In a pivotal matchup on Wednesday night, the Montreal Victoire triumphed over the Vancouver Goldeneyes with a decisive 3-0 victory at Place Bell, securing their place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) playoffs. Hayley Scamurra was the standout performer, netting two goals and contributing significantly to a match that saw Ann-Renée Desbiens achieve her sixth shutout of the season.
Desbiens Delivers Defensive Masterclass
Desbiens, who was named the league’s top goalie last season, was instrumental in the Victoire’s success, stopping 18 shots to keep the Goldeneyes at bay. With this win, Montreal extended their current winning streak to three games, bringing their record to 13 wins, 4 losses, 2 overtime losses, and 5 shootout losses. The Victoire now sit comfortably in second place in the PWHL standings with just six games remaining.
Emerance Maschmeyer, the Goldeneyes’ goalkeeper, faced more shots, saving 25 but ultimately could not prevent her team from suffering their 12th loss of the season, leaving them with a record of 7 wins, 1 overtime win, 4 shootout losses, and 12 losses. The Vancouver squad had celebrated a recent victory over Toronto, but the high-stakes nature of the game against Montreal proved to be a different challenge.
Key Moments in the Match
The game remained scoreless until the third period, marked by a series of missed chances and numerous infractions. It was Scamurra who finally broke the deadlock at 8:28 into the final frame, receiving a pass from Laura Stacey and unleashing a powerful one-timer from the slot that found the back of the net. The goal came after a prolonged period of disjointed play, characterised by several offsides and a lack of effective power plays—Montreal went 0-for-4 on the night.
Scamurra later sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, while Maggie Flaherty added another for good measure just 42 seconds before the final buzzer, ensuring that the Victoire would leave the ice with a comprehensive win.
Notable Player Updates
The Victoire welcomed back Erin Ambrose, the reigning defender of the year, who returned to the line-up after an eight-game absence due to a lower-body injury sustained during Canada’s Olympic final against the United States. Ambrose played a limited role, logging just under 15 minutes of ice time. Meanwhile, team captain Marie-Philip Poulin remained on long-term injured reserve, missing the game due to a lower-body issue.
For the Goldeneyes, the game held special significance for forwards Jenn Gardiner and Abby Boreen, who returned to Place Bell after having spent the previous season with the Victoire. Gardiner, a Surrey, B.C. native and member of Canada’s Olympic team, showcased her skills in front of the home crowd, having previously made a solid mark with five goals and 13 assists as a rookie.
Record-Breaking Streak
Montreal’s victory not only secured a playoff berth but also set a league record with a point streak now spanning 12 games, boasting a record of 8 wins, 2 losses, and 2 overtime losses during this period. As the Victoire prepare for their upcoming match against the Ottawa Charge on Friday, their momentum and confidence will be crucial as they aim to advance further in the postseason.
Why it Matters
This win is monumental for the Montreal Victoire as they continue to demonstrate their prowess in the PWHL. With their playoff position secured and a historic point streak in hand, they are not just a contender but a formidable force as they approach the postseason. For the Vancouver Goldeneyes, the result serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in their inaugural season, highlighting the need for consistent performance as they aim to build a competitive foundation for future success.
