Rookie Goalie Philips Shines as Ottawa Takes Series Lead Over Montreal

Summary:

• Gwyneth Philips earned her first playoff shutout with 26 saves in Ottawa Charge’s 1-0 win over the Montreal Victoire.
• Mannon McMahon scored the game-winner in front of an energized home crowd.
• Ottawa leads the series 2-1 and can clinch a spot in the PWHL final with a win on Friday.

Gwyneth Philips is starting to make a name for herself as someone who thrives under pressure, and Tuesday night was her biggest moment yet.

The Ottawa Charge rookie goaltender was flawless in net, turning aside all 26 shots she faced to secure a 1-0 win over the Montreal Victoire. With the victory, Ottawa now leads the best-of-five PWHL semifinal series 2-1 and sits just one win away from reaching the league championship.

Mannon McMahon on the Victory: “It’s Huge”

The game remained tight through two scoreless periods, with both Philips and Montreal’s Ann-Renee Desbiens standing tall.

 It wasn’t until 8:42 into the third that rookie forward Mannon McMahon broke the deadlock, cashing in on a rebound from Gabbie Hughes to put the Charge ahead.

🚨 Mannon McMahon (1)
🍎 Gabbie Hughes
🍏 Ronja Savolainen pic.twitter.com/fKtA1puZ0P

— x – Ottawa Charge (@PWHL_Ottawa) May 14, 2025

McMahon said the electric atmosphere at TD Place gave the team an emotional edge in what was their first-ever home playoff game.

Stepping on to that ice today, like the crowd was going from the second the national anthem played, like, how can you not, like, be energized by that. So, we needed that (Tuesday). So, it’s huge, and to have that next game too will even be bigger. 

Ottawa Fans Chanted “You Picked Us”

The Ottawa fans were vocal all night, especially in the closing minutes when they began chanting “you picked us” in reference to Montreal’s decision to select Ottawa as their playoff opponent after finishing first in the standings.

Despite the loss, Montreal didn’t lack chances. Marie-Philip Poulin, who topped the league with 19 goals this season, peppered Philips with seven shots, including a dangerous one in the dying minutes, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Montreal defender Erin Ambrose emphasized the need for her team to make life harder for Gwyneth Philips going forward.

I think we need to take her eyes away. I think she is an elite goaltender … but I also think we have elite goal scorers on this team, and we’ve just got to find a way to get dirty ones at times.

Ottawa had two power-play opportunities but couldn’t capitalize. Montreal also came up empty on both of its chances, including a critical one midway through the third after a Brianne Jenner penalty.

Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod said,

You have to learn to manage those moments, it’s an area that we continue to focus on and lean into.

Game 4 goes Friday in Ottawa, and the Charge will be looking to ride that momentum as well as the energy of the home crowd into the final with all the best odds available now.