29) in the first period.

Emma Greco’s Penalty Sparks Momentum Shift

Midway through the first period, Emma Greco (25) was penalized for tripping after colliding with Victoire forward Natalie Mlynkovs (96).. The power play that followed allowed Montreal to press, but Ottawa’s disciplined defense, led by Brooke Hobson (11), limited the damage and kept the score close.

Rebecca Leslie’s Game‑Winning Goal Seals Victory

In the third period, forward Rebecca Leslie (37) netted the go‑ahead goal that proved decisive. the PWHL report noted her celebration with teammates, underscoring the emotional lift for a team facing elimination.

Playoff Implications for Ottawa After Third Victory

The win positions Ottawa within striking distance of the series lead, but they must win the next game to avoid a decisive fifth matchup. As the season nears its climax, the Charge’s resilience could reshape the western conference bracket .

Who Scores? Attendance Figures Remain Unverified

The source did not disclose crowd numbers or revenue impact, leaving analysts without a clear picture of fan engagement for this pivotal game.. Further data from the league’s official post‑game report is needed to assess market interest.