Slow Start From Montreal's Stars Isn't Causing Worry, Yet

The Montreal Victoire's top three scoring leaders from last season are not racking up points this year like they used to. Marie-Philip Poulin had 23 points in 21 games in the inaugural season, an average of 1.10 points per game. So far this year, she has six points in nine games for an average of 0.67. Laura Stacey had 18 points in 23 games last season for an average of 0.78. This year, she has four points in nine games for an average of 0.44. And last but not least, Erin Ambrose, who was voted PWHL’s defender of the year in 2024 with 18 points in 23 games, has only three points in nine games, an average of 0.33.

It hasn’t prevented the team from winning hockey games, as shown by their 17 points and second position in the standings. But it might be something to worry about. A team usually wins with their best players playing big.

“I’m not worried at all,” said Ambrose when asked about her own offensive production this season. “I like where my game’s at right now. I think sometimes the puck just doesn’t go in the net. You can ask Kirby Dach, you can ask any of the guys on the Habs how tough and frustrating it is when production isn’t there especially when you’re known for it, but at the same time we’re winning hockey games. So, at the end of the day that’s what’s really important to me.”

Same goes for coach Kori Cheverie.

“I’m not really worried. I think that Erin is going to continue to be more effective because we have more depth on our team," says Cheverie. "And what maybe she’s not doing with the puck, she’s doing without the puck right now, and the amount of shots blocked that she’s had. She’s really a big-time leader back there. I think it’s going to take some time and she’ll be good.”

A Few Theories Being Debunked

Some could say that the depth on the D-line has affected the number of minutes Ambrose is playing. But the reality is that she played an average of 24 minutes through the first nine games of last season, and this year, she’s playing an average of 22 minutes. Not much of a difference. And she also leads her team in minutes played, being the only one with at least 200 minutes on the clock.

Others could think that not playing on the first power play unit anymore could affect those stats. But the reality is that last season, Ambrose was pointless on the power play through her first nine games, while she has one point so far this year.

With a young defender such as Cayla Barnes, who has four points so far as a rookie, who also replaced Ambrose on the first power play unit, and Cheverie talking about leadership and shots blocked, one has to wonder if Ambrose will not start transitioning to a new role with Montreal and let Barnes take the offensive role in the D group.

When asked about that, Ambrose preferred to put the emphasis on her teammates.

“I think more than anything, you look at our D core this year and it’s incredible. All seven of us, whoever it is, are ready to go,” said Ambrose. “I think Cayla Barnes has made a great job adjusting, Anna Wilgren as well. I’ve been fortunate enough to play with (Kati) Tabin and (Mariah) Keopple this year, we kind of mixed things up every so often and I think it’s been a very good way to flow. We’ve done a very good job at putting our team in a good position to win.”

Indeed. The team has limited their opponents to 23 goals, second best in the PWHL. But then again, after nine games last season, the team had only allowed 19 goals, tied for first place in the league.

At the end of the day, facts are facts and expectations are higher for players like Ambrose, Poulin and Stacey. And although the likes of Cayla Barnes, Abby Boreen and Jennifer Gardiner are putting up good offensive numbers, the team will need more from their leaders if they expect to finish first, and make a longer run in the playoffs.