In a compelling Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) matchup, the Montreal Victoire defeated the Vancouver Goldeneyes 4-2 on Saturday at the Pacific Coliseum, extending their winning streak to four games. This victory marks the Goldeneyes' first home loss of the season, witnessed by a crowd of 12,127.
The Victoire's offense was spearheaded by Marie-Philip Poulin, Dara Greig, Natálie Mlýnková, and Shiann Darkangelo, each contributing a goal to the scoreboard. Goaltender Sandra Abstreiter, in her debut start for the Victoire since 2024 with PWHL Ottawa, showcased a stellar performance, saving 27 of 29 shots. Sophie Jacques and Michela Cava responded for the Goldeneyes, but their efforts were not enough to overcome Montreal's strong play. Emerance Maschmeyer, back in net for Vancouver, stopped 26 of 30 shots.
Poulin initiated the scoring at 10:18 of the first period, securing her second goal of the season. Dara Greig then scored her first PWHL goal early in the second period, increasing Montreal's lead. Jacques answered for Vancouver, rocketing a shot from the blue line off a pass from Tereza Vanisova to cut the lead to 2-1. Mlýnková then executed a highlight-reel breakaway goal, capitalizing on a turnover by Goldeneyes captain Ashton Bell, to make it 3-1 before the end of the second.
Early in the third, Cava brought Vancouver within one, scoring just 67 seconds into the period. However, Darkangelo sealed the victory for Montreal with a goal at 14:31 of the third period, capitalizing on a rebound.
With this win, Montreal now holds sole possession of second place in the PWHL standings with 11 points. The Victoire demonstrated offensive prowess, outshooting the Goldeneyes 30-28, including a dominant 15-7 showing in the second period. This victory also extended Montreal's winning streak to four games, following a shootout win over Toronto in Halifax.
Looking ahead, the Victoire will continue their West Coast road trip in Seattle on Tuesday. The Goldeneyes will face Minnesota in Edmonton on December 27.
