LAVAL, Que. — In a Game 1 thriller that had everything—heartbreak, heroics, and a dramatic overtime finish—the Montreal Victoire edged the Ottawa Charge 3-2 to take the early lead in the PWHL Finals.

The game’s most nerve-wracking moment came in the final seconds of regulation. Fans watched in silence as fan-favorite Laura Stacey lay on the ice, clutching her knee after a tangle with Ottawa’s Gabbie Hughes. Known for her relentless energy and elite production, Stacey has been a cornerstone since joining the Victoire in 2024. With goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens pulled for an extra attacker, the injury looked devastating.

But the drama was just beginning. Stacey was helped off the ice by her wife and Montreal captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. Then, with just 2.1 seconds left on the clock, Poulin delivered a perfect pass to rookie defender Nicole Gosling, who beat goaltender Gwyneth Philips to force overtime. The crowd erupted.

When Stacey returned for the extra frame, chants of “Stacey, Stacey” echoed through Place Bell. The energy carried the Victoire, and Abby Roque—playing in her first postseason with Montreal—scored the game-winner just 2:29 into overtime.

This marks the fifth consecutive playoff meeting between Ottawa and Montreal to require extra time, a testament to the fierce rivalry between these two powerhouse teams.

Ottawa came out flying in the first period, outshooting Montreal 10-5—their strongest offensive start of the postseason. They controlled the middle of the ice, generating quality chances from between the faceoff dots. But Desbiens was a wall, stopping all 10 shots, including a spectacular diving cross-crease save on Fanuza Kadirova and a breakaway denial of Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET back at Place Bell. If this opener is any indication, fans are in for another classic.