MONTREAL – In an exhilarating match at the Bell Centre, Laura Stacey delivered the decisive goal 4:43 into overtime, leading the Montreal Victoire to a 3-2 victory against the Boston Fleet, witnessed by a crowd of 17,324 on Saturday.
Kati Tabin proved instrumental for Montreal, netting two goals, effectively doubling her career goal total from her previous 42 games with the team. Ann-Renée Desbiens was solid between the pipes, blocking 15 shots, securing her status as the PWHL’s leading goaltender with her 11th win of the season.
The Victoire displayed unyielding form, marking their second consecutive win and adding to their impressive record of eight victories in the last ten games. They continue to command the PWHL standings with 39 points, holding a seven-point lead over second-place Toronto, with two matches in hand.
Despite trailing in the game, the Fleet put up a strong challenge with Amanda Pelkey scoring her second goal in consecutive games and Sidney Morin adding another to the scoreline. Nevertheless, Boston saw their four-game winning streak come to an abrupt halt. Aerin Frankel was commendable in goal, logging 27 saves in the closely contested match.
A notable boost for the Victoire came with the return of forward Catherine Dubois to the lineup, who had been sidelined for four games due to an upper-body injury incurred on February 2 against New York.
From the Fleet’s perspective, they struggled to capitalize on power play opportunities, failing to convert any of their four chances. Their power-play efficiency remains a concern, with Boston posting a conversion rate of just 16.1%, ranking near the bottom of the league.
Montreal showcased resilience, winning for the second time in succession even when facing a deficit. This season, the Victoire have managed to secure seven come-from-behind victories, underlining their tenacity and fighting spirit.
In a key moment early on, it took Montreal only 36 seconds to open the scoresheet. Tabin, receiving a precise pass from Jennifer Gardiner, sent a shot past Frankel that threaded through traffic. This goal set a new franchise record as the fastest goal scored at the start of a game, surpassing the previous best set by Dubois by nearly two minutes.
Looking ahead, the Victoire are set to host the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday, while the Fleet will take on the New York Sirens at home on Wednesday.
