Marie-Philip Poulin, also known as “Captain Clutch,” scored a crucial goal late in the game for Montreal Victoire in their 1-0 victory over the Minnesota Frost in Game 2 of the Professional Women’s Hockey League semifinal series. The winning goal came at 4:02 of the third overtime period when Laura Stacey set up a play that led to Poulin’s shot beating goalie Maddie Rooney. This marked Poulin’s first PWHL playoff overtime goal.
The victory was crucial for Montreal as it leveled the series at 1-1, making the upcoming games in Minnesota pivotal for both teams. Following a Game 1 win by the Frost in overtime, Montreal managed to secure a vital win at home. Poulin expressed the team’s satisfaction with the win, acknowledging the importance of carrying the momentum into the next games on the road.
Despite Poulin’s noticeable physical discomfort due to a lower-body injury that had limited her recent appearances, she pushed through to contribute to the team’s success. Goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens played a significant role in the victory, recording a shutout with 38 saves after a challenging performance in Game 1.
The game highlighted the resilience of both teams, with Minnesota facing their seventh consecutive playoff game requiring overtime. Despite a strong defensive performance, goalie Maddie Rooney’s 51 saves were not enough to secure a win. Montreal dominated the extra periods, outshooting Minnesota and ultimately clinching the victory with Poulin’s decisive goal.
The upcoming games promise intense competition as the series moves to Minnesota, with Game 3 scheduled at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. Both teams are gearing up for a quick turnaround, emphasizing the importance of rest and preparation for the crucial matches ahead. Minnesota’s coach, Ken Klee, emphasized the significance of home-ice advantage as they aim to bounce back in the series.