NEWARK, N.J. — In an exciting conclusion to the weekend, the Montréal Victoire secured a 2-1 victory over the New York Sirens, thanks to a remarkable performance by Marie-Philip Poulin, who netted both goals for her team. Ann-Renée Desbiens showcased her skills in goal, making 23 saves out of 24 shots faced, solidifying the win for the Victoire as they head into the league’s second break for international competitions.
This victory marks the Victoire’s fifth consecutive win, with Poulin’s goals bringing her impressive season total to ten, making her the league’s top scorer. Desbiens celebrated her eighth win of the season, also leading the league in that category, and noted her fifth win in a row, improving upon her seven wins from the previous season. With a record of 8-3-1-2, Montréal sits at the top of the PWHL standings with 31 points, outpacing second-place Minnesota by six points.
The match began uneventfully, with neither team finding the back of the net in the first period. However, just 34 seconds into the second period, Poulin struck first with a skillful backhand shot that put the Victoire ahead. Four minutes later, she further extended the lead with another goal during a breakaway. Desbiens played a critical role in setting up the second goal, clearing the puck behind the net to Jennifer Gardner. Gardner’s quick pass connected with Abby Boreen at the blue line, who in turn found Poulin in the perfect position to fire a shot past New York goaltender Kayle Osborne.
Tensions rose in the second period when Poulin delivered a hard check on New York’s Jade Downie-Landry, who fell to the ice. After a review, Poulin was handed a five-minute major penalty for charging, giving the Sirens a prime opportunity on the power play. Nevertheless, Desbiens kept the Sirens at bay, foiling their attempts to score.
The Sirens managed to get on the scoreboard with a goal from Allyson Simpson—her first in the PWHL—with just over six minutes remaining in the game. Despite having a power play opportunity in the final four minutes and an extra attacker after pulling Osborne from the net, New York was unable to capitalize further.
The PWHL will enter a break to accommodate various international events, including the “Rivalry Series” between Canada and the United States. The league will resume its action on February 11, with Minnesota set to face Toronto in what promises to be an exciting match-up.
