Even despite losing Marie-Philip Poulin to a lower-body injury in the first period, the Montreal Victoire held a 3-0 lead into the third period. The Boston Fleet scored three times in the third period, including the tying goal with 14.8 seconds left before taking the game in overtime where Ella Huber ended the game 1:33 into the extra period.
The afternoon started off right, Marie-Philip Poulin got things going with a deflection off a shot from Nicole Gosling while on the power play. Things then took a rough turn; Poulin took an innocent hit into the boards from Shay Maloney and instantly showed discomfort. She slowly skated off and down the tunnel. Kati Tabin jumped on replacing her and got a quick shot off making it 2-0. Abby Roque added another in the second period giving the Victoire a 3-0 lead heading into the third.
The Fleet finally got on the board in the third period when Loren Gabel scored a goal that was initially waved off, but overturned after review. Fans didn’t agree with the call after a replay showed Megan Keller sitting on top of Ann-Renée Desbiens as the puck went in. However, the officials ruled that since Desbiens was out of the crease, the goal would count.
Later in the period, Victoire defender Maggie Flaherty received a five-minute major and a game misconduct after a hit on Jill Saulnier. The Fleet were unable to capitalize on the power play thanks to solid penalty killing from the Victoire. Megan Keller later brought Boston within one with a slapshot from the point, and with just 14.8 seconds remaining in regulation, Susanna Tapani tied the game.
Laura Stacey had a strong chance to win it for the Victoire in overtime, but it was Huber who ultimately completed the comeback.
There is no word yet on Poulin’s status. The Victoire are set to play the Seattle Torrent on Thursday, March 19 at Place Bell.
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