Shiann Darkangelo broke a third-period tie, Gwyneth Philips made 31 saves and the Ottawa Charge beat the Montreal Victoire 3-2 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the PWHL semifinal series.

The Ottawa Charge took game one of their 2024-25 PWHL Playoffs matchup against the top-seeded Montreal Victoire. The 3-2 win by the visiting team is the first win for the franchise in their nascent existence. Furthermore, it marked the team’s first win at Place Bell.

It would be great for Toronto if Spooner entered the 2025 playoffs in MVP form. But if she’s not, and she’s just fine, the Sceptres have proven that it’s not a death knell for them. Not the way it was last year.