Montreal’s Desbiens Secures First Shutout in PWHL with 2-0 Win Against Ottawa

Ann-Renée Desbiens made history with her first shutout in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, leading Montreal to a 2-0 victory over Ottawa. Desbiens, who recently won a gold medal with Team Canada, stopped all 28 shots she faced in the game.

Laura Stacey and Maureen Murphy scored the goals for Montreal, securing their playoff spot in the PWHL’s inaugural season. With one game left in the regular season, Montreal aims to maintain their position at the top of the standings for home-ice advantage in the playoffs.

Despite a strong performance from Ottawa’s Emerance Maschmeyer, who made 21 saves, the team fell short in their final home game of the regular season. Ottawa’s playoff hopes are still alive with two games remaining, as the top four teams out of six make the postseason.

The game was not without controversy, as Ottawa appeared to tie the game late in the third period, only to have the goal disallowed for goalie interference. Desbiens, who felt she was bumped on the play, initiated the review that ultimately led to the call being overturned.

Montreal’s victory was sealed with a late goal from Maureen Murphy, securing the 2-0 win. Despite a strong effort from Ottawa in the first and third periods, they struggled in the second and ultimately fell short against Montreal’s solid defense.

The game marked the first meeting between the two teams since a trade that saw Czech forward Tereza Vanisova move from Ottawa to Montreal. With Ottawa facing New York next and Montreal set to play Boston, both teams are gearing up for their final regular-season matchups.