Shiann Darkangelo broke a third-period tie, Gwyneth Philips made 31 saves and the Ottawa Charge beat the Montreal Victoire 3-2 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the PWHL semifinal series.

It would be great for Toronto if Spooner entered the 2025 playoffs in MVP form. But if she’s not, and she’s just fine, the Sceptres have proven that it’s not a death knell for them. Not the way it was last year.

Excitement is building outside Place Bell as fans eagerly await the start of the 2025 PWHL playoffs, with Montreal Victoire set to face the Ottawa Charge in the first game of the series tonight at 7 p.