Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey proved to be the difference makers forming a dynamic duo in Montreal's win over New York.
Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey proved to be the difference makers forming a dynamic duo in Montreal's win over New York.
PWHL Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey have been a dynamic duo at critical junctures all season, and their magical connection was decisive in a hard-fought 4-3 victory over New York in Bridgeport, CT on Wednesday night.
With New York feeling energized after a potent offensive attack to close out the middle frame, Montreal needed a third-period spark to offset the hard-charging hosts who had trailed 3-0 in the game's early going at Total Mortgage Arena.
That spark, as it has so often for Montreal over the first 15 games, ignited with just under five minutes gone in that period as Stacey sent a perfect pass to Poulin from deep inside the left circle. The feed found her linemate's stick for a one-timer against New York goalie Corinne Schroeder that widened the lead to 4-2.
It was Poulin's eighth goal and moved her into a tie with Alex Carpenter on the league's points ledger with 17.
Carpenter had two near misses in the closing seconds of the second period after New York had dominated the action for nearly 10 minutes. On both tries, she couldn't quite get her stick completely on the puck from close range.
Even with the Poulin-Stacey heroics, New York wouldn't go down without a fight.
The hosts rallied back to within a goal as Jessie Eldridge notched her second power play goal of the night off a deflection of a high-slot rocket from Ella Shelton.
Eldridge benefitted from good fortune in getting New York on the scoreboard with her first power-play tally in the first period. Her pass intended for Carpenter ricocheted off Erin Ambrose's skate and past Montreal netminder Ann-Renee Desbiens to make it 3-1.
Abby Roque then made things very interesting on another New York power play with 5:32 left in the second period. Once again, Ella Shelton fired away from the high slot and Roque's stick blade was in the perfect spot for a deflection and her third goal this season to make it 3-2.
New York's ability to win the puck battles and mount a transition attack from the midway point of the second period resulted in high-percentage scoring chances, and Montreal was overall unable to capitalize on six power-play opportunities.
Poulin actually had a chance to strike for what would have then been the insurance goal late in the second period. However, her breakaway attempt was stonewalled by Schroeder.
Montreal took advantage of a porous New York defense to erupt for three goals during a first period that saw the visitors assume the role of aggressor.
Jillian Dempsey culminated a super rush down the right side -- that included a sneaky move that seemed to catch New York off guard -- with her first career PWHL goal at the 5:30 mark.
Montreal was far from finished lighting the lamp over that initial 20 minutes.
Sarah Bujold and Gabrielle David each scored their second goals of the season a little over four minutes apart to build the advantage to 3-0. Bujold's backhander through the crease and David's one-timer on a 2-on-1 rush put Montreal in excellent position early on in the contest.
OF NOTE
Montreal has now scored first in 10 of its 15 games this season...Jessie Eldridge's two-goal night ended an eight-game scoring drought. Four of her six goals have come against Montreal...Poulin now has eight points in her last three games with two goals and six assists...There were 11 penalties, six on New York and five on Montreal. New York killed all six of their disadvantages, while Montreal managed only two kills...The visitors outshot New York 31-28.