The Ottawa Charge are heading home with their backs against the wall. After dropping the first two games of the Walter Cup final to the Montreal Victoire, the Charge will look to rebound in front of their home crowd at TD Place Arena for Game 3 on Saturday.
Series So Far
Montreal took a commanding 2-0 series lead with a 4-1 victory on Thursday night in Laval, Quebec. Goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens was stellar for the Victoire, making key saves including one on Charge captain Brianne Jenner early in the first period. The Victoire have outscored Ottawa 7-3 in the series.
What Ottawa Needs to Do
For the Charge, the key will be generating more offense against Desbiens, who has been a wall in net. Ottawa managed only 22 shots in Game 2 and struggled on the power play, going 0-for-3. Head coach Carla MacLeod emphasized the need for better puck movement and net-front presence.
Home ice could provide a boost. The Charge had a strong regular-season record at TD Place Arena, and the crowd is expected to be loud and supportive. Ottawa will also look to its top line, led by Jenner and forward Daryl Watts, to break through Montreal's defensive structure.
Montreal's Confidence
Montreal, meanwhile, is brimming with confidence. Desbiens has allowed just three goals in two games, and the team's penalty kill has been perfect. The Victoire are one win away from capturing the Walter Cup in their first season.
Game 3 is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. If Ottawa wins, Game 4 will be played Monday in Ottawa. A Montreal victory would clinch the championship.
