In an exciting showdown, Rebecca Leslie scored just under three minutes into overtime to propel the Ottawa Charge to a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Goldeneyes. This match took place on Saturday as part of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season.
Key Highlights from the Match
- Game Outcome: Ottawa Charge defeated Vancouver Goldeneyes 3-2.
- Winning Goal: Rebecca Leslie’s goal came at 2:59 of overtime.
- Season Accomplishment: Leslie achieved her 11th goal of the season, tying for first place in the league.
- Charge Standings: Ottawa moved into fourth place with a record of 5-6-1-8.
- Next Opponents: The Charge will face the Minnesota Frost, while the Goldeneyes will host the New York Sirens.
First and Third Period Highlights
The Goldeneyes applied pressure during the first two periods, outshooting the Charge 21-8 and capitalizing on three power-play opportunities. However, Ottawa’s defense held firm, keeping Vancouver from scoring during these periods.
Oxford’s Fanuza Kadirova opened the scoring for the Charge with a power-play goal at 19:25, marking her seventh of the season. This goal gave Ottawa a brief lead before the Goldeneyes responded.
Game-Tying and Winning Moments
Vancouver’s Sarah Nurse equalized with an unassisted goal at 9:50 in the third period. Sophie Jaques then put the Goldeneyes ahead with a shot from the left center circle five minutes before the game’s end, marking her fifth goal of the season.
However, the Charge’s Sarah Wozniewicz tied the game again just 54 seconds before the final buzzer, scoring her fourth of the year with a well-placed shot past Vancouver’s goalie Kristen Campbell.
Overtime and Final Victory
In a thrilling overtime, the Goldeneyes had a chance to clinch victory but were denied by Ottawa’s goalie, Gwyneth Philips, who made a critical save on Claire Thompson. It was in this intense moment that Rebecca Leslie found the opportunity to score her winner, sealing a hard-fought victory for the Charge.
This win is crucial for Ottawa as they aim to build momentum moving forward in the PWHL season.
