In a gripping showdown, Marie-Philip Poulin scored the decisive goal at 4:02 of the third overtime, securing a thrilling win for the Montreal Victoire against the Minnesota Frost in Game 2 of the PWHL playoffs.
It took three overtimes, but the Montreal Victoire are back in the series. The final score was 1-0, marking a pivotal moment not just for the team but also for Poulin, who celebrated her first career playoff goal in the PWHL.
The game unfolded at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, where over 7,500 fans witnessed an intense battle on ice. Both teams combined for an astonishing total of 90 shots during this nearly two-and-a-half-hour contest.
That context matters because it highlights the relentless nature of playoff hockey. The Frost had already set a record by playing their seventh consecutive playoff game that required overtime. They had won Game 1 just days prior with a score of 5-4, adding pressure on the Victoire to respond.
Poulin’s moment came after she appeared to battle through pain and fatigue—at times limping during play. Yet when it mattered most, she delivered a perfect shot that sealed the game. Ann-Renee Desbiens also played a crucial role by making 38 saves to secure a shutout for Montreal.
In contrast, Maddie Rooney, goalie for the Frost, faced an impressive barrage of shots and made 51 saves but ultimately fell short. This defensive struggle marked only the third playoff game in league history to end without any regulation goals.
The series is now tied at 1-1, setting up an exciting Game 3 scheduled for Thursday at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. Both teams will be eager to gain an edge as they vie for a spot in the finals.
Frost forward Britta Curl-Salemme was notably absent from this game due to a one-game suspension following a high hit on Victoire forward Kaitlin Willoughby. Her absence may have impacted Minnesota’s performance significantly.
