Maureen Murphy scored twice, the Montreal Victoire remained undefeated on home ice, and Ann-Renee Desbiens became the first PWHL goaltender in league history to hit 30 wins.
Maureen Murphy scored twice, the Montreal Victoire improved to 4-1-0-0 on home ice, and Ann-Renee Desbiens became the first goaltender in PWHL history to record 30 wins. It was all part of the Victoire's 3-1 win over the Ottawa Charge in front of a sold out crowd of 10,172 at Place Bell on Saturday.
"I was really, really pleased with the pressure that we put on. And I was happy with the first period, happy with the third, not as much the second. I think we need some growth in our game there still. But overall happy with the start," said Montreal head coach following the win.
Murphy got the ball rolling for the Victoire in the opening period. After scoring her first of the season earlier in the week in Montreal's overtime win over the Minnesota Frost, Murphy stayed hot on home ice. Murphy scored her second of the period, and third of the season to give Montreal a 2-0 lead heading into the second.
The sold out crowd in Laval responded chanting Murphy's name.
"It's really special, but I think most of the time I've been really trying to focus on being present with my teammates," said Murphy. "It was awesome. It's obviously going to feel awesome no matter what, but just trying to enjoy that moment with them, because that doesn't happen without them."
Ottawa pulled within one as Michela Cava scored her first in a Charge uniform following the blockbuster deal that saw six players trading places between Ottawa and Vancouver last weekend.
Desbiens however, would shut the door ending any hopes of an Ottawa comeback stopping 23 shots in the win.
Late in the game Ottawa pulled netminder Gwyneth Philips trying to get back into the game, but Abby Roque found the empty net to give Montreal the 3-1 win.
Both teams will play their final game before the 2026 Olympics on January 28.