The Ottawa Charge are heading back to the Walter Cup Final after a thrilling 4-3 double-overtime victory over the Boston Fleet in Game 4 of the PWHL semifinals on Sunday night. In front of 11,297 electric fans at the Canadian Tire Centre, the Charge secured the best-of-five series 3-1, setting up a chance to defend their title.
The game started with a bang, as Ottawa struck first nearly seven minutes into the first period. A powerful Fanuza Kadirova shot on the power play deflected off rookie Sarah Wozniewicz and past Boston star goaltender Aerin Frankel. Rebecca Leslie doubled the lead early in the second period, and it looked like the Charge might run away with it. But the Fleet roared back with three goals in under two minutes, completely flipping the momentum. Brooke Hobson tied the game at 3-3 before the end of a wild, five-goal second frame.
Then, the goalies took over. American netminders Gwyneth Philips of Ottawa and Aerin Frankel of Boston locked in, turning the contest into a tense defensive battle. Boston outshot Ottawa 37-22 in regulation, but reigning playoff MVP Philips was unshakable, stopping 34 shots to force extra time. She was perfect in overtime, turning away all nine shots she faced.
The second overtime was short-lived. Just 72 seconds in, Michela Cava—scoring her first goal as a member of the Charge—ended the game and sent Ottawa to the final. On the other end, Frankel made 29 saves on 33 shots, marking the first time in her playoff career she allowed four goals.
The loss ends a stellar season for Boston, who tied the top-seeded Montreal Victoire for the most wins in a single PWHL season with 16. The Charge now await the winner of the Montreal-Minnesota series, which is tied 2-2 heading into a deciding Game 5 on Monday night.
Ottawa's run is all the more impressive given the roster turnover they faced. After losing over 30 goals from last season's lineup due to expansion and free agency, general manager Mike Hirshfeld took a chance on a small but skilled forward from the Russian women's hockey league: Fanuza Kadirova. She was first brought to his attention by advisor Mel Davidson, the legendary coach who led Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2006 and 2010. That gamble paid off in a big way on Sunday.