In a stunning display of resilience, the Ottawa Charge mounted a dramatic three-goal comeback to defeat the Toronto Sceptres 4-3 in overtime during a Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) matchup on Tuesday night.
Leslie Leads the Charge with Overtime Heroics
The game's decisive moment came just 1:24 into the extra frame on a power play. Rebecca Leslie seized the opportunity, stepping into a precise wrist shot that beat Toronto goaltender Raygan Kirk for her second goal of the night, securing the victory for Ottawa.
This win marks the Charge's second consecutive overtime triumph, improving their early-season record to 2-5-1-0. The loss leaves Toronto at 3-2-0-2.
Toronto's Strong Start Erased by Ottawa's Resolve
The Sceptres seemed poised for a comfortable win after a dominant start. Maggie Connors opened the scoring less than two minutes into the game. The lead swelled to 3-0 by the second period following goals from Darryl Watts and Ella Shelton.
However, Ottawa's comeback began almost immediately. Just 14 seconds after Shelton's goal made it 3-0, Rebecca Leslie responded for the Charge, cutting the deficit to 3-1 and shifting the game's momentum.
The Charge continued to chip away in the third period. Gabbie Hughes scored, notable as the first power-play goal conceded by Toronto on home ice this season. The comeback was completed at the 4:36 mark of the third period when Brooke Hobson executed a spectacular individual effort, skating around multiple defenders before roofing a wrist shot to tie the game at 3-3.
Key Performances and Stats
Brianne Jenner was a setup force for Ottawa, recording two assists to tie for the PWHL league lead with eight points on the season. In net, Gwyneth Philips was stellar, turning aside 34 of 37 shots and adding to her league-leading save total.
For Toronto, Raygan Kirk made 33 saves in the losing effort. The Sceptres played shorthanded on defense, missing star Renata Fast for a second straight game and losing Allie Munroe during the contest after she crashed into the end boards and did not return.
UP NEXT: The Toronto Sceptres travel to face the Montreal Victoire on Saturday. The Ottawa Charge return home to host the Boston Fleet, also on Saturday.
