The Montreal Victoire extended their winning streak to five games following a solid 2-1 victory over the New York Sirens at the Prudential Center on Sunday. This latest win solidifies their top position within the Premier Women's Hockey League (PWHL), and it saw team captain Marie-Philip Poulin lead the charge with both goals.
Poulin started the scoring just 34 seconds after the second period commenced, skillfully maneuvering past three defenders before managing to get the puck past Sirens goaltender Kayle Osborne. She then doubled the lead four minutes later, demonstrating her exceptional timing and precision with another impressive shot, bringing her season total to 10 goals.
Keeping her opponents at bay was Ann-Renée Desbiens, who made 23 saves throughout the match, marking her eighth victory of the season. Desbiens’ impressive performance solidified her position as one of the league's premier goaltenders, boasting a goals-against average of 1.77 and saving percentage of .935.
Head coach Kori Cheverie commended the team’s dedication and readiness to face challenges as they now enter the international break. “We have a great staff and great players leaving and staying during the break,” Cheverie explained. “Everybody is on a mission to focus on our goals.” With upcoming international tournaments such as the Rivalry Series and Olympic qualifiers, many players will be busy showcasing their skills on the international stage.
The Victoire’s five-game winning streak can be attributed, not only to Poulin's offensive prowess, but also to the team's exceptional defensive skills. This was highlighted during the game, where Montreal successfully killed all three power plays executed by the Sirens.
Despite New York managing to cut the lead to 2-1 with Ally Simpson's first PWHL goal with slightly over six minutes left on the clock, they couldn’t capitalize any more, thanks to Desbiens’ consistent performance standing firm against their attempts including last-minute efforts after pulling their goaltender for an extra attacker.
“We’re really happy with the effort and how we were able to battle through everything,” Desbiens remarked after the game. This attitude underlines the Victoire's commitment to maintaining solid team morale and performance levels, even with the impending break.
The Montreal Victoire’s performance has highlighted not just individual talent, but also development as a unit. The team now carries a record of 8-3-1-2, good for 31 points and six points clear atop the PWHL standings, well positioned against their rivals.
Throughout this five-game winning spree, the Victoire have transformed their busy schedule of three games within five days to acquire eight out of nine possible points, showcasing resilience and teamwork across the roster.
Following the international break, the Victoire will face the Sirens again on February 15, seeking to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, Cheverie’s adjustments to her forward positions during recent games demonstrate her strategic focus on building the team’s chemistry.
Among the players expected to return after the international break is Anna Kjellbin, who added depth to the defensive lineup when she returned from injuries. Conversely, forward Clair DeGeorge will miss the upcoming game as she was out through this match.
While celebrating individual milestones, including Poulin tying Natalie Spooner for most goals scored all-time with 20, the team remains focused on collective success and maintaining their upward momentum as they prepare for the season's next challenge. With excitement surrounding the upcoming international competitions, the Victoire is poised to maintain their winning tradition upon return.
Overall, Montreal's blend of strong individual performances, tactical prowess, and sheer determination continues to set them apart as they lead the race within the PWHL. With the international break, they hope to rejuvenate and return even stronger for their next encounter.