(Montreal) Ann-Renée Desbiens was brilliant with 36 saves. Marie-Philip Poulin scored twice, including the tying goal with 17 seconds remaining. But none of that was enough. Toronto had the last word in the first battle of what will undoubtedly be a long rivalry on Saturday in Verdun.
This first match between Montreal and Toronto was exactly what it was supposed to be: a merciless fight, going to the limit. It ended with Toronto winning 4-3 in a shootout. Shooting during which Poulin rushed four times – we will come back to that.
The Montreal team was competing against the team that occupies last place in the general classification of the circuit at the start of the season. A formidable club offensively on paper, both imposing and fast, with raw talent, but which struggles to score. In fact, the Blues averaged 30.8 shots on goal per game before Saturday’s duel, a league high. However, they had only scored seven goals in five games. For comparison, Montreal had put on 13.
The visitors maintained their reputation on Saturday. They were aggressive and put a lot of pressure on the forecheck, which often complicated the task for Montreal, who made several defensive errors. In total, Toronto threw 39 times towards Desbiens, who blocked 36 of these shots.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Ann-Renée Desbiens (35)
In the first period, she stood out by repelling shots in quick succession from Nathalie Spooner, Sarah Nurse and Maude Poulin-Labelle. In the second period, she closed the door on a two-on-one from Nurse and Spooner. In the shootout, she made four saves on six shots. Each time, the crowd applauded the goalkeeper vigorously in thanks. ” Goods ! Goods ! Goods ! “, sometimes chanted the 3,232 people at the Verdun Auditorium.
Head coach Kori Cheverie summed things up best after the duel: “It’s hard to win games when you give up 40 shots,” she said. Fortunately, we have the best goalkeeper in the League. That’s why we have him on our team and we will work on our coverage in the defensive zone. »
It was the best performance [de Desbiens] so far this season. It’s a positive sign that we can allow 40 shots and still take the team to overtime.
Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie
Said guardian did not have the heart to discuss her exploits. “I’m a really bad loser,” she said. […] Yes, individually, it was still good, but there are things that I am going to go back and see, that I am going to work on. It’s very hard for me to appreciate a defeat. »
” Why not ? »
Will there be a match without anyone talking about Marie-Philip Poulin? Not this time, anyway. The captain once again showed why she is considered the best player in the world. She scored the first time on a breakaway in the second period, giving Montreal a 2-1 lead.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Marie-Philip Poulin
Toronto equalized early in the third period, courtesy of Maggie Connors. From there, the intensity ramped up a solid notch. The players exchanged shoulder blows and sweet words. Montreal enjoyed a power play with seven minutes to play, unsuccessfully, then Toronto scored.
This is where Poulin makes history again. La Beauceronne scored with 17 seconds remaining in regulation time to force overtime and secure a point for their team.
“Honestly, I shook my head when she scored that goal,” Erin Ambrose said.
the girl [Marie-Philip Poulin] is just built differently, beyond what is possible. She is the best captain and leader I have ever had. In short, I would say she is the best player to ever play this game.
Erin Ambrose
In the shootout, Kori Cheverie took advantage of the rules which allow her to send the same player several times. Poulin started the first time, then a second time, without scoring. Tereza Vanisova was next, unsuccessfully. Poulin therefore returned twice, finding the back of the net once.
To the question “why?” », Cheverie replied “why not? “. “I think that when a player like Pou knows the match she had, it’s a nice luxury to be able to use it several times when she feels good. Obviously she had a good match. So why not ? »
The situation of Catherine Dubois
The general director, Danièle Sauvageau, will have an important decision to make in the case of Catherine Dubois. The attacker’s ten-day reservist contract ended Saturday evening at midnight.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Catherine Dubois (28)
The team now has three options. She can offer her a second and final ten-day contract (each player can sign two in a season). Otherwise, Dubois can sign a formal contract, but this would involve terminating another player’s agreement (this agreement must be for one year). The third and final option would be to return her to the reserve team; in that case, any of the other five teams could offer him a contract.
Based on the way the great number 28 has played since entering the lineup, let’s say that this final option would be risky.
Despite our attempt to find out more, Kori Cheverie refused to come forward. “I can’t tell you more, the decision hasn’t been made yet. It will be taken in the coming days. »