The Ottawa Charge are heading back to the Walter Cup final after a thrilling double-overtime victory over the Boston Fleet in Game 4 of the PWHL semifinal series. Michela Cava scored the game-winning goal to secure a 4-3 win and a 3-1 series victory at the Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday.
Game Recap
Ottawa started strong, scoring the first goal just seven minutes into the first period. Fanuza Kadirova's shot deflected off rookie Sarah Wozniewicz's stick on the power play, marking the Charge's first power-play goal since Game 1 of the series after nine consecutive failed attempts.
In the second period, Ottawa doubled its lead when Rebecca Leslie buried a rebound from Brianne Jenner, giving both players their first postseason points. The Charge held a 2-0 advantage midway through the game.
Boston's Comeback
Boston responded with a furious rally, scoring three goals in just one minute and 27 seconds. Shay Maloney, Megan Keller (on the power play), and Sophie Shirley found the net, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead. The power-play goal was Boston's first of the series.
Ottawa answered back six minutes later when Brooke Hobson scored on a rebound from Kadirova's shot, tying the game at 3-3. The score remained deadlocked through regulation, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime Heroics
After a scoreless first overtime period, Michela Cava ended the game in the second extra frame, sending the Charge to their second consecutive Walter Cup final. Ottawa goaltender Gwyneth Philips was outstanding, making 43 saves on 46 shots.
The Fleet, who finished the regular season with a dominant 21 wins in 30 games, were eliminated earlier than expected. Boston had won three of four regular-season meetings against Ottawa, all in overtime.
What's Next
Ottawa will await the winner of Game 5 between the Montreal Victoire and Minnesota Frost, scheduled for Monday night. The Charge will face the victor in the best-of-five Walter Cup final.
