New York 2 – Montreal 5 | The Montrealers secure their spot in the playoffs

The Montreal team secured its place in the playoffs by winning 5-2 against the New York team on Wednesday night in Verdun. A great way to end the regular season at home.

The Montrealers’ final two meetings, which will take place in Ottawa and Boston, will be used to determine their final ranking and, ultimately, the team they will face in the first round of the playoffs. Remember, the team that finishes in first place, which is always possible for Kori Cheverie’s team, will choose which of the third or fourth place teams to face.

See the meeting summary

The first period did not suggest this result. It must be said that the Montreal squad faced desperate New Yorkers, who absolutely had to win to stay in the playoffs. The visitors quickly showed that they were there to play.

In the first period alone, Ann-Renée Desbiens stood out with 14 saves. Three times instead of one, she frustrated Alex Carpenter, the opposition’s best attacker. “Goods! Goods!”, chanted the supporters in thanks.

Montreal took the lead in the first period, but it wasn’t exactly what you’d call a great game. Goalie Corinne Schroeder experienced every goalie’s nightmare; the puck made a strange bounce on the boards instead of continuing its trajectory behind the goal. You can guess what happens next.

If Montreal generally struggles in the second period, it was the exact opposite on Wednesday. This is where everything is unlocked. The Canadian quartet of Kristin O’Neill, Laura Stacey, Marie-Philip Poulin and Erin Ambrose continued their power play destruction that began upon their return from the World Championships. O’Neill and Stacey both scored.

Let’s say the recent successes on the power play bode well for the playoffs.

Montreal’s second goal was the work of Catherine Dubois, who had just come out of the penalty box. She redeemed herself well by jumping on a rebound from Amanda Boulier.

New York tried to go all out several times in the third period, such as when Mariah Keopple was chased with 15 minutes left on the clock; the visitors decided to pull their goalkeeper to play 6 vs 4, without success. Alexandra Labelle found the back of the net with 4 minutes remaining, but Montreal defended well afterwards to avoid a comeback.

Mélodie Daoust, who competed in her 4th^e game of the season, scored in an empty net at the end of the game.