Montreal's professional women's hockey team, the Victoire, showcased their resilience and talent on Thursday night, defeating the Toronto Sceptres 4-3 in what turned out to be an electrifying shootout at Place Bell. This victory marks the Victoire's fourth consecutive win and solidifies their position at the top of the league.
The action unfolded dramatically throughout the game, beginning with Toronto's Jesse Compher scoring on the power play, which set the tone early for the Sceptres. Compher's goal, executed from a tight angle, was met with immediate response from the Victoire just before the end of the first period. Mariah Keopple jumped on the rebound to equalize and shift momentum back toward Montreal.
By the second period, Montreal took the lead with Maureen Murphy's one-timer, showcasing their offensive prowess. Toronto, determined not to falter, responded with Hannah Miller's power-play goal and remained strong with their cycling and forechecking, which at times put significant pressure on Montreal's defense.
Notably, Laura Stacey returned to the lineup after missing 18 days due to injury, impacting the game significantly. Stacey not only tallied two assists but also registered a goal, putting Montreal temporarily ahead at the 10:13 mark of the third period. Just as the Victoire seemed poised to secure the win, Daryl Watts of Toronto scored the equalizer with only 3:33 left on the clock, pushing the game to overtime.
With both teams unable to score during the overtime period, it all came down to the glare of the shootout. It was here where Stacey and the renowned Marie-Philip Poulin contrasted with Toronto's Julia Gosling. With precision and poise, Stacey and Poulin both found the back of the net for Montreal, clinching the victory. Gosling scored for Toronto, but it was not enough.
Montreal's goaltender, Elaine Chuli, played a pivotal role throughout the game, delivering 37 saves, particularly during the third period when the Sceptres were relentless. Her performance not only contributed to the victory but earned her respect and admiration from fans who chanted her name, noting her efforts as instrumental to the outcome. "Mostly what I care about is the team getting the win and giving them the chance to win..." said Chuli, displaying her team-first attitude.
Despite their top spot, the Victoire's special teams' performances have been inconsistent, allowing two power-play goals to the Sceptres and failing to capitalize on their own power-play opportunities. Nevertheless, Montreal leads the league due to their diverse scoring, with 17 different players contributing to their last five victories. Coach Kori Cheverie highlighted the depth and grit of this year’s team, indicating how the diverse contributions have propelled them forward.
Following this exciting game, Toronto is set to host the Minnesota Frost on Saturday, hoping to bounce back from their overtime loss, whereas Montreal plans to visit the New York Sirens on Sunday, aiming to continue their winning streak.
Overall, the matchup between the Victoire and the Sceptres proved to be not just about the final score but also about the intensity, strategy, and sheer will displayed by both teams. With several players stepping up, both squads are shaping the narrative of this professional league, making each game increasingly captivating for fans.