Victoire lean on Poulin, Desbiens to beat Sceptres 3-1

As the head coach of Canada’s national women’s team, Troy Ryan has witnessed many impressive performances from Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin. However, in a recent game between the Montreal Victoire and the Toronto Sceptres, Poulin led her team to a 3-1 victory, much to Ryan’s dismay.

“She’s always a tough opponent, whether you’re coaching against her or playing against her,” Ryan commented on Poulin’s skills. The Montreal Victoire extended their lead in the standings to five points over the Toronto Sceptres, thanks to Poulin’s league-leading fifth game-winning goal and 12th goal of the season. Poulin also contributed an assist in the game.

The top line of Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Jennifer Gardiner played a crucial role in the victory, with each player scoring a goal. Montreal’s head coach, Kori Cheverie, reunited this powerful trio for the game against Toronto, a decision that paid off handsomely.

In addition to the stellar performance of the top line, goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens made 24 saves, including a crucial stop on Toronto’s Natalie Spooner in the final minutes of the game. Desbiens’ focus was simple – “Just stop it,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of covering as much net as possible in critical moments.

Poulin and Desbiens have been key players for both the Montreal Victoire and the Canadian national team for several seasons. Their strong bond and mutual understanding on the ice have been instrumental in their success. Poulin expressed her confidence in Desbiens’ abilities to make game-saving plays, highlighting their unspoken communication and shared experiences.

Following the game, the Toronto Sceptres entered a week-long break after their six-game winning streak came to an end. Despite the loss, the team has made significant progress since the start of the season, moving from last place in the standings to second place in a matter of weeks. Captain Blayre Turnbull commended her team’s resilience and determination, noting their improvement and positive momentum heading into the break.

Overall, the game between the Montreal Victoire and the Toronto Sceptres showcased the talent and determination of both teams. With Poulin leading the way for Montreal and Desbiens making crucial saves, the Victoire secured a well-deserved victory. As the PWHL playoff race heats up, both teams will be looking to build on their performances and continue their pursuit of success in the league.