Takeaways: First Place Victoire Continue To Get Stronger

The 2024-25 PWHL Takeover Tour stopped in Vancouver, B.C. on Jan. 8, where the Montreal Victoire trounced the Toronto Sceptres 4-2 at Rogers Arena.

With the Victoire improving to 4-2-1-1, and reclaiming first place in the PWHL standings, here’s a look at three key takeaways from the Vancouver victory:

If You Can’t Shoot, You Can’t Score

A three-goal lead provides a comfortable cushion, but is not set in stone. The Victoire were reminded of that tonight when, after the early second period goal by Marie-Philip Poulin, Toronto took the reins and slowed down Montreal’s pace. The team hailing from the 514 were held to five shots in the second period before eventually finding their stride late in the game. Toronto held on to much of the momentum, winning battles along the boards, creating chances around Ann-Renée Desbiens’ crease and wreaking havoc in the neutral and offensive zones.

Ahead of the third period, Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie told the broadcast that she doesn’t want to deter from the game plan, a strategy that has worked through the first eight games of the campaign. The Victoire did walk away with the win, but it was as much thanks to the three-goal start as it was the effort of Desbiens, stopping 29 of 31 shots.

MVP MPP and Third Line Excellence

There must be something about playing in Vancouver that sparks a feat of brilliance from Montreal captain Marie-Philip Poulin. The two-goal performance showcased by Poulin is small compared to the two-goal performance back in the 2020 Olympic Gold Medal Game, but is still as memorable for much of the Vancouver faithful in attendance.

The impact that Poulin has on the ice is felt each game, yet the statistical upside of finding twine augments the 0.5 points per game pace she was on heading into Wednesday’s game. It’s fair to say that the superhero athleticism displayed on the eventual game winner is stiff competition to teammate Abby Boreen’s marker from the previous Sceptres matchup in goal of the year submissions.

Poulin was not the sole goal scorer, as it was the trio of Mikyla Grant-Mentis, Claire Dalton, and Alexandra Labelle who added two of the four goals for the Victoire on the night. Much has been said concerning the depth that has benefitted Montreal in 2024-25. Coach Cheverie being able to turn to more than just the top-six forwards for offense solves the most glaring issue stemming from Montreal’s early exit last playoff run.

The Standings Do-si-do

There was another game decided before the puck dropped at Rogers Arena, and it was thanks to overtime heroics from Minnesota Frost star Taylor Heise that repositioned her team first in the PWHL standings. With Montreal winning in regulation, they reclaimed top seed with 17 points to the Frost’s 16. Don’t get comfortable if you’re a fan of either franchise, as the two teams will face off on Jan. 12 and 17.

It’s been a different looking table compared to last season. The once top dog Toronto find themselves in last place, and are still the only team under ten points overall. Boston was third at season’s end in 2024, but find themselves in fifth currently, while Ottawa and New York are muscling for room for third and fourth place.

There is still much more hockey to be played, and the season is still young with only eight games now under the belt for Montreal. This just means that the Victoire can’t take their foot of the gas. Remaining in good health, and “sticking to the game plan” seem to be working wonders, so there is virtually no need for panic in La Belle Province.

Montreal will head to Denver, CO in the next stop of the Takeover Tour, facing off against the Minnesota Frost on Jan. 12. Puck drop is scheduled for 1 p.m. MST.