Victoire's Penalty Kill Shuts Down Fleet in 3-1 Win

Montreal Victoire's Penalty Kill Shines in 3-1 Win Over Boston Fleet

The Montreal Victoire may be struggling on the power play, but their penalty kill is proving to be a major asset, helping them secure a 3-1 victory over the Boston Fleet on Monday night.

The Victoire successfully thwarted all five of the Fleet's power play attempts, including a crucial five-minute major penalty at the start of the third period. This impressive defensive performance played a key role in securing the win.

Kristin O'Neill's short-handed goal in the second period proved to be the game-winner, highlighting the Victoire's ability to capitalize on opportunities even while shorthanded. Goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens also delivered a stellar performance, stopping 18 shots and earning praise for her leadership on the ice.

Following a controversial game misconduct penalty against Catherine Dubois for a hit on Boston defender Megan Keller, the Victoire held the Fleet to just one shot in the remaining time of the second period. This dominant display showcased the team's resilience and determination even when facing adversity.

Head coach Kori Cheverie commended the team's penalty kill unit, stating that their hunger and discipline were crucial factors in their success. She also acknowledged the need for improvement on the power play, which has yet to score in its last 18 attempts.

Despite the power play struggles, the Victoire's penalty kill currently ranks second in the league, demonstrating their ability to effectively defend against shorthanded situations. This win propels the Victoire to the top of the PWHL standings with 13 points, one point ahead of the Minnesota Frost.

The Boston Fleet, on the other hand, remain at the bottom of the league with six points. Their struggles on offense continue, with only 12 goals scored in six games. Captain Hilary Knight acknowledged the need for improvement on special teams, particularly the power play, where they failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities.

The two teams will face off again on January 5th in Seattle as part of the PWHL's Takeover Tour. The Fleet will be looking to rebound from this loss and improve their overall performance, while the Victoire will aim to maintain their momentum and solidify their position at the top of the standings.