In a decisive matchup on Wednesday evening, the Montreal Victoire secured their place in the playoffs of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) with a commanding 3-0 win against the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Hayley Scamurra shone with two goals, including a late empty-netter, while goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens recorded her sixth shutout of the season, solidifying her reputation as a formidable presence between the pipes.
Victoire’s Strong Performance
The Victoire, currently standing second in the league with a record of 13 wins, 4 losses, 2 overtime losses, and 5 shootout losses, showcased their dominance at Place Bell in Laval, Que. The team has now won three consecutive games, a streak that has propelled them into the postseason for the third successive year. Despite exiting in the semi-finals in the previous two seasons, Montreal is keen to make a deeper run this time around.
Scamurra opened the scoring 8:28 into the third period, breaking a deadlock in a game that had seen its fair share of interruptions and missed opportunities. Laura Stacey, who provided two assists on the night, set up Scamurra with a pinpoint pass from behind the net. The U.S. national team member made no mistake, unleashing a powerful one-timer past Goldeneyes’ goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer.
Stellar Goaltending from Desbiens
Desbiens, last season’s goalie of the year, was instrumental in the victory, turning away 18 shots and denying several potential goals from Vancouver’s attackers, including notable efforts from Sarah Nurse and Hannah Miller. Her performance in the second period was particularly impressive, as she thwarted multiple scoring chances, keeping the Goldeneyes off the board and allowing her team to maintain momentum.
While the Victoire dominated the shot count, outshooting Vancouver 9-4 in the opening period, they struggled to convert opportunities, going 0-for-4 on the power play throughout the match. Nonetheless, their ability to control the game and create chances ultimately led to the victory.
Goldeneyes’ Challenges Continue
For the Goldeneyes, who are in their inaugural season with a record of 7 wins, 1 overtime loss, 4 shootout losses, and 12 defeats, the loss marked a challenging stretch. They had recently secured a narrow 3-2 victory against Toronto but were unable to replicate that success in Laval. Maschmeyer made 25 saves, but the team’s inability to find the back of the net proved costly.
The return of forwards Jenn Gardiner and Abby Boreen, both former Victoire players, offered a glimmer of hope for Vancouver, but they were unable to make a significant impact in this contest. The Goldeneyes now sit seventh in the league standings, with their path to the playoffs looking increasingly precarious as the season nears its conclusion.
Key Moments and Takeaways
The match featured critical moments that underscored the Victoire’s dominance, particularly Scamurra’s second goal, which came with just 1:37 left on the clock, followed closely by another empty-netter from Maggie Flaherty. Montreal’s ability to extend their point streak to a league-record 12 games (8-2-2-0) speaks volumes about their current form and resilience.
In terms of individual performances, Erin Ambrose returned to the Victoire lineup after an eight-game absence due to injury, providing a boost to Montreal’s defensive unit. Conversely, captain Marie-Philip Poulin remained on long-term injured reserve, limiting the team’s options.
Why it Matters
This victory not only secures Montreal’s playoff position but also reinforces their status as serious contenders in the PWHL. With the playoffs approaching, the Victoire’s momentum and stellar performances from key players like Scamurra and Desbiens will be crucial as they aim to break their semi-final curse and chase championship glory. For the Goldeneyes, the defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face in their inaugural campaign, as they strive to find their footing in an increasingly competitive league. As the season progresses, every game becomes pivotal, making the upcoming fixtures vital for both teams’ aspirations.
