Poulin's Hat Trick Wins It For Montreal

Marie-Philip Poulin was the headline on Wednesday night at Place Bell – and for good reason.

The Montreal Victoire captain netted a hat-trick to lead her team to a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Charge, completing a two-game sweep after their win in Quebec City ten days ago.

Despite that, it was Ottawa that came out charging when Tereza Vanišová redirected a point shot past Ann-Renée Desbiens midway into the frame. The former Victoire forward, who was fined $500 earlier in the day for a boarding incident, leads the Charge in points with 7.

The Charge controlled much of the first period, but a missed power play opportunity quickly changed the course of the game. A collective effort from Desbiens and the four skaters, who stayed out for nearly the entire penalty kill, helped turn the tide in Montreal’s favour.

“That was interesting to have that happen,” Victoire coach Kori Cheverie said after tweaking her penalty kill units this week. “They were able to adopt it and adapt to it quite quickly. [...] It brought a lot of energy to our team and really pumped up the girls on the bench.”

The Victoire came out swinging to start the second period. At one end, Desbiens stood tall against Emily Clark on a breakaway, and at the other, Jennifer Gardiner zipped down the ice to set up Poulin, who one-timed it up and over Gwyneth Philips to tie the game.

“I asked if there was a shot clock in the net for that one,” Gardiner joked about Poulin’s goal. “I don’t think anybody saw it, we just heard it and knew it went in. [...] That was an incredible shot.”

The duo didn’t stop there. Together, they combined for six points.

Gardiner remained a force throughout the frame, first taking advantage of being left open to roof a wrist shot past Phillips at 12:29. Not long after, she assisted Poulin once more, setting her up for a power play goal that ended Philips’ night in net.

“Honestly, I have to be at my best,” Poulin said of playing with Gardiner. “She’s young, she’s fast, she’s skilled. It’s an honour to play with her and watch her grow. I hope she learns from me, just as I’m learning from her.”

Ottawa’s third period pushback was expected, but Poulin and the Victoire held firm. She sealed the win with an empty-net goal, completing her hat trick in the process.

With the three points, the Victoire now sit atop the league with 26 points. They won’t have much rest this time around, as they prepare to host their other Ontario rival the Toronto Sceptres tomorrow, Jan. 30. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.