Montreal Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie commences every post-game media availability with a few lines in French. After a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday, March 3, the bench boss simply stated, “Ce soir [Ann-Renée Desbiens] a été la difference.” (Tonight, Ann-Renée Desbiens was the difference maker.)
Ann-Renée Desbiens showcased another Goaltender of the Year calibur game at Place Bell. The Montreal backstop denied 40 of her 41 shots faced in regulation and overtime, and went a perfect five for five in foiling the Frost’s shootout attempts.
“She’s just getting better with time,” explained Cheverie, white talking about her goalie’s play. “She has found a way to figure out the pro-life better than a lot of people and she comes to work everyday and competes.”
Desbiens currently leads all PWHL goaltenders with a .938 save percentage and a 1.70 goals against average. The only other netminder to play over 900 minutes and average a sub-two goals against is Boston’s Aerin Frankel.
“To have Ann-Renée back there, we’re fully confident that we have a chance to win every single night,” said Stacey.
The second period saw the most drama in the game.. Montreal started scorchingly hot when forward Laura Stacey collected the puck off of a fortunate bounce, drove to the net, and barried an opening goal 17 seconds into the frame. Thanks to three of Montreal’s five penalties on the night occuring later in the second period, Frost forward Taylor Heise notched the game-tying goal.
“When you’re in the box a lot, not everybody can get into the game,” said Stacey. “You lose rhythm, you’re not playing in their end as much.”
Cheverie echoed her forward’s sentiment.
“We certainly take too many penalties right now,” Cheverie stated. “The refing was not on our side tonight, that was very evident, but we have to earn our power plays as well.”
After the overtime win Tuesday, Montreal continues to maintain control of first place in the PWHL standings with a record of 10-5-1-4. While the top-dog status is crucial for playoff positioning, the team has a tough roadtrip coming up.
Montreal will travel on a challenging road trip that includes games against the Toronto Sceptres, New York Sirens, and two matches against the Boston Fleet. The Victoire will not return to Place Bell until March 23.
The Victoire’s next contest is against Toronto on Thursday, March 6 at Coca-Cola Coliseum.The puck-drop is set for 7 p.m. EST.