Montreal has failed to secure a victory against Toronto in their four encounters this season, with one more match left to play.
In Pittsburgh, Toronto clinched a 2-1 win over Montreal, extending their winning streak to 10 games in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Despite both teams having the opportunity to claim the top spot with a regulation-time victory, Montreal’s loss pushed them three points behind in third place, while Toronto maintained its dominance with an additional game in hand.
Hannah Miller and Kali Flanagan found the net for Toronto, while Kristin O’Neill scored for Montreal. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 24 saves for Montreal, and Kristen Campbell blocked 17 shots for Toronto. Marie-Philip Poulin was absent due to injury for the second consecutive game, while Claire Dalton returned to the lineup and contributed an assist after a three-week absence.
Toronto took the lead early in the first period through Miller’s goal, followed by O’Neill’s equalizer for Montreal. Flanagan quickly regained the lead for Toronto after the first intermission. Despite Montreal’s efforts, including a late-game power play and pulling their goaltender for an extra skater, they couldn’t level the score.
Defensively, Erin Ambrose stood out for Toronto, while Desbiens showcased her usual excellence in goal for Montreal. Toronto’s penalty kill once again proved effective, nullifying Montreal’s power play opportunities, including a late-game penalty against Blayre Turnbull.
The two teams are set to face off for the final time this season on April 20 at the Bell Centre.