In a tightly contested matchup, the Montreal Victoire secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the New York Sirens, with Marie-Philip Poulin proving once again why she is one of the most dynamic players in the game. Her two-goal performance, coupled with strong defensive efforts, helped Montreal edge out their opponents in a game that remained competitive until the final whistle.
A Scoreless Opening Frame
The first period saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, with neither side able to break through on the scoreboard. The first notable event of the game came when the Sirens' Allyson Simpson was sent to the penalty box for boarding, giving Montreal their first power-play opportunity of the night. Despite the numerical advantage, the Victoire were unable to generate any significant scoring chances, as the Sirens’ penalty kill unit shut them down completely. By the end of the first 20 minutes, the game remained scoreless, a testament to the strong defensive play on both ends.
Poulin’s Dominance in the Second Period
The deadlock didn’t last long once the second period got underway. Just 34 seconds into the frame, Abby Boreen found Poulin with a crisp pass at center ice, setting up what initially looked like an improbable scoring chance. Facing a 1-on-3 scenario, Poulin showcased her elite skill and composure, maneuvering past both Jessie Eldridge and Ella Shelton with ease before finishing past Sirens goaltender Kayle Osborne. It was a moment of individual brilliance that reminded everyone why Poulin is widely regarded as one of the best in the sport.
Four minutes later, the duo struck again. Boreen, instrumental in the offensive setup, found Poulin fresh off a line change. With speed and precision, Poulin made her way towards the net and fired a shot into the top corner, beating Osborne for the second time. With that goal, Montreal extended their lead to 2-0, putting the Sirens in a difficult position as they struggled to generate quality scoring chances.
However, Poulin’s eventful period wasn’t done. With just under six minutes remaining, she delivered a massive hit on Jade Downie-Landry, sending the Sirens forward down hard. The impact was significant enough to send Downie-Landry to the locker room for medical evaluation, and after review, the officials assessed Poulin with a five-minute major for charging. This presented a golden opportunity for the Sirens to shift the momentum.
Yet, despite having an extended power play, New York failed to capitalize. The Victoire penalty kill remained structured and disciplined, ensuring that their two-goal cushion remained intact heading into the final period.
Sirens Fight Back, But Fall Short
As the game wound down, the Sirens finally found a breakthrough. With six minutes remaining in regulation, Sarah Fillier made a determined push toward Montreal’s net, setting up Simpson for a crucial goal—the first of her PWHL career. The strike gave the Sirens a renewed sense of hope, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and injecting energy into their attack.
New York’s chances to equalize improved further when Lina Ljungblom was sent to the penalty box for hooking, giving the Sirens a power play with a chance to force overtime. However, Montreal’s defense once again stood tall, shutting down any potential scoring opportunities and allowing goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens to close out the game with confidence.
When the final horn sounded, the Victoire emerged with a 2-1 victory, demonstrating their resilience in protecting a slim lead.
What’s Next?
The Sirens will look to regroup as they prepare to host the Boston Fleet on February 12. With a narrow loss behind them, they will aim to sharpen their offensive execution and capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Montreal will return home for a rematch against the Sirens on February 15, where they will look to build on their strong defensive performance and continue their winning ways.
As the PWHL season progresses, both teams will be looking to solidify their positioning in the standings, and if this matchup was any indication, fans can expect more intense battles ahead.
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