ANALYSIS – The Toronto Sceptres played well as they had 40 shots on goal. Unfortunately, Montreal Victoire goaltender, Elaine Chuli, was too much for the Sceptres in Thursday’s game at the Place Bell.
Toronto Sceptres Played Well in Shoot-out Loss
Laura Stacy Had The Game of Her Life
What might have been the biggest reason why the Victoire won the game was Laura Stacy. She converted on the penalty shot, scored one goal, and assisted in the Victoire’s other two goals.
In fact, in the second goal she assisted to Maureen Murphy, was very impressive as she made a heads-up play to get to the puck first before passing the puck to Murphy, who scored the goal.
Elaine Chuli Had a Fantastic Night for the Montreal Victoire
Chuli made 37 saves for the Montreal Victoire at the Place Bell on Thursday night. This resulted in her getting the third star in the game. However, she might have been the best player of the game, as Chuli made big save after big save against the Sceptres. Some examples include:
- Stopping a Blayne Turnbull shot from point-blank range.
- Chuli showed quick reflexes as she stopped a Hannah Miller shot.
Yes, there might have been some instances where the Sceptres missed the net from good scoring opportunities. However, there were some saves made by Chuli including one save where she dove to keep the puck out of the net.
Toronto Sceptres Played Well and Did Well on the Powerplay
The Toronto Sceptres had the better of the scoring opportunities, with three different goal-scorers for the team. Also, the first two goals of the game for the Sceptres were power play goals.
Emma Maltais played a big role with two of those goals, assisting in Hannah Miller’s goal, and playing a big role in the late third period goal scored by Daryl Watts. Some of these goals include:
- Daryl Watts scored a late third period goal with Sarah Nurse setting up the play (Maltais was the one who created the turnover for the Sceptres).
- Some quick passes between Maltais and Hannah Miller resulted in a goal scored by Miller.
- Jesse Compher got to the rebound and scored the opening goal of the game.
Unfortunately, for the Sceptres there were some chances that were off-target and the shot from Renata Fast that hit the post will sting for the Sceptres players and fans.
READ MORE: Sarah Nurse: Toronto Sceptres’ Star Player
There were some other heads-up plays made as Nurse earned a penalty for her side in the game.
Other Factors: Montreal Victoire Did Slightly Better in the Penalty Shoot-Out
Marie-Philip Poulin was given two chances in the penalty shoot-out and was stopped by Campbell on the first shot. However, Poulin had a second chance and converted it for her team to win the game.
The Victoire have always found a way to win. While Montreal did not get all three points, they will be happy with the two points earned as they remain unbeaten against the Sceptres with the three meetings done this year. They remain first in the standings; three points clear of the Minnesota Frost. Victoire also has the advantage of the Frost playing two more games than the Victoire.
This is while the Sceptres gain one point and are now no longer last in the PWHL standings. They are also one point away from a playoff spot with the Ottawa Charge sitting at fourth place. However, the Boston Fleet, who has one point less than the Sceptres, and two points behind the Charge, have played two less games.
Toronto Sceptres and the Montreal Victoire Will Play on the Weekend
READ MORE: The Montréal Victoire’s Third Line Played Big Role in Win
Both teams will be playing on the weekend. The Sceptres will host Ottawa in a Battle of Ontario matchup on Saturday while Montreal travels to face the New York Sirens on Sunday.
The Toronto Sceptres-Ottawa Charge game will be on at 2:00pm EST while the Montreal Victoire-New York Sirens game will be at 1:00pm EST.
The Victoire-Sirens game will be shown in Canada live on TSN and RDS, while the American viewers can see the game live on MSG at the Prudential Center. This is while the Sceptres-Charge game will be shown live on CBC at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
These two games will be the last two before the international break as Canada and the U.S. will finish off their Rivalry Series games in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Photo Credit: Montreal Victoire X Account on January 30, 2025.
