Montreal suffered its first defeat of the campaign by losing 3-0 to Minnesota on Saturday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center.
For this match, 13,316 spectators were present in the stands, which is a record for a professional women’s hockey game.
• Read also: 2024 All-Star Game: the first names revealed shortly
• Read also: A precious goal in overtime for the “good old” Ann-Sophie Bettez
Minnesota forward Grace Zumwinkle scored a hat trick and became the first player to accomplish such a feat in the young history of the circuit. In the third period, the 24-year-old deflected a shot from the blue line to deceive the vigilance of Ann-Renée Desbiens. She completed her hat-trick in an empty net.
Marie-Philip Poulin’s teammates can blame themselves, since they had three opportunities on the power play in the second period, however failing to take advantage of their chances with an extra skater.
The final engagement turned out to be completely to the advantage of the local favorites. Indeed, Montreal shot itself in the foot by being penalized four times, which allowed Minnesota to gain rhythm, shooting 10 times towards Desbiens.
Kori Cheverie’s players only sent three pucks towards Maddie Rooney’s net in the third period, thereby facilitating her obtaining a 24-save shutout. Desbiens repelled 19 shots.
Montreal will try to return to victory against New York on Wednesday at UBS Arena. Minnesota will host Toronto the same day.