The Montreal Victoire faced a rollercoaster of emotions in their latest matchup against the Boston Fleet. Despite losing their star player, Marie-Philip Poulin, to a lower-body injury early in the game, the Victoire initially looked unstoppable, holding a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the final period. But the Fleet had other plans, mounting a thrilling comeback to tie the game in the dying seconds before Ella Huber sealed the deal in overtime.
The game began on a high note for Montreal, with Poulin deflecting a shot from Nicole Gosling on the power play to put the Victoire on the board. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Poulin took an awkward hit from Shay Maloney, leading to her early exit.
Kati Tabin stepped up in Poulin's absence, quickly finding the net to double the lead. Abby Roque then added to the tally in the second period, giving the Victoire a comfortable cushion.
Boston's response came in the third period, sparked by Loren Gabel's goal, which was initially disallowed but later counted after a review. The decision stirred controversy among fans, as Megan Keller appeared to impede goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens. However, since Desbiens was outside the crease, the goal stood.
The tension escalated when Victoire defender Maggie Flaherty was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for a hit on Jill Saulnier. The Fleet couldn't capitalize on the extended power play, thanks to Montreal's resilient penalty kill.
Yet, Boston's persistence paid off as Megan Keller launched a slapshot from the point, narrowing the gap. With the clock winding down, Susanna Tapani delivered the dramatic equalizer, just 14.8 seconds before the buzzer.
Overtime saw both teams pushing for the win. Laura Stacey nearly clinched it for Montreal, but it was Boston's Huber who found the back of the net, completing the comeback just 1:33 into the extra period.
As the dust settles, the Victoire are left to ponder Poulin's status, with their next game against the Seattle Torrent looming on March 19 at Place Bell. Fans will be eager for updates, hoping their captain will be back in action soon.