In what should be an exciting series, two Canadian rivals get set to open their semifinal series on Thursday night, as Montreal Victoire hosts the Ottawa Charge.

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. Darkangelo beat goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens with a wrist shot from the right side at 9:17.

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.