Hockey History Made in Laval: An Unbelievable Overtime Marathon!
Okay, you guys, get this. Sunday, May 11th, was NOT a day I'll soon forget. The Montreal Victoire and the Ottawa Charge went head-to-head in Game 2 of their PWHL playoffs. What happened next? Let's just say it's officially the longest game in PWHL history. And honestly, who saw THAT coming?
A Record-Shattering Night
The game, played in Laval, Quebec, stretched an unbelievable five hours and 34 minutes. We're talking four overtime periods before the Victoire finally snagged a thrilling 3-2 win. It blew away the old PWHL record, and even beat the record for the longest professional women's hockey game ever! I mean, seriously?
Montreal jumped out to a 2-0 lead early on, thanks to goals from Kristin O’Neill and Laura Stacey – both Canadian Olympic gold medalists! Things were looking good. But then, with only five minutes left in regulation, Ottawa pulled off a wild comeback, tying the game thanks to goals by Aneta Tejralova and Brianne Jenner. You know how sometimes things just spiral? This was one of those times.
Overtime Frenzy!
Overtime was insane. Both teams had tons of chances. The first overtime even included five-on-three power plays for BOTH sides – and nobody scored! Can you believe it? The drama just kept building, spilling into the second, third, and finally, fourth overtimes before Catherine Dubois scored the game-winning goal with 4 minutes and 27 seconds left. Talk about a nail-biter!
Incredible Performances All Around
This wasn't just about the win; it was about the incredible performances from both teams. Montreal's goalie, Ann-Renee Desbiens (another Canadian Olympic gold medalist!), set a new league record with 63 saves! Meanwhile, Ottawa's Gwyneth Philips had a stellar game herself, with 53 saves – a franchise record for her. I'm exhausted just thinking about it! The exhaustion was REAL, too – I heard stories about players using mustard packets and pickle juice to fight off cramps. Desperate times, right?
For Montreal, Kristin O'Neill was a star, with a goal and an assist on Dubois’ game-winner. Laura Stacey also chipped in a crucial goal. On the Ottawa side, Brianne Jenner's late goal kept them in it, and Jocelyne Larocque logged an impressive 56 minutes of ice time. These women are absolute warriors.
A Huge Moment for Women's Hockey
This wasn't just a game; it was a testament to the incredible skill, resilience, and sheer determination of these players. This record-breaking game highlighted the growing excitement and competitiveness within the PWHL, and it truly showcased women's hockey at its absolute best. The series now heads to Ottawa for Game 3, tied 1-1. It's going to be epic.
What's Next?
The Montreal Victoire's win in the longest game in PWHL history is definitely going down in the books. It was a thrilling display of skill, endurance, and heart. The series is far from over, and Game 3 promises to be even more electrifying. I'll be watching, and I suggest you do too!
