OTTAWA (Interstat) — Gwyneth Philips made 36 saves and Ronja Savolainen scored with 29 seconds remaining in the third period as the Ottawa Charge defeated the Boston Fleet 2-1 on May 8 at Canadian Tire Centre to take a 2-1 lead in their Professional Women’s Hockey League playoff series.

Ottawa improved to 19-14 this season, while Boston fell to 22-11. The Charge’s victory in Game 3 gave them control of the series after the teams split the first two games. Ottawa had won the previous meeting 3-1, and Boston had taken the game before that 2-1, setting up a pivotal third matchup.

The Charge opened the scoring in the first period. Fanuza Kadirova scored at 13:33, with Kateřina Mrázová and Savolainen picking up assists. The goal gave Ottawa a 1-0 edge and rewarded a period in which both teams traded penalties but Ottawa found the only finish.

Boston answered in the second. Liz Schepers tied the game at 5:11, with Shay Maloney and Ella Huber assisting. The Fleet pressed for more, generating chances through Schepers, Alina Müller and Jessie Eldridge, but Philips stood firm. Schepers finished with four shots on goal and a hit, while Müller recorded four shots and two penalty minutes. Maloney added an assist, one shot and one hit. Eldridge led Boston with seven shots and a hit.

Philips was the difference for Ottawa. She stopped 36 of 37 shots, including a busy second period in which Boston pushed for the lead. Her performance allowed the Charge to stay level until the final minute. Philips’ 36 saves marked the top individual outing of the game and helped Ottawa withstand Boston’s 37-shot attack.

Savolainen contributed at both ends. She assisted on Kadirova’s first-period goal, then scored the winner at 19:31 of the third. Michela Cava and Kadirova assisted on the decisive goal. Savolainen finished with a goal, an assist, two shots on goal, two penalty minutes and a hit. Kadirova had a goal, an assist and one shot. Mrázová recorded an assist, while Cava added an assist, one shot and one hit.

Ottawa also received a strong two-way effort from Gabbie Hughes, who put four shots on goal and served two minutes for hooking. Peyton Hemp and Rory Guilday took penalties for the Charge, with Guilday called for roughing in the second period and interference in the third. Boston’s Daniela Pejšová was penalized for delay of game in the first period. Jamie Lee Rattray and Jill Saulnier each received minor penalties for tripping, and Müller was whistled for slashing in the second period. Savolainen also received a roughing minor in the second.

Boston’s late push fell short despite several quality looks. The Fleet pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker, but Ottawa’s defense held long enough for Savolainen to seal the win. The result handed the Charge their second victory of the series and left Boston facing elimination in the next game.

The teams are scheduled to meet again in Ottawa. Boston will need a road win to extend the series, while Ottawa can close it out on home ice. The Charge’s season record moved to 19-14, and the Fleet’s dropped to 22-11. Ottawa’s win also continued a tightly contested recent history between the clubs, with five of their previous six meetings decided by one goal or in overtime or a shootout. The result left Ottawa one win away from advancing in the postseason.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected Boston with a 52.7 percent probability to win before the game. The projection did not hold, as Ottawa’s goaltending and Savolainen’s late goal delivered the Game 3 result.