Pat Hickey: PWHL Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin delivers in 3-2 win over New York

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Posted By: jasabacklink January 17, 2024

“Captain Clutch” snapped a 2-2 tie when she scored on a backhander at 13:46 of the third period.

Author of the article:

Pat Hickey  •  Special to Montreal Gazette

Published Jan 17, 2024  •  Last updated 25 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

New York’s Abby Roque (11) crosschecks Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin during second-period PWHL hockey action in Laval Jan. 16, 2024. Photo by Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press

There’s a reason they call Marie-Philip Poulin Captain Clutch.

Poulin has made a habit of scoring big goals, including three Golden Goals at the Olympics. She delivered again Tuesday with the winning goal as Montreal defeated New York 3-2 in PWHL action before 6,334 fans at Place Bell.

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Poulin, who had a potential winning goal in overtime wiped out by goaltender interference in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Boston, snapped a 2-2 tie when she scored on a backhander at 13:46 of the third period.

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Poulin was stationed at the far post when Maureen Murphy sent a pass through the crease and New York goaltender Abigail Levy was unable to move across in time to make the stop.

“(Tereza) Vanisova played a great game and she got the puck and Murphy made the pass,” Poulin said. ”They tied it early in the period, but getting the win makes up for a game we should have won Saturday.”

The PWHL has allowed more physical play. Poulin and New York’s Abby Roque tangled on a faceoff in the second period. Roque hit Poulin with a series of cross-checks and Poulin went off for roughing when she retaliated.

“We’re both intense players, there were some words and well …” Poulin said.

A minute later, Vanisova was sent off for running into New York goaltender Abigail Levy and that opened the door for Jaime Bourbonnais to score on a power play.

Later in the second period, Kati Tabin ended a New York rush with an open-ice check that would make an NHL defenceman envious. The problem is that physical play is only allowed along the boards and Tabin went to the box for roughing.

  1. A hockey player slams into a goaltender on the ice.

    Montreal’s Tereza Vanisova (21) collides with New York goaltender Abigail Levy during second period PWHL hockey action in Laval Jan. 16, 2024.Photo by Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press

  2. Three hockey players embrace on the ice, smiling

    Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin (29) celebrates with teammates Tereza Vanisova (21) and Maureen Murphy after scoring against New York during third period PWHL hockey action in Laval Jan. 16, 2024.Photo by Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press

  3. A hockey player crosschecks another on the ice.

    New York’s Abby Roque (11) crosschecks Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin during second-period PWHL hockey action in Laval Jan. 16, 2024.Photo by Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press

  4. A goaltender in a Montreal jersey stops a goal.

    Montreal goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens makes a save against New York in Laval Jan. 16, 2024.Photo by Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press

  5. A hockey player is about to shoot a puck into the net.

    Montreal’s Tereza Vanisova takes a shot on New York goaltender Abigail Levy during PWHL hockey action in Laval Jan. 16, 2024.Photo by Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press

  6. Two hockey players talk on the ice.

    Czech hockey players Tereza Vanisova and Dominika Laskova, best friends since age 12, were drafted together by Montreal in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Photo by Christinne Muschi /The Canadian Press

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While the players say they enjoy the physical aspects of the game, there were suggestions that the officials are still feeling their way and there is a lack of consistency in the calls.

Montreal scored twice in a 78-second span late in the first period to take a 2-0 lead.

Gabrielle David got things started when she caught up to Sarah Lefort’s clearing pass to avoid an icing call. She passed the puck to Jillian Dempsey, then went to the front of the net for a return pass to open the scoring at 16:50.

Leah Lum made it 2-0 when she scored on a shot from the blueline at 17:07.

The New York team ran into some logistical problems when they flew from Minnesota and their sticks were hung up at the airport. They started the game with borrowed sticks; their own equipment arrived in the second period.

The win boosted Montreal’s record to 3-1-1, good for second place, one point behind Minnesota.

Montreal returns to Verdun Auditorium Saturday for its first game against Toronto. Puck drop is at 8 p.m.

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