The Montreal Victoire picked up a 4-1 win over the New York Sirens in the first game back for both teams following the 2026 Olympic, moving them into a tie for first overall.
Ann-Renée Desbiens making 34 saves for the Montreal Victoire in a 4-1 road win over the New York Sirens to open the second half of their PWHL season following the Olympics.
Montreal got out to a quick start with Dara Grieg scoring five minutes into the game, following less than a minute later by Jade Downie-Landry, and less than five minutes later again by Skylar Irving.
Despite Montreal's 3-0 first period lead on the scoresheet, the New York Sirens actually outshot Montreal 10-5 in the first period. New York was forced to replace Kayle Osborne with Callie Shanahan following the first.
“I think [it was a] slow start," said New York head coach Greg Fargo following the game. "You know, we had some moments in the first period that we liked, and there was that stretch there for six or seven minutes where we got away from some of our habits, and they were able to capitalize on those looks that they got. It's unfortunate, but we've got to be ready to play.”
In the second period, New York hit the scoresheet with rookie Casey O'Brien notching her fifth of the season on the power play. New York held momentum throughout the game outshooting the Victoire 35-22 overall, but Montreal's blueline and Desbiens managed to keep contain New York's scoring chances.
“I did like the confidence that our defender's core played with tonight, and it was nice for them to get those reps and get the rust off a little bit," said Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie. "They were big contributors to our offense, our puck moving ability, keeping pucks in at the blue. So, I really liked what they brought tonight.”
Lina Ljungblom gave Montreal more insurance in the third period on the power play. Laura Stacey picked up an assist making her the eighth player in PWHL history to reach 50 career points.
Montreal managed the win in the absence of captain Marie-Philip Poulin and assistance captain Erin Ambrose who were both injured while representing Canada at the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
Montreal's win put them into a share for first overall with the Boston Fleet, who have a pair of games in hand.
After their brief return to action, the New York Sirens now have over a week off before facing first place Boston, where they'll look to snap their current four game losing skid.