Achi news desk-
Anne-Rene Desbiens posted the first shutout of her Women’s Pro Hockey League career in Montreal’s 2-0 win over host Ottawa on Saturday.
Desvaines, who held Canada to a gold medal in the world championship final earlier this month, stopped all 28 shots she faced.
Laura Stacey and Maureen Murphy scored for Montreal (10-3-5-5), who clinched a playoff berth in the PWHL’s inaugural season.
Ottawa’s Amarans Maschmeier, the No. 2 goaltender on Team Canada, turned away 21 shots.
A playoff spot remains within reach for Ottawa (8-1-6-6) with two games remaining in its regular season.
The loss in front of 8,452 at TD Place snapped a four-game winning streak for Ottawa, which played its final home game of the regular season on Saturday.
Trailing 1-0, Ottawa came out flying in the third looking for the tying goal.
They outscored Montreal 9-1 at halftime, but couldn’t beat Desbiens.
Hayley Skamura had two big chances up front and couldn’t beat a sprawling Desbiance.
Ottawa’s Savannah Harmon appeared to score with 5:58 remaining, but it was ruled out on review for goaltender interference.
Montreal made it 2-0 when Melody Daoust fed Murphy in the slot with 1:48 remaining.
After a solid first period, Ottawa struggled in the second as it went 10-2 giving up the opening goal.
Montreal took a 1-0 lead after an Ante Tirlova turnover that led to Stacey going in for a one-timer from the slot at 3:13 for her 10th goal of the season.
Montreal failed to capitalize on three power play opportunities in the first period, largely due to Meschmeier’s efforts.
Ottawa also had a few opportunities on the power play, but Desvaines made great saves from close range.
The game was the first between the two teams since Ottawa acquired Czech forward Teresa Vanisova from Montreal in exchange for Amanda Beaulieu.
the next
Ottawa is on the road against New York on Tuesday.
Montreal visits Boston on Saturday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 27, 2024.
