3 Takeaways From Victoire’s 2-1 Loss to Charge in Game 3 of Walter Cup Final – The Hockey Writers – PWHL

On Monday, May 18, the Montreal Victoire traveled to take on the Ottawa Charge for Game 3 of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Walter Cup Final. Heading into this game, the Victoire had a 2-0 lead in the series.

Both teams were scoreless after two periods. The Victoire scored the first goal seven minutes into the third period. Seven minutes later, the Charge evened the score. Although this game appeared to be heading to overtime, the Charge scored a goal with 56 seconds left to take the lead. The Victoire made a final push, but it was not enough, and the Charge took this game with a 2-1 final score. The Victoire are still up by one game in the series.

Scamurra Gave Montreal First Goal of Walter Cup Final

Seven minutes into the third period, Hayley Scamurra gained control of the puck in the neutral zone. She skated it into the Victoire’s zone and passed it to Maureen Murphy, who skated up to the net with the puck. Murphy took a shot, but it went wide and bounced off the glass. Scamurra was up near the net and picked up the loose puck. She took a shot, sending it into the corner of the net to give the Victoire the lead.

Scamurra’s goal marked the first time in the entire Walter Cup Final that the Victoire scored first. In both Games 1 and 2, the Charge scored first, but the Victoire ultimately tied the game. Scamurra changed that narrative. 

This goal marked Scamurra’s first of the Walter Cup Final, but her fourth point of the postseason. She recorded her career-high season point total of 16 with Montreal this season. There is no denying Scamurra’s impact, both in the regular season and now in the postseason with the Victoire. 

Desbiens Held Strong

Even though the Victoire lost, Ann-Renee Desbiens still had a strong performance. She made 26 saves on 28 shots for a save percentage (SV%) of .929. She made 18 saves in the first two periods alone. Her SV% for the postseason now sits at .938. Desbiens had the best SV% of her PWHL regular season career at .955. 

Throughout the Victoire’s postseason run, Desbiens has been a pillar for Montreal. She recorded one shutout against the Minnesota Frost in Game 2 and kept the Victoire alive through the semifinals through Game 5. She kept the Victoire alive for Games 1 and 2 of the Walter Cup Final, both of which went into overtime to decide the winner. 

Desbiens has been a brick wall for the Victoire throughout the 2025-26 season. Even though the Victoire didn’t win Game 3 of the Walter Cup Final, she should not be discouraged. She did her part to give her team a fighting chance. Now, Desbiens just needs to continue to remain strong while the Victoire and the Charge head to Game 4. 

Victoire Still Lead in the Series

The Victoire might be discouraged after this loss, but they still have a one-game lead over Ottawa in the Walter Cup Final. Sure, they could have called it here and become the new reigning champions, but Montreal still played their hearts out and did everything they could to take Game 4. 

Montreal can’t let this lead get to their head, though. Sure, they have that extra game over Ottawa, but that could change in Game 4, and the Charge could force a Game 5. The Victoire need to hold strong in Game 4, keep the defense up, continue to pepper Gwyneth Philips with shots, and try to pull out the win. 

Victoire Head to Game 4

The two teams will remain in Ottawa, where the Charge will host the Victoire for Game 4 of the Walter Cup Final on Wednesday, May 20.