Montreal’s Olympic Duo of Melodie Daoust and Marie-Philip Poulin Reignites Chemistry, Triumphs Over Boston
Montreal’s Olympic Duo of Melodie Daoust and Marie-Philip Poulin Reignites Chemistry, Triumphs Over Boston
Only a day after signing a 10-day contract with PWHL Montreal, Mélodie Daoust made her debut in the burgundy and sand threads, securing a 3-1 win against Boston on Saturday, March 2 at Verdun Auditorium.
Suiting up alongside Marie Philip-Poulin and Laura Stacey, Daoust was a seamless fit on the top line, especially with Poulin. Together, they earned two Olympic gold medals and a World Championship gold medal.
“[Poulin] and I have played a lot together in the past with Team Canada,” Daoust said. “I feel like we have strong chemistry on the ice, and not to forget [Stacey], who works hard on that forecheck like you can’t believe.”
“I don’t think people give her enough credit, but she’s the one who feeds us the puck so we can make those types of plays,” she added. “It was fun to find each other on the first line again.”
The pair wasted no time restoring their chemistry, connecting for the decisive 2-0 goal at 4:50 in the second period. Off a face-off win, Poulin dished the puck to Daoust, who buried it with a backhand shot.
“She’s definitely a special player that can be inserted into a lineup and have an impact right away,” said coach Kori Cheverie. “It seemed like a good fit to go with her and [Poulin] and [Stacey], she’s just got a knack for the net.”
Daoust finished the game with a plus-three rating, kickstarting Poulin’s opening goal with a rebound and providing a screen for Erin Ambrose’s insurance marker.
Despite Hilary Knight’s lone goal for Boston, Montreal secured the win thanks to Daoust’s standout performance and Elaine Chuli’s 30 saves. With this victory, the team boasts a record of 9-3-2, placing them atop the standings and three points ahead of Toronto.
Montreal now heads on a two-game road trip. Daoust is unlikely to join them due to her obligations at Bourget College, where she manages the women’s hockey program, and her shared custody of her son, who was present on Saturday afternoon.
“I like it when he’s in the stands,” she said. “I feel like he gives me extra strength, and I was really happy to see him there tonight. I also feel like he grounds me, I’m able to play the role of a mom while playing, it was incredible.”